[00:00:29]
LET US PRAY. HEAVENLY FATHER, WE COME TO YOU NOW IN THE NAME OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.
HEAVENLY FATHER, WE THANK YOU, THAT WE ARE BATTLING IN THE SHADOW OF OUR MIGHTY GOD. WE THANK YOU THAT A THOUSAND NEW FALLEN OUTSIDE AN 10,000 IN THE RIGHT HAND.
BUT NONE WILL COME NEAR US. WE THANK YOU THAT YOU HAVE GIVEN YOUR ANGELS CHARGE OVER US TO KEEP US IN ALL OF OUR WAYS.
HEAVENLY FATHER, ALL OF THE LEADERSHIP, LEADERSHIP OF THE COMMISSIONERS AND ALL OF GOVERNMENT LEADERSHIP, WE ASK YOU TO GUIDE AND DIRECT THE LEADERSHIP IN EVERY WAY.
WE PRAY FOR THE LEADERS THAT YOUR SPIRIT RESTS UPON THEM.
WE BELIEVE THAT SKILLFUL AND GODLY WISDOM AS ENTERED THEIR HEARTS AND THEY WOULD DO YOUR WILL.
HEAVENLY FATHER, THAT THEY HAVE HEARTS AND EARS ATTENTIVE TO YOUR GODLY COUNCIL. LORD MAKE THEM MEN AND WOMEN OF YOUR INTEGRITY, WE MAY LIVE A QUIET AND PEACEFUL LIFE.
THANK YOU FOR HEARING THE PRAYERS AND REQUESTS OF YOUR PEOPLE, SO WE DECLARE WITH OUR MOUTHS, THAT THE PEOPLE ARE SAFELY AND PROSPER ABUNT DANTELY, THAT WE'RE MORE THAN CONQUERORS IN CHRIST JESUS. THE GOOD NEWS OF THE GOSPEL HAS BEEN PUBLISHED. THE LORD PREVAILS AND GROWS IN THE HEARTS OF YOUR PEOPLE. WE GIVE THANKS IN ALL YOU'VE
[4.1 PROCLAMATION - FERNANDINA PIRATES CLUB 50TH ANNIVERSARY - Recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the Fernandina Pirates Club. Members of the organization will be in attendance to accept. ]
GIVEN US IN JESUS NAME WE PRAY, AMEN.>> THANK YOU, COUNCIL. >> AND FIRST OFF TONIGHT, WE HAVE THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF OUR -- THANK YOU FOR COMING.
THANK YOU. >> COME ON OVER HERE.
WE LOVE TO HAVE IT. >> PROCLAMATION, BECAUSE IT'S VERY EXCITED ABOUT THE PIRATE'S CLUB TONIGHT.
IT'S TRUE, PIRATES STILL ROAM THE CITIES, STREETS, NOT TO BE CONFUSED. WATCH RIGHT THERE.
NOT TO BE CONFUSED, ON TODAY'S PIRATES FOR THE COMMUNITY AMBASSADORS, WHEREAS, IN THE 1973, TO PROMOTE THE LEDGEARY FESTIVAL, PIRATES CLUB, SINCE KEEPING THE PIRATE'S SPIRIT ALIVE, TIME, HONORED TRADITION, AND WHEN ASKED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, THIS ROWDY GROUP OF MEN AND WOMEN COULD BE FOUND, IN THE ISLAND, DURING THE KICK-OFF CEREMONIES, PARADES, CARDINALS, FIREWORKS, FUND-RAISING EVENTS AND SO MUCH MORE.
EVENT PARTICIPANTS, WANDERING THE STREETS, SMILING FOR SELFIES AND ARGUING THEIR WAY, ALL THROUGH ACROSS.
AND WHEREAS, IT IS ALSO TRUE THAT ALL THE BELOVED PIRATES HAVE A SOFT SIDE, THEY DEVOTE COUNTLESS HOURS TO ELUDING THE SCHOOL AIM LADIES, LEADING TO SCHOOL AGED LADIES, HOSTING CHARITY EVENTS, SPONSORING THE SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST AND SPONSORSHIP, ALL IN THE EFFORT TO BRING JOY TO THE COMMUNITY.
WHEREAS, JANUARY 20, 2023, MARKED THE PIRATES CLUB 50TH
[00:05:04]
ANIVERSARY, GREATER NASSAU COUNTY AND BEYOND, AND THE SENSE OF ADVENTURE. THE PASSION FOR GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY HAS HELPED COUNTLESS ORGANIZATIONS SUCCEED, INCLUDING JOINING THE CHILDREN, AND CHILD AT RISK RESPONSE TEAM.THEREFORE, I, BRADLEY AND B, BY VIRTUE OF THE AUTHORITY INVESTED IN ME, IN THE CITY OF FERNANDINA BEACH DO HERE BY CELEBRATE THE PIRATE'S CLUB 50TH ANNIVERSARY AND SINCERELY THANK THE FUTURE CLUB MEMBERS IN THE DEDICATION TO KEEP THE SPIRIT ALIVE AND THRIVING. AFFIX THE CITY SEAL.
WE APPRECIATE YOU FROM COMING, ALL THE PIRATES BEING HERE.
IF I SHOULD SAY A QUICK PERSONNEL, ALL ERUPT INTO APPLAUSE, I'M SURE YOU WILL. AND THE PIRATES CLUB HAS BEEN AN INTEGRAL CLUB. IT'S NOT LINED UP, THE PIRATESHIP RIDE, WITH THE CANNON AND ANYTIME, THE PIRATE SCORE A TOUCHDOWN, THEY ARE THERE. THEY ARE THERE.
THAT'S SOMETHING WE LOVE. THANK YOU.
>> AND PART OF THE COMMUNITY. WE LOVE WHAT WE DO.
WE LOVE HELPING OUT THE COMMUNITY.
AND SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL PIRATES. >> WHAT ELSE, TAKE A PICTURE.
[4.2 BUDGET SUMMARY - Comptroller Pauline Testagrose will answer any questions regarding the budget summary for January 2023]
>> AS WE FILTER OUT, AND COMPTROLLER TAKE US AWAY.
>> AND GOOD EVENING. COMPTROLLER.
JANUARY IS THE 4TH MONTH AND REPRESENTS 33.3 PERCENT OF THE BUDGET THIS SCHOOL YEAR. THE GENERAL FUND, REVENUES AT 69.2 PERCENT OF THE ANNUAL BUDGET.
THIS IS DUE TO THE TIMING OF PROPERTY TAX AND LOCAL BUSINESS TAX. AND PROPERTY TAX COLLECTIONS ARE AT 91.5 PERCENT OF THE BUDGET OR OVER 16 MILLION.
OVERALL DAY TODAY, GENERAL EXPENSES ARE BELOW THE MARK, 25.7 PERCENT. HOWEVER, SOME DEPARTMENTS ARE OVER THIS MARK DUE TO PAMS OF ANNUAL SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS.
ALL THE INTERFUND CONTRACT FOR THE MONTH HAS BEEN COMPLETED.
FOR SOME OF THE OTHER FUNDS, THE CAPITOL IMPROVEMENT FUNDS AND INCOUPLE BRANSES AND PAYMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE IN THE FIRE TRUCK, PAYROLL SYSTEM, STREETS AND SIDEWALKS.
FOR THE GOLF COURSE, MEMBERSHIP REVENUES IS UP 14,000 OR 9.8 PERCENT VERSUS LAST YEAR. THE AIRPORT REVENUES, DUE TO F-DOT AND FAA GRANTS. FOR MOST OF THE UTILITY FUNDS, EXCEPT REVENUE EXCEED EXPENSES EXCEPT AS ANTICIPATED IN THE BUDGET FOR THE WASTE WATER FUND. THE MARINA BEGAN TO DISPENSE FUEL AGAIN IN DECEMBER. DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?
>> COMMISSIONER ROSS RJ SO AT THE LAST CITY MEETING, THE MAYOR WITH THE CONSENT OF THE CITY COMMISSION, ASKED YOU TO CONTACT THE STATE OF FLORIDA ON -- WHICH I BELIEVE YOU DID.
>> YES. >>ND A THE 16TH OF FEBRUARY, SEND TO THE E-MAIL COMMISSIONERS WHICH I WOULD LIKE TO READ.
GOOD AFTERNOON, I WAS ASKED TO CONTACT THE STATE OF FLORIDA,
[00:10:03]
WITH REGARDS TO THE CITY'S IMPACT FEES AND CONDUCTING AN AUDIT. THE CITY COULD REQUEST INIT WROOING TO THE JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE, IN ORDER TO BE CONDUCTED TO THE GENERAL. AND JOINT LEGISLATIVE AUDITING COMMITTEE WOULD THEN DIRECT THE AUDITOR GENERAL TO THE ADDIT.AT THAT WILL BE A FEE ASSESSED AND CHARGED TO THE CITY.
AUDITOR GENERAL, COULD NOT GIVE ME AN AMOUNT FOR THE AUDIT BUT FOR COMPARATIVE PURPOSES, $59,900.
THE AUDIT GENERAL'S OFFICE, DID RECOMMEND HAVING AN OUTSIDE CPA FIRM CONDUCT THE AUDIT. THEY FELT IT WAS A LOWER COST TO THE CITY AND THEN WHAT WOULD THEIR OFFICE WOULD CHARGE.
I DO NOT KNOW HOW MUCH FIRMLY CHARGE TO PERFORM THE SERVICES.
AND SO, SINCE THAT TIME, I CONTACTED DERRICK, WHO IS THE AUDIT MANAGER FOR THE MUNICIPALITIES IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA. THE CITY COMMISSION HAS BEEN FORWARDED A COPY OF THE E-MAILS THAT WAS EXTENDED.
HE BASICALLY STATED THAT THE AUDITOR GENERAL'S OFFICE COULD DO AN OPERATIONAL AUDIT IF THE LEGISLATOR DIRECTED HIM TO DO SO THE COST WOULD RANGE ANYWHERE FROM $70,000 TO $300,000 AND COULD TAKE UP TO A YEAR TO DO. THE AUDIT WILL LOOK AT THE CITY'S COMPLIANCE WITH FLORIDA STATUTES BUT NOT ANY CRIMINAL OR UNLAWFUL ACTS. IF THAT TYPE OF AUDIT WAS DESIRED. THE CITY WOULD LIKE TO CONTACT LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES. HE LISTED THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES THAT SHOULD BE CONTACTED.
THIS MORNING, I KACALLED WAYNE SALISBURY WHO IS THE FIRM THAT DOES THE CITY AUDIT. HE ESTIMATED FOR HIS FIRM TO DO AN AUDIT CONCERNING THE BRING FUND AND IMPACT FEES, IT WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $200,000 AND COULD BE MORE.
HIS FIRM DOESN'T TYPICALLY PERFORM FORENSIC AUDITS.
FINALLY, I EXCHANGED A NUMBER OF E-MAILS WITH GLEN STADLER.
MR. STADLER IS THE ONE THAT BROUGHT THE SUBJECT UP.
HE'S DEMANDING. THE STATE SHOULD HAVE A PROPER EXECUTION AND ENFORCEMENT AND IMPACT FEES.
HE'S PUBLICLY STATED THAT THE CITY HAS BEEN OPERATING IN A LEGAL, DELEGAL ENTERPRISE FOR YEARS WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS. AND HE BELIEVES THE ILLEGAL ENTERPRISE HAS BEEN IN EXISTENCE AS FAR BACK AS 2012.
MR. STADLER IS ACCUSING MORE THAN 300 CITY COMMISSIONERS, ONE CITY ATTORNEY, TWO COMP TROLERS, TWO CPA FIRMS AND MORE THAN 800 BUILDING OFFICIALS AND STAFF MEMBERS, OPERATING AND ENTERPRISE, CONCERNING THE IMPACT FUND AND BUILDING FUNDS.
MY QUESTION TO THE MAYOR AND OTHER CITY COMMISSIONERS, ONE, DO YOU BELIEVE SINCE 2012, THE CITY HAS BEEN OPERATING AN LEGAL ENTERPRISES WITH SUPPORT TO THE ELECTED OFFICIALS.
IF SO, WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO WITH THE ACCUSATION AND WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO ABOUT CONDUCTING AN AUDIT THAT YOU SAID WOULD GET. ANY COMMENTS?
>> SO I'LL SPEAK FOR MYSELF, I'M NOT ACCUSING OF ANYONE, IN THE CITY OF ACTON, ILLEGALLY OR IN PURPOSE.
WHEN THE CITIZENS REQUEST THERE'S TRANSPARENCY, WE MAKE AN EFFORT TO PROVIDE THAT. THAT'S WHY I'M WILLING TO
SUPPORT THE MOTION. >> VICE CHAIRMAN.
THANK YOU, MAYOR. I BELIEVE WE WERE DUE WITHIN THIS YEAR OR THE NEXT YEAR, SO WE CAN GO AHEAD AND DO IT THIS YEAR. THE BUDGET AUDIT PROCEDURE.
AND THEY CAN CALL AND GET AN INDEPENDENT AUDIT SPECIFICALLY FIND OUT WHAT THE BUDGET WOULD BE FOR AN INDEPENDENT AUDIT.
AND FOR ONE FIRM AND FOR FIRMS THAT WOULD ACTUALLY DO THIS AND SOMEONE WHO DOESN'T DO IT EVERY DAY.
AND THEIR PRICES WOULD TYPICALLY BE HIGHER.
I BELIEVE WE SHOULD LET PAULINE RESEARCH IT AND COME UP WITH
>> WHAT YOU WOULD FIND OUT TALKING TO CPAS, COMPANIES DON'T DO FORENSIC AUDITS. THEY WILL REFER TO YOU THE STATE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS. WHAT'S BEING DEMANDED BY MR. STETLER IS A FORENSIC AUDIT WHICH IS BASICALLY LOOKING FOR
[00:15:03]
FRAUD, BASICALLY ILLEGAL ENTERPRISE.DO YOU WANT AN OPERATIONAL AUDIT.
WE CAN MAKE REQUESTS AND TALKING TO THREE DIFFERENT FIRMS. THEY DO GIVE SEPARATE NUMBERS, COST A COUPLE THOUSAND.
IF YOU WANT TO DO AN OPERATIONAL AUDIT OR FORENSIC AUDIT.
WHO YOU WOULD LIKE TO CALL THE FBI OR OTHER DISTRICT ATTORNEY OR ANY OTHER STATE ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL.
THAT'S THE QUESTION. DO WE WANT AN OPERATIONAL AUDIT OR FORENSIC AUDIT, WHICH IS WHAT THEY ARE DEMANDING.
IF WE WANT AN OPERATIONAL AUDIT, WE CAN, CERTAINLY, WHAT THE PARAMETERS. IF YOU ARE LOOKING AT THE IMPACT FUNDS AND YOU'RE LOOKING AT THE COMPLIANCE WITH THE IMPACT FUND AND BUILDING FUND, THAT'S TWO DIFFERENT AUDITS.
THEY ARE PROBABLY TALKING ABOUT 100,000 IN AUDIT.
THAT'S WHAT YOU WANT TO DO, THAT'S FINE.
THE OTHER QUESTION, WHICH AUDIT YOU WANT
>> COMMISSIONER AYSCUE, YOU'RE NEXT.
>> MAYOR, I BELIEVE IN THE SECOND MEETING IN MARCH, WE HAVE A WORKSHOP AGENDA TO DISCUSS IMPACT FEES, WHICH WE DID WITH MR. HOGAN, WHO CAME HERE WEEKS AGO.
I WILL MAKE A SUGGESTION TO THE BOARD, THAT WE BRING THIS TO A WORKSHOP THAT WILL GIVE ALL OF IT A LITTLE TIME TO DECIPHER THE E-MAIL, COME UP WITH SOME IDEAS HOW WE WOULD LIKE TO PROCEED.
AND I WAS OUT OF TOWN. GAVE THE ORIGINAL E-MAIL, HAVE NO TIME TO DO ANY KIND OF RESEARCH, ONCE WE PRESENTED THAT. I'M MAKING SIMPLE SUGGESTIONS.
I THINK WE HAVE OPEN WORKSHOP IN THE SECOND MEETING IN MARCH.
IT WILL GIVE US A SECOND TIME TO DO THE RESEARCH.
BRING IT BACK. JUST AS A SUGGESTION, MR. MAYOR.
>> AND THIS ITEM IS NOT ON THE AGENDA TONIGHT.
WE NEED TIME TO PREPARE FOR SOMETHING THIS IMPORTANT.
CITY CLERK, WOULD YOU PLEASE ADD THIS ITEM.
WHAT SHOULD WE CALL IT, COMMISSIONER AYSCUE.
>> IMPACT THE AUDIT. >> IMPACT THE AUDIT.
WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE COMMISSION FROM CITY STAFF IN TERMS OF QUOTES.
WHEN YOU COME BAKR YOU BRING US THE QUOTES FROM CHATS.
>> WE'RE DOING IMPACT FEES AND BUILDING FEES BECAUSE THEY WERE QUITE CONSISTENT, IT HAS TO DO WITH IMPACT AND BUILDING FEES.
DO YOU WANT TO SKIP BUILDING FEES? IS THAT -- OR JUST THE IMPACT FEES?
>> THEY ONLY BROUGHT WHEN MR. SETTLER, ACCUSED THE CITY COMMISSION HAVING AN EARLY ENTERPRISE, BUILDING FUNDS TO THE GENERAL FUND. THAT'S WHAT WE'RE BEING ACCUSED
OF. >> THANK YOU FOR THE CLARIFICATION, COMMISSIONER ROSS.
ON THIS WORKSHOP, WE INCLUDE BOTH.
I WOULD LIKE TO SEE BOTH, ONE OF THE COSTS.
>>ND A NEXT POINT. >> AND WHAT'S THE SCOPE OF THIS AUDIT? DO YOU WANT TO GO BACK TO 2012.
FOR HER TO GET QUOTES. JUST ASKING FOR A QUOTE, IS LIKE, DO YOU WANT, WHAT KIND OF WINE? DO YOU WANT A CASE OF THIS, CASE OF THAT.
>> I WOULD LEAVE THAT, THANK YOU.
AND FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, THE SPECIFIC ACHIEVEMENT IN EXCELLENCE FOR THE ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE REPORT.
CONGRATULATIONS FOR MR. GROSS AND HER STAFF.
>> AND ASSOCIATION. >> THANK YOU FOR SHARING.
[5. PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA OR ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA]
[00:20:01]
>> ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS FOR THE COMPTROLLER.
MOVING ON TO ITEM 5. DISCUSSION, I DO HAVE TWO REQUESTS AND WE WILL START WITH MS. CHRISNER.
>> AND TYRA CHRISNER MUCH THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO SPEAK AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO THE CITY.
I WANTED TO SPEAK ABOUT THE CHURNGOLLY PROCESS APPLICATION, 3RD. AND PULLED TO SOMETHING THAT DOESN'T EXIST IN OUR CITY CODE WHEN IT COMES TO A QUASI JUDICIAL HEARING. THERE'S MANY CITIZENS WHO PREPARE DAYS. I PERSONALLY TOOK TWO DAYS OFF WORK. I VISITED THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE IN ADVANCE TO DISCUSS THE PROCEDURES.
I SPENT COUNTLESS HOURS. SOME OF MY NEIGHBORS DROVE TEN HOURS TO GET TO THE MEETING. WE PAID FOR A LAND DEVELOPMENT LAWYER TO COME TO THE MEETING. THERE'S A LOT OF TIME AND MONEY SPENT, PREPARING FOR THE MEETING.
I READ IN CITY ATTORNEY'S OPINION PIECE, SHE WAITED WITH THE DEVELOPER, FOR THE LAST ONE, REQUIRED FOR THE MEETING, EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS A TWO DAY PRIOR TO THE QUASI-JUDICIAL HEARING DEADLINE FOR THINGS TO BE SUBMITTED.
WHAT I'M CONCERNED ABOUT TONIGHT, CITY ATTORNEY BACH, IN HER OPINION, IS SAYING THE APPLICANT HAS 30 DAYS NOW TO REAPPLY FOR THIS. AND THE REASON, IS BECAUSE OF SECTION 11.31 OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE.
SHE'S SAYING IT'S AN INCOMPLETE APPLICATION TO THAT.
I WANT TO QUOTE FROM 11.0301. THAT'S THE DETERMINATION OF COMPLETENESS. ONE, ALL APPLICATION IS SUBJECT TO DETERMINATION OF COMPLETENESS.
THREE, THE CITY MANAGER WILL ISSUE A COMPLETENESS WITHIN FIVE DAYS OF RECEIPT OF AN APPLICATION.
WHEN THE APPLICATION IS NOT COMPLETE, THEY WILL LET THEM KNOW. THAT'S SUPPOSED TO OCCUR, FIVE DAYS AFTER THE APPLICATION IS RECEIVED.
THE APPLICATION IS DATED LAST JULY, 2022.
THE CITY MANAGER HAD FIVE BUSINESS DAYS TO LET THE APPLICANT KNOW IF THE APPLICATION IS COMPLETE OR NOT.
THIS PART OF THE COYED DOESN'T APPLY, TO AFTER THE TECHNICAL REVIEW MEETINGND AN UP TO 2 MINUTES BEFORE THE QUAS OF QUASY DISHL MEETING. IT WAS ABOUT FIVE MINUTES BEFORE THE MEETING STARTED. I WAS TAPPED IN THE SHOULDER, THAT THE APPLICANT HAS WITHDRAWN AND ANYONE WHO APPLIED COULD LEAVE. WE WERE DENIED OUR HEARING.
I DON'T KNOW WHO IS GOING TO REIMBURSE US FOR OUR TIME OR MONEY BUT I THINK THE CITY SHOULD CONSIDER THAT.
AND MOVING FORWARD, WE HAVE NOT GOTTEN AN ANSWER TO THE QUESTION, APPLICANT COULD DO TWO THINGS.
THEY CAN ASK FOR A CONTINUATION OR WITHDRAW AND WE HAVE NOT GOTTEN THAT ANSWER. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
>> I ALSO HAVE KEVIN WILLIAM TO SPEAK.
>> YOU'LL REVEAL MY NAME, PUBLIC COMMENT.
[6. CONSENT AGENDA]
I REALLY WANTED ITEM 6, CONSENT DISBU.
>> SEEING SOMEONE, DO I HAVE A MOTION?
>> IS YOUR LAST NAME SURGEIES. >> COMMISSIONER ROSS?
[7.1 TERMINATION - CITY MANAGER DALE L. MARTIN - RESOLUTION 2023-29 APPROVING THE TERMINATION OF THE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF FERNANDINA BEACH AND CITY MANAGER DALE L. MARTIN; AUTHORIZING EXECUTION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Synopsis: Terminates the Employment Agreement and Services of City Manager Dale L. Martin.]
>> YES. >> AND THAT PASSES, 5-0.
I'M 7.1 TERMINATION OF CITY MANAGER DEL MAR.
>> THANK YOU, MR. MAYOR AS INDICATED.
ITEM 7.#, DETERMINATION OF CHRISTIAN MARTIN.
AND IT'S BEEN AN HONOR TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY AND A PRIVILEGE TO LEAD THIS STAFF. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU, SIR. WE WILL FIRST GO TO THE PUBLIC FOR COMMENT. I DO HAVE QUITE A FEW REQUESTS TO SPEAK ON THIS. I HOPE YOU FILL A REQUEST TO SPEAK FORM IN THE BACK. TURN IT IN, WITH COLLEEN AL ALLEGED. WITH THAT, WE WILL START WITH THE REQUEST. WE WILL START WITH CITY REQUESTS
[00:25:04]
FIRST. WE'RE GOING TO WORD WHERE WE RECEIVE THEM. WE'LL START WITH MARION GALVEZ.>> THANK YOU. MARION GALVEZ, I LIVE ON DADE STREET IN THE CITY. DO YOU NEED THE STREET NUMBER?
>> YES, MA'AM. >> 1532, DADE STREET.
I WANT TO ENCOURAGE YOU TO KEEP THE CITY MANAGER, DALE MARTIN, WHAT WE'VE KNOWN AND READ IN THE LOCAL PAPER FOR YEARS.
I FIND HIM TO BE A MAN OF INTEGRITY, INTELLIGENCE, PATI PATIENCE.
HE WORKS HARD, IS THOUGHTFULEN AN AND IS THOROUGHLY TRUST WORTHY. WE'RE LET'S SAY SNORM.
LET'S LOOK AT THE CONSEQUENCES. TO DISMISS COULD THAT BE DUST FOR THE CITY? NO.
WHEN LARGE ORGANIZATION NEED LEADERSHIP, THEY CREATE A SUCCESSION PLAN. IN THIS CASE, THE SUCCESSION PLAN WOULD GIVE THE CITY TIME TO CONDUCT A PROPER SEARCH FOR A NEW CANDIDATES, ALTHOUGH I CAN'T IMAGINE FINDING MORE QUALIFIED CANDIDATES, AND WILL GIVE MR. PROVIDE CON TIN OUTAND, WHO WOULDN'T NEED TO FEAR BEING DISMISSED ON A.
BY LOSING MR. MARTIN, WE WILL HAVE A CITY, AND IT WOULD HAVE NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES FOR CITY FLOWS AND MP CITY RESIDENTS.
AND IN THIS CASE, NO, DISMISSAL SHOULD ONLY FALL IN SOMETHING SERIOUS, SUCH AS MISMANAGING CITY FUNDS OR A PATTERN OF INCOMPETENCE. I BELIEVE OUR GOAL HERE, SHOULD BE TO DO WHAT IS BEST FOR OUR CITY.
AND I SUBMITS INTRODUCING CHAOS AND UNNECESSARY TURMOIL WILL NOT BE BEST FOR OUR CITY. WHAT WOULD DO THE MOST GOOD, WHAT IS THE KINDEST THING YOU COULD DO AND STILL ACCOMPLISH YOUR GOALS. ASK MR. MARTIN TO SIT DOWN WITH THE CITY COMMISSIONERS AND WORK ON PLANS TO ADDRESS THEM.
LET'S BE CONSTRUCTIVE. LET'S BE THOUGHTFUL.
LET'S BE KIND. THIS IS NOT ONLY THE CITY'S WELL-BEING, WE'RE TALKING ABOUT. IT IS ALSO A GOOD MAN'S LIVELIHOOD. THANK YOU.
>> WE INVITE MICHAEL HARRISON TO THE STAND.
>> MICHAEL HARRISON, I WAS BROUGHT UP, AND I SHOULD SPEAK OUT AGAINST IT. AND I SEE A WRONG HERE MUCH I SEE TWO WRONGS INSIDE. FIRST OF ALL, I SEE COMMISSIONERS MOTION AS BEING TRIVIAL AND LEVELSOME.
I DON'T THINK IT SERVES ANY PURPOSE OF GOOD FOR THE CITY.
IT IS LIKELY TO INCURE A GREAT COST OF REPLACING MR. MARTIN AND AS WELL, REPLACING THE OTHER OFFICERS WHO ARE LIKELY TO LIVE THE, BECAUSE THEY CAN'T TRUST THE SECURITY OF THEIR TEN T TOUR -- TENURE AND EMPLOYMENT. IF YOU DO THAT, I ENCOURAGE YOU TO PASS A VOTE OF CONFIDENCE ON MR. MARTIN SO THAT HE AND HIS STAFF COULD CONTINUE TO DO THE GOOD WORK THEY HAVE BEEN DOING THUS FAR. THANK YOU.
[00:30:03]
>> WE INVITE MR. MARIO DAVIS. >> THANK YOU, MR. MAYOR.
MARGARET DAVIS, 4062. IT IS CLEAR THAT YOU WANT TO CHANGE THE DIRECTION OF THE CITY. HOWEVER, THE IMMEDIATE DIRECTION, IS A POORLY TIMED STEP TOWARDS THE GOAL.
WHILE OUR CHARTER, CLEARLY GIVES YOU THE POWER TO FIRE MR. MARTIN. SUCH POWER SHOULD ONLY BE USED SPARINGLY AND CALMLY. AND ONLY AFTER THE FAILURE OF OTHER REASONABLE ATTEMPTS, DISSATISFACTION, THEY HAVE THE CITY MANAGER. THERE'S A HIGH COST, IN REPLACING EVERY SENIOR EXECUTIVE.
IN THE CORPORATE WORLD, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, DOESN'T ASK THE CEO WITHOUT EXTENSIVE DELIBERATION AND CONSIDERATION OF THE FALLOUT FROM THE CORPORATION FROM SUCH A CHANGE.
AND IF ANY ALLEGATIONS IN MISMANAGEMENT ARE INVOLVED, THE BOARD WILL CONDUCT AN OUTSIDE INVESTIGATION TO LEARN THE FACTS. WHILE UNDER THE CHARTER, YOU FUNCTION LIKE THE CORPORATE BOARD AND THE CITY MANAGER APPROACHES LIKE THE CEO. WHILE YOU MAY HAVE CONCERNS, AS A NEW COMMISSION, THEY FACE IT, AND PROVIDE GUIDANCE WITH NEW VISION FOR THE CITY AND THE EXPECTATIONS INVOLVING THE COMMUNICATION WITH YOU. MR. MARTIN, TO IMPLEMENT THE NEW VISION. IF YOU SUSPECT, MANAGE THE RESOURCES, YOU SHOULD INITIATE THE ADMINISTRATION, IN OUR CHARTER IN ORDER TO DETERMINE THE TRICK.
AND ALSO THE RESOLUTION, DOES NOT GIVE ANY GUIDANCE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF CITY, AFTER MR. MARTIN'S OFFICE, ACCESS IS DENIED TOMORROW. WHILE HE SPENDS THE NEXT 4-6 MONTHS FOR A PROFESSIONAL SEARCH FOR THE CITY MANAGERMENT CITY AND STAFF DESERVES TO KNOW WHO WILL BE RUNNING THINGS.
CITY MANAGER, GENERAL COSTS, AND WHO KNOWS WHAT CITY INITIATIVES WILL FALL TO THE CRACKS. YOUR TIME AND MONEY, SHOULD BE SPENT MOVING FORWARD AND RUNNING THE CITY MANAGER.
AND I VOTE YOU TO VOTE AGAINST THE RESOLUTION AND MAINTAIN
>> AND THANK YOU. COMMISSIONERS.
AND MY NAME IS CHERYL COKEY, AND EFFORTS BY THE VICE MAYOR TO DETERMINE THE CITY MANAGER SHORT SIDED, BASED ON PERSONAL GRIEVE ALPS AND WILL HAVE NEGATIVE IMPACT TO THE CITY OF FERNANDINA BEACH. THE IMMEDIATE REACTION SUGGESTS TO ME, THIS IS A MEASURE PREVIOUSLY AGREED UPON.
AND IT'S -- THIS MATTER UNFOLDED.
IN THE PROFESSIONAL REVIEWS, TYPICALLY, GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR MALFEZZANCE EXIST. I DON'T BELIEVE THERE'S MANY PEOPLE WHO THINK, MR. MARTIN IS GUILTY OF THE THINGS.
I DO NOT RECALL, THE LAST REVIEW WAS ANYTHING LEFT THAN POSITIVE.
AND IT WILL SEEM REASONABLE TO DESIGN THE PLAN OF EXPECTATIONS FROM MR. MARTIN TO MEET. FOR THE NEWEST MEMBERS, HARDLY ENOUGH TIME IS PASSED TO MAKE SUCH DECISIONS IMPECKIOUSLY.
AND TO AVOID THE VACANCY AND CITY MANAGERS, WOULD LEAD THE CITY STAFF AND RESIDENTS WITH UNDUE BURDEN.
MR. MARTIN UNDERSTAND THE UNIQUE DYNAMIC TO REPLACE IN THE CURRENT MARKET WILL WELL EXCEED THE CURRENT SALARY AND THE RECENT SEARCH, TWO OFFERS WERE REJECTED DUE TO SALARY DISPARITY AND LACK OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN OUR COMMUNITY.
A SEARCH LIKE THIS IS COSTLY. TRAINING A NEW CITY MANAGER COULD, THE COST OF THAT COULD EXCEED 40 PERCENT OF THE SALARY.
WHAT HAPPENS IN THE MEANTIME? I DO NOT SUPPORT THE TERMINATION OF MR. MARTIN'S CONTRACT. I WOULD ASK THE CONSIDERATION BE MADE TO DETERMINE AN EVALUATION PLAN, OPPORTUNITY TO MEET THE COMMISSION AND SERVE THE BEST INTEREST OF OUR COMMUNITY.
THANK YOU. >> WE INVITE YOU PAUL TO THE PODIUM. .
[00:35:03]
>> 270, AND BEACH FLORIDA. AND RECEIVING TO ASK YOU, BE AWARE, DISMISS, RESOLUTION AND FAMILY VALUES.
AND IT REALLY JUST BREAKS MY HEART TO SEE THAT A MAN WHO HAS BEEN WORKING SO HARD FOR THE CITY, WHETHER YOU DISAGREE OR AGREE WITH HIM IT COMES FROM THE CITY MANAGER, IT COMES FROM THE CITY STAFF AND IT COMES FROM EVERYBODY.
IT JUST DOESN'T FALL DOWN ON ONE MAN.
I HAVE THE LOWEST JOBS IN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND I'VE HAD SOME PRETTY HIGH JOBS IN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.
I KNOW WHAT IT'S LIKE TO BE CAUGHT TO THE PUBLIC, MANAGERS AND LOW LEVEL MANAGERS AND WORKFORCE.
AND IT'S NOT AN EASY TASK. IT'S NOT AN EASY JOB.
I THINK DESERVES A LITTLE MORE COMPASSION AND A LOT MORE LEADERSHIP. THANK YOU.
>> INVITE DARRYL FORD TO THE PODIUM.
>> GOOD EVENING. AND I. >> THERE'S A STRONG, BETWEEN A DEMOCRAT, REPUBLICAN, CONSERVATIVE, LIBERAL I'M CONCERNED THAT THE NATURAL POLITICAL OPINION, IS IMPACTING A PERSONAL CAREER. AND IF I LEARNED ONE THING DURING MY CAREER DURING I RETIRED, IS THE DETERMINATION IS THE EMPLOYMENT IN THAT SENTENCE, TO BE EMPLOYED ONLY WITH ALL OPTIONS MY CONCERN IS NOT WITH THE ACCURACY RESOLUTION.
MOST OF THE ITEMS, ON THAT LIST I AGREE.
THESE ARE REAL ISSUES THAT HAVE TO BE ADDRESSED, HOWEVER, I WOULD ASK WE PAUSE FOR A MOMENT. CALL MR. BARNHAM ACCOUNTABLE, IN WHICH THE COMMISSION, WHICH CONSENSUS, OUR TRUE ISSUES AND GIVES THEM A CHANCE TO ADDRESS THEM.
AND SIMPLY FAIL, I BELIEVE THAT DETERMINATION WOULD BE APPROPRIATE, PRIOR TO THAT ACTION, I BELIEVE THIS IS PREMATURE. ASK THAT WE HAVE THAT HAPPEN FIRST, TO MAKE SURE THAT IF WE ALL HAVE TO LOOK EACH OTHER IN THE EYE, WE TOOK THAT PERSON'S JOB, WE EXHAUSTED EVERYTHING
BEFORE WE DID SO. >> WE INVITE MAYOR BRADLEY
MILLER TO THE PODIUM. >> GOOD TO SEE YOU.
AND -- AND I JUST GOT OFF WORK. AND THE PIRATES OVER THERE.
AND IT'S GOOD THAT COULD BE IN THE STREET.
AND ESPECIALLY, MADAM, I APOLOGIZE.
AND I'VE ALWAYS BEEN IN THE ADVICE, YOU'RE IN THERE, AND I TRY TO STAY OUT IN THE FRAY. AND OTHER MEETINGS AND GOING ON.
I DON'T THINK I SHOULD WEIGH IN, UNLESS YOU KNOW WHAT'S HAPPENING. AND I ASKED MR. MARTIN BECAUSE HE WAS IN SHOCK AND I WAS IN SHOCK.
THE FACT, I WAS IN SHOCK, HE DIDN'T SEE IT COMING.
PREVIOUSLY, TALKED ABOUT THE MILITARY EXPERIENCE.
I WENT THROUGH THE HIRING PROCESS.
[00:40:03]
AND WHAT I WANTED TO HEAR, WAS IN THE COMMISSION, WHEN IF HAPPENED. I WAS A BIG FAN.I WAS NEW AND I DIDN'T HAVE A CHANCE TO OBSERVE.
AND I WASN'T A FAN OF REPLACING HIM.
WHEN MR. MARTIN GOT HIRED, IT WAS A GREAT EXPERIENCE.
I COULD TELL YOU, THAT THE MILITARY ASPECT AND THE CHAIN OF COMMAND, UP AND DOWN.
MR. MARTIN WAS THERE, TO ANSWER ANY PHONE CALL.
AND THE HIRING THE NEW GUY, THE -- THE CITY MANAGER.
THE SYSTEM WE USE, ALL FIVE OF US, ARE -- AND NOW, GIVERS THIS GUY DIRECTION. WE HAVE INPUT AND WE LISTEN TO OUR CONSTITUENTS AND WHAT WE WANT.
WE GIVE THAT TO THE CITY MANAGER.
AND YOU HEARD IN FIVE CATS. THAT'S A HARD CAT TO HEARD.
HE DID A -- THE BIG EXAMPLE IS HURRICANE MATTHEW.
I'M NOT SURE IF ANYBODY, HOW CLOSE WE CAME, OF THE EVENT AND MAJOR CLAUSE OF LIFE. AND THIS SHOWS, RIGHT NEXT TO ME, AT THE COUNTY EMERGENCY CONTROL UNIT, AND I NEVER ONCE HAD ANY DOUBT, WE WILL HANDLE IT RIGHT.
IF WE WOULD HAVE A GUY TO THE HELM, THAT'S THE GUY TO HAVE.
I SLEEP WELL AND NOT WORRY ABOUT THAT STUFF.
I UNDERSTAND THERE'S ISSUES AND TO DISCUSS EACH OTHER, WHAT THE PROBLEMS ARE. AND I GUESS WHAT I'M ASK, IF I'M NOT ASKING YOU TO NOT DO WHAT WE'RE DOING.
YOU HAVE ONLY TWO WEEKS TO INPUT.
A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE HEARING ABOUT IT THERE'S NO, NO IMMEDIATE NEED TO DO THIS.
SOMEBODY THROUGH THE MAYOR, REQUEST, SOMEBODY MAKE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS AGENDA ITEM. IN A SECOND, GET AT LEAST THREE VOTES, TO GET THE CHANCE, TO GO THROUGH, EXPLAIN INDIVIDUALLY, SO HE COULD TALK TO -- IF IT DOESN'T WORK OUT, WE CAN GO FROM THERE. THIS SHAPES AND HOW THE CITY IS GOING TO LOOK, WHOEVER HOW LONG HE WILL BE HERE.
I ASK, AND NOBODY CALLED ME AND CALL, CALL -- ED, AND CALL EVERYBODY. AND DO THE RESEARCH, MAKE A DECISION. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
APPRECIATE YOUR TIME. >> WE INVITE JACK TO THE PODIUM.
AND HERE'S REPRESENTING COUNTY CITIZENS, DEFENDING FREEDOM.
IT WAS ABOUT ISSUES WITH FINANCE.
THAT GREW INTO SOME THINGS, WHEN I STARTED COMMON SENSE.
AND I WAS HERE SPEAKING IN ONE OF THE EVENT COMMISSIONER STURGES, AND WHEN SOMEONE QUESTIONED THE MASSIVE TAX INCREASE WE'RE HAVING. I SPOKE TO ONE OF THEM OUTSIDE.
SHE'S STILL LEARNING ABOUT THE WAY SHE WAS TREATED BY MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION AT THE TIME AND THE CITY MANAGER QUESTIONING HER BECAUSE SHE'S HERE, MAKING ISSUE ABOUT TAXES.
SO MY SUGGESTION, I CAME HERE TWO YEARS AGO, SPEAKING ABOUT MANY OF THE ISSUES WE'RE HAVING IN THE CITY THAT I THINK WERE IN MANY CASES ARCHITECTED BY THE CITY MANAGER, NOT JUST BECAUSE THE COMMISSIONER TOLD THEM TO DO IT, BUT IT WAS NOT MANAGED PROPERLY. I THINK SINCE YOU HAVE TAKEN THE MANTEL AS THE COMMISSION, IF HE DISAGREED WITH THE THINGS HE WAS DOING PRIOR, HE HAD EVERY CHANCE TO BRING YOU A LONG LIST OF THINGS TO CORRECT. I'M NOT AWARE, BECAUSE THIS COMMISSION HAS A DIFFERENT ISSUE.
I WANT TO BRING THESE POINTS TO YOU.
I'VE BEEN SPEAKING TO YOU GUYS AND THE PREDECESSORS FOR SOME TIME AND ALMOST EVERY OTHER WEEK, I GET A CALL FROM SOMEBODY SAYING, YOU COULD BELIEVE THIS IS GOING ON? MANY CASES, WHY DON'T YOU TAKE IT TO THE CITY COMMISSIONER, CITY MANAGER? AND I REALLY DON'T WANT TO RETALIATE AGAINST.
IT HAS TO DO WITH BUILDING CODES AND OTHER THINGS, THAT THEY ARE HAPPY. SO I THINK WE DO NEED A CHANGE OF GUARD AND SOMEONE WHO IS GOING TO GET OUT IN THE COMMUNITY AND MAKE THIS A TIGHT KNIT COMMUNITY AGAIN.
>> AS ALL, REQUEST TO SPEAK. IF THERE'S MORE TO REQUEST TO SPEAK, YOU'RE MORE THAN WELCOME TO COME TO THE PODIUM NOW.
[00:45:01]
SEEING NONE. >> I'VE WORKED IN AN EMERGENCY ROOM FOR 40 YEARS. SO I'M NOT OFTEN SURPRISED.
I'VE HAD MULTIPLE SURPRISES. IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS, I ASKED HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE, WHILE APPROACHING, EVENTS, RIDING THE BICYCLE, SITTING IN RESTAURANTS, CITIES IN BARS, I ASK THEM THE SAME QUESTION. HOW DO YOU LIKE LIVING HERE? WHAT DO YOU THINK. MOST DIDN'T KNOW, I WAS A CITY COMMISSIONER. INVARIABLY, THE ANSWER IS, WE LOVE LIVING HERE OR IT'S A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE OR I WOULD DO NOTHING DIFFERENT AND I HEAR THAT OVER AND OVER AGAIN.
WHAT SURPRISES, NUMBER OF CITY OFFICIALS, THAT PROVIDE SERVICES THAT MOST PEOPLE THINK MAKE THIS A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE.
FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS ELASTRA, HAS BEEN CLOSED.
AND LATCHRA STREET SHOULD BE OPEN IN THE LAST NINE MONTHS.
SEA WALL WAS BUILT AND DESIGN WORK OF THE REMAINDER HAS BEEN FUNDED. AND THE UTILITIES IN FRONT STREET ARE ABOUT TO BE PUT UNDERGROUND.
ALL OF IS ACCOMPLISHED BY THE CITY MANAGER AND HIS STAFF.
IT SURPRISES ME, A NUMBER OF CITY COMMISSIONERS WANT TO FIRE THE HEAD OF THE MANAGEMENT TEAM, WHO WANT TO ACCOMPLISH WHAT IS NOT DOABLE FOR THE PAST 25 YEARS.
ALL THE CITY DEPARTMENTS GAVE A PRESENTATION, NEITHER THE MAYOR, VICE MAYOR OR ANY OF THE CITY COMMISSIONERS VOICE ANY, VOICE NO CONCERNS ABOUT ANY DEPARTMENT S NE SAID STAFF WAS NOT DOING A GOOD JOB. AT THE COMMISSION, THEY AGREED, SOME OF THE STRENGTH, WERE RESPONSE TO GOVERNMENT.
THE LEADER THERE, WENT TO THE WHOLE LIST, ARE THERE ANYMORE? ANY ANYMORE.
>> AND CITY LEADERS, INEFFICIENCY IN THE GOLF COURSE.
LACK OF SUPPORT OF THE CURRENT CITY STAFF BY THE CITY COMMISSION THERE'S NO MENTION OF ANY PROBLEMS OF THE CITY MANAGER, AND THAT WAS AN ENTIRE DAY OF THE VISITING SECTION.
THERE EGGS NO PROBLEMS, WITH THE MANAGEMENT AND STAFF AND ALL THOUGHT THEY WERE DOING A GOOD JOB.
FINALLY, FLORENCE STATUTE PROHIBIT ELECTED OFFICIALS FROM COMMUNICATING OUTSIDE OF PUBLIC MEETING.
AND I WAS SURPRISED TO HEAR, FROM THREE DIFFERENT CONSTITUENTS, THAT THE MAYOR TOLD MULTIPLE PEOPLE IT WAS A DONE DEAL AND THE CITY MANAGER WOULD BE FIRED.
I, I AGREE WITH DARRON AYSCUE WHO SAID IN HIS LITERATURE.
BY UNDERSTANDING DIFFERENT POINTS OF VIEW, MAKING DECISIONS BASED ON FACTS, NOT RHETORIC AND IN WORKING TOGETHER, WE COULD RISE THAT FACES ANY CHALLENGE IN VIRGINIA BEACH AND -- FERNANDINA BEACH AND IN THE FUTURE. I ADVICE TO MAINTAIN THE CITY MANAGER TO WORK TOGETHER. THANK YOU.
>> DOING AS MUCH RESEARCH, HEARING BOTH SIDES OF THIS AND SOME OF THE POINTS OF DISCUSSION, I WANT TO MAKE A NOTE HERE, CERTAIN POINTS THAT WERE BROUGHT TO THE TABLE BY COMMISSIONER STURGES AS FAR AS MISMANAGEMENT, I HEARD OTHERS
[00:50:05]
EDIFY. MY QUESTION, IS THEE ANY APPETITE TO CONSIDER PROVIDING A LIST OF GOALS DEADLINE, WHETHER IT BE 90 DAYS, 180 DAYS. AND SOME OF THE LIST DERIVED FOR YOU, ARRIVING TO THE CITY COMMISSION OR IS IT A DONE DEAL>> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? VICE MAYOR STURGES.
>> I HAVE 23 ITEMS, HAPPENING IN OUR CITY AND I DON'T NEED TO LIST THEM ALL. I THINK, I DISCUSS WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE CITY. AND THEY WILL SUPPORT ME.
AND I'M ON -- LIST OF REASONS. I'M FROM THE LAST MEETING AND AS WELL AS REASONS, 23 OF THEM. .
>> I WOULD LOVE THE COMMISSION DO THEIR OWN RESEARCH, AS WE'VE HAD THREE WEEKS TO RESEARCH IT AND MAKE A DECISION IN THIS MATTER FOR US THIS EVENING I FEEL, WE AS A COMMISSION ARE GOING IN THE WRONG DIRECTION AND FRESH EYES FOR THE CITY IS IMPORTANT. .
>> ANY OTHER COMMENTS BEFORE I GO.
. >> I DO WANT TO SAY, I WAS NOT NECESSARILY HAPPY WITH THE WAY THE PROCESS WAS UNFOLDED.
AND I ALSO UNDERSTAND, AS A COMMISSION, WE ONLY HAVE THE ABILITY TO SPEAK HERE AND TO HAVE THE CONVERSATIONS HERE.
DO I WISH I BE ABLE TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR A WORKSHOP OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT TO GET IT OUT THERE AND UNDERSTAND, SURE.
WE'RE HERE NOW IF WE DO OUR DUE DILIGENCE, YOU KNOW, IT'S TIME TO MAKE A DECISION. .
>> LAST PART, IF COMMISSIONER ROSS WAS CLAIMING, IS A TRUE STATEMENT, IF WE WERE TO REMOVE MR. MARTIN, WHAT'S THE STRATEGY FOR SUCCESS MOVING FORWARD. DO WE HAVE A SUGGESTED INTRO.
DO WE HAVE AN ENTIRE AMOUNT COST.
THESE ARE, THE PUBLIC IS AWARE ARE CONCERN TO ME.
I RESPECT YOU FOLKS BUT I WANT TO MAKE SURE, WE HAVE AN
OPPORTUNITY TO DO THAT. >> AND I WILL GO AND.
I WILL START WITH THE NEWEST POINT I WANT TO MAKE LOUD AND CLEAR, I JUST SEARCH, FOR A DONE DEAL THE ONLY INSTANCE, IS THE ONE THAT EMAILED IT TO ME. LAST MEETING, AND I KNEW MY POSITION, THEREFORE, I KNOW HOW THIS VOTE WILL GO.
I WANT TO SAY, I WANT TO MAKE MY THREE POINTS.
AND MY FIRST POINT IS I WANT TO START OFF BY SAYING AND IN SOME WAYS, PROPELLED THE CITY FORWARD.
FRANKLY, BECAUSE HE'S AN EXCEPTIONAL GUY, THAT'S WHY THIS DECISION IS SO HARSH. I TOOK THEM SO SERIOUSLY, THAT'S WHY WE DELAYED THE VOTE TO BACK UP WHAT COMMISSIONER HAS SAID, THE WAY IT WAS DONE, THAT'S NOT CORRECT.
THERE NEEDS TO BE TIME FOR PUBLIC INPUT.
[00:55:06]
THAT'S WHY WE POSTPONE THE VOTE FOR TWO WEEKS.IN THAT, WE HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO -- REFLECT.
I'VE HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO HEAR FROM A CONSTITUENTS, ABOUT THIS ISSUE. I HAD AN OPPORTUNITY, AND -- AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, I HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A PLAN.
BECAUSE DEPENDING ON HOW IT GOES, WE DEFINITELY NEED A PLAN FOR THE CITY. THAT'S INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT TO ME. I REACHED OUT TO POLICE CHIEF FOXWORTH. HE AGREED, SHOULD THIS VOTE GO A CERTAIN WAY, HE WOULD BE AN INTERIM MANAGER.
THAT WOULD BE THE PLAN. AND I WOULD SAY, I WANT TO CALL THE VOTE AND YES VOTE WOULD BE DETERMINATION OF THE CITY MANAGER AND. WHEN WE RECONVENE, I WILL HEAR A MOTION TO APPOINT CHIEF FOXWORTH AS OUR INTERIM CITY MANAGER, BETWEEN OUR MANAGER AND THE NEXT.
BEFORE I COUNT THE VOTE, I WANT TO THAT CAN CITY MANAGER DEL MAR TIN. WITH THAT, CITY CLERK CALL A
VOTE. >> POINT OF ORDER OF QUESTION.
>> I WILL HEAR YOUR POINT. >> MY POINT, YOU'VE OFFERED MR. FORMER CHIEF FOXWORTH THE JOB.
HAVE YOU DISCUSSED SALARY, TERMS.
>> THAT WILL BE DISCUSED TOMORROW ON THE FIRST DAY ON THE
JOB. >> WE'RE GOING TO HIRE HIM, NOT KNOWING THE SALARY, NOT KNOWING THE TERMS AND NOT KNOWING THE SCOPE OF WHAT HE'S GOING TO DO? IS THAT THE PLAN?
>> WE KNOW THE GENERAL SCOPE WHAT HE WILL DO.
I THINK THAT'S MORE COMMON SENSE.
CITY CLERK, WILL YOU PLEASE CALL THE VOTE.
>> I NEED A FIRST AND SECOND, MAYOR.
>> WE HAVE ONE SECOND, A POSTPONEMENT.
IT WILL BE THE FIRST AND SECOND AS LAST TIME.
IS THAT CORRECT? THAT CASE, COULD I HEAR A MOTION
AND SECOND. >> AND I'LL MAKE A MOTION, DETERMINE CITY MANAGER WITHOUT CAUSE EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY.
>>. >> I HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND.
CITY CLERK. >> VICE PRESIDENT STURGES?
>> YES. >> COMMISSIONER ANTUN?
>> >> WE WILL BEGIN BY HEARING A
MOTION. >> MR. MAYOR, I WILL MAKE A MOTION FOR MR. FOXWORTH TO BE THE INTERIM CITY MANAGER.
>> AND ANY DISCUSSION. >> COMMISSIONER ROSS.
>> SO WHAT IS -- WHAT HIS EXPERIENCE IN RUNNING A CITY? WHAT ARE THE SALARY REQUIREMENTS? WHO WILL NEGOTIATE HIS CONTRACT? HOW LONG WILL HE BE EMPLOYED FOR? IS HE GOING TO BE HIRED AS A PERMANENT, PART-TIME EMPLOYEE, GET FULL BENEFITS? HOW DOES IT INTERFERE WITH THE CURRENT PENSION? DOES ANY OF THE QUESTIONS BEEN ANSWERED?
>> EXCELLENT QUESTIONS. >> I CAN'T ANSWER ALL THE QUESTIONS. I COULD SAY THE MAYOR AND I SPOKE ABOUT GENERAL TERMS THAT I SUGGESTED WE MAKE SURE WE MADE PUBLIC. MR. FOXWORTH IS ABLE TO COME TO THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT, FINANCES DEPARTMENT IS DUNN -- DOWN THE HALL, TO DISCUSS A SHORT TERM CONTRACT WHICH IS PUBLIC RECORD.
WHAT THE MAYOR SPOKE ABOUT FOR YOUR CONSIDERS, MR. FOXWORTH BE PAID AT THE HOURLY RATE THAT MR. MARTIN IS BEING PAID $75.53 AN HOUR. MR. FOXWORTH IS ALREADY RETIRED.
HE CAME TO THE CITY, ALREADY RETIRED FROM JACKSONVILLE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT, HE HAS HEALTH INSURANCE FOR HE AND HIS FAMILY. ANY PENSION BENEFIT, ANYBODY WHO WAS REEMPLOYED BY THE CITY, IT WILL BE ON A FULLTIME BASIS.
THE PENSION BENEFIT HAS TO BE SUSPENDED FROM THE TIME THE
[01:00:01]
PERSON IS EMPLOYED FULL-TIME AND THEY ARE NOT ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PENSION, IN OTHER WORDS, START MAKING CONTRIBUTIONS WHERE THE CITY WILL CONTRIBUTE.>> HOW ELSE IS THE SHORT TERM CONTRACT FOR?
>> THE MAYOR SUGGESTED 90 DAYS, WITH AN OPTION TO RENEW.
>> 90 DAYS. >> HOW ARE WE GOING TO GET A NEW CITY MANAGER? 90 DAYS IS A SHORT PERIOD OF
TIME TO GET A CITY MANAGER. >> THAT'S WHERE HE WILL START,
90 DAYS WITH AN OPTION TO RENEW. >> I TALKED TO JOEY, HE WILL BE THE INTERIM CITY MANAGER DOWN IN ATLANTIC BEACH, WILL BE PAYING HIM CLOSE TO $200,000. WHY ARE WE SO CHEAP?
>> IT'S ALL TO YOU, WHAT YOU DECIDE TO PAY.
>> HOW ARE WE GOING TO CONDUCT A SEARCH FOR THE CITY MANAGER.
>> AND THERE'S MANY OPTIONS. AND I WOULD SUGGEST THAT, IF YOU WANT TO TALK TO THAT TONIGHT, AND YOU GO, WE'LL HAVE OPTIONS AND WE'LL NOT HAVE ANSWERS. THESE ARE THINGS THE STAFF AND I WILL, PARTICULARLY THE HR DIRECTOR, WE NEED TO REACH OUT TO SEARCH FIRMS, AND FIND OUT, WE HAVE TO GET QUOTES OR DO AN RFP. NORMALLY WE GET QUOTES.
WHETHER WE USE A PROFESSIONAL, NOT USE A PROFESSIONAL SEARCH FIRM, YOU DON'T HAVE TO. THERE'S OBLIGATIONS THAT CITY MANAGERS HAVE ACCESS TO. THAT'S UP TO YOU.
IF YOU WANT TO DECIDE THAT TONIGHT, I'M HERE TO HELP.
THAT'S WHAT I HAVE FOR THE SHORT TERM.
I COULD ASSURE YOU, THE CITY WILL BE IN GOOD HANDS.
YOU HAVE ALL THE OFFICERS THAT ARE HERE EVERY DAY AND ALTHOUGH WE WILL MISS MR. MARTIN, THE CITY WILL GO ON JUST AS STRONG
AS WE HAVE BEEN. >> JUST TO RECAP, WHAT YOU'RE SUGGESTING, WE DO A 90 DAY CONTRACT WITH AN OPTION TO RENEW, THAT THE PAYMENT MAY BE $75 AN HOUR, STRAIGHT TIME, NO BENEFITS AND HE'S GOING TO PUNCH A CLOCK, WHAT'S THE DEAL?
>> IT'S A SALARY EXEMPT POSITION?
>> NO BENEFITS? >> NO BENEFITS, CORRECT.
>> AND AT THE END OF 90 DAYS, HE'S COMING ON AS AN EMPLOYEE.
>> AS AN EMPLOYEE. AS A W2 EMPLOYEE, NOT A 1099
CONTRACTOR. >> WHY WOULD HE NOT GET THE CITY
BENEFITS >> BECAUSE HE DOESN'T NEED THE CITY BENEFITS. HE PREFERS HIS BENEFITS THAT HE
>> COMMISSIONER ROSS AND COMMISSIONER ANTUN
>> YEAH, I WOULD LIKE TO REITERATE, WHAT'S THE PLAN FOR SUCCESS, DO WE HAVE INTENTIONS FOR A HIRING FIRM TO FIND US AN IDEAL CITY MANAGER, SO THE INTERIM IS JUST THAT, SO THAT WE'RE NOT DOING PATCHWORK, TO FIGURE OUT WHO WILL BE IN
SUCCESSION. >> THANK YOU, MR. ANTUN.
COMMISSIONER AYSCUE. >> MR. MAYOR, I DON'T KNOW IF IT'S TOO LATE TO PUT IT IN THE NEXT WORKSHOP AGENDA, WHICH WE
WILL TALK ABOUT PARKING. >> AND FEES.
>> AND THAT'S THE SECOND. THE SECOND WORKSHOP, IS GOING TO BE -- AND DISCUSS HOW WE'RE GOING TO PROCEED, WITH WHAT FI FIRMS.
>> HERE'S WHAT WE GOT. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, COMMISSIONERS, TO ANSWER THE OTHER TWO QUESTIONS, COMMISSIONER ROSS. QUALIFICATIONS, AND THE CHIEF FOXWORTH HAS PROVEN, TIME AND TIME AGAIN, HE'S AN EXCELLENT MANAGER OF PEOPLE, ONE WHO KNOWS OUR CITY QUITE WELL INSIDE AND OUT. HE WILL BE AN EXCELLENT INTERIM CITY MANAGER. TO EN A YOUR QUESTION, MR. AYSCUE, I'M GOING TO PROPOSE A CITIZENS COMMITTEE.
CITIZENS COMMITTEE WILL HELP WITH THE SEARCH.
WHAT I'M GOING TO ASK, EACH OF US, BRING FORWARD AND CANDIDATE, EACH OF US BRING FORWARD THE CITIZEN OF THE COMMUNITY, ACCURATE RECOMMENDATION, TO US, EACH BRING ONE CITIZEN.
AND WE CAN TALK TO THE WORKSHOP, NEXT WORKSHOP IN TWO WEEKS FROM
[01:05:01]
TODAY, WE WILL HAVE THIS DISCUSSION AS TO HOW IT'S GOING TO PLAY OUT ON THAT WORKSHOP. I THINK THE CITY COMMITTEE TO BRING THE COMMUNITY INPUT, AND CHIEF FOXWORTH WILL BE AN EXCELLENT INTERIM AND LOOK FORWARD TO HAVING HIM ON BOARD.>> THE FEES DISCUSSION. >> FEES.
>> AUDIT DISCUSSION, SPECIFICALLY.
. >> DO YOU THINK, WE CAN TAKE OF MR. MAYOR AND FEE DISCUSSION. .
>> I THINK THAT'S A GOOD IDEA. I THINK IT'S A BIT OF A CITY SEARCH. I THINK WE SHOULD BE PROFESSIONAL HELP. AND CITY STAFF, THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO HONE WHAT WE NEED TO LOOK FOR AND EVERYBODY IN OUR COMMUNITY SHOULD HAVE INPUT AS FAR AS, AND START LOOKING INTO THE CITY IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. .
>> WE HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND ON THE TABLE TO APPOINT CHIEF FOXWORTH AS OUR INTERIM CITY MANAGER.
CHIEF WOULD YOU PLEASE CALL THE VOTE?
>> COMMISSIONER AYSCUE? >> YES.
>> COMMISSIONER ANTUN? >> YES.
[7.2 PROPOSAL APPROVAL - WEATHERPROOFING TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - RESOLUTION 2023-30 APPROVING WEATHERPROOFING TECHNOLOGIES, INC (A SUBSIDIARY OF TREMCO INC.) TO PERFORM ROOF RESTORATION ON THE LIBRARY IN THE AMOUNT OF $167,869; AUTHORIZING EXECUTION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Synopsis: Approves the proposal from Weatherproofing Technologies, Inc. for the repairs and restoration of the roof at the library in the amount of $167,869.]
>> AND THAT PASSES, 4-0. AND GOES TO 2.
>> COMMISSIONER, GENERAL OPERATION DIRECTOR, UP YOU IS A PROPOSAL FOR A ROOF RESTORATION PROJECT FOR THE LIBRARY.
THIS IS FOR THE ADA PROJECT, THIS HAPPENED LAST YEAR, $200,000 BUDGETED FOR THE PROJECT, CAME IN UNDER BUDGET,
$169,000. >> AND MOTION AND APPROVAL,
[8.1 LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE TEXT AMENDMENTS - WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT AND MARINAS - ORDINANCE 2023-01 AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE (LDC) SECTION 1.07.00 ACRONYMS AND DEFINITIONS TO ADD DEFINITIONS FOR MARINA AND SURFACE WATER; AMENDING SECTION 3.03.03(B)(L) TO INCLUDE WATER ENHANCED USES AS EXEMPT FROM THE REQUIRED BUFFERS; AMENDING SECTION 2.03.02 BY ADDING MARINAS AS A PERMISSIBLE PRINCIPAL USE WITHIN RECREATIONAL (REC) ZONING DISTRICT IN THE TABLE OF LAND USES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Synopsis: Amends the Land Development Code for waterfront development and marinas as previously directed by the City Commission on August 16, 2022.]
>> PASSES 5-0. >> 8.1, HEALTH CODE.
>> SECTION 1100, AND TO ADD DEFINITIONS FOR MARINA AND SURFACE WATER AND ENDING, SECTION O.3, TO INCLUDE WATER ENHANCE USAGE AS EXEMPT FROM THE ACQUIRED BUFFERS AND 3.802, AND ADDING THE PRINCIPLE USE WITHIN RECREATIONAL.
AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERAL, AND FOR PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. THIS IS SECOND READING.
PLEASE OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING. >> PUBLIC HEARING IS OPEN.
WOULD ANYONE WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK ON THIS.
>> MOTION AND SECOND. >> AND ANY DISCUSSION?
>> CITY CLERK PLEASE CALL THE VOTE.
>> COMMISSIONER AYSCUE? >> YES.
[8.2 LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE TEXT AMENDMENTS - ACCESSORY STRUCTURES AND ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS - ORDINANCE 2023-02 AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE (LDC) AMENDING SECTION 1.07.00 ACRONYMS AND DEFINITIONS TO ADD DEFINITIONS FOR BUILDING AREA AND FRONT FACADE; AMENDING LDC 5.01.03(H) CLARIFYING PLACEMENT OF DETACHED ACCESSORY BUILDINGS BEHIND THE FRONT FACADE OF A PRINCIPAL STRUCTURE; AMENDING SECTION 5.01.03 (H) TO ALLOW TWELVE INCH EAVE ENCROACHMENT INTO SIDE OR REAR SETBACKS FOR ACCESSORY STRUCTURES; ADDING SECTION 5.01.03 (H)(1) INCORPORATING BUILDING HEIGHT MEASUREMENTS FROM AVERAGE NATURAL GRADE TO THE ROOF PEAK UNLESS LOCATED IN A SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA; AMENDING SECTION 5.01.03(I) CLARIFYING THE MAXIMUM BUILDING AREA FOR DETACHED ACCESSORY BUILDINGS; AMENDING SECTION 5.01.04 (A)(3) TO CLARIFY ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT BUILDING HEIGHT MEASUREMENT FROM AVERAGE NATURAL GRADE TO ROOF PEAK UNLESS LOCATED IN A SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA; AMENDING SECTION 5.01.04 (A)(4) DIRECTING ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT PLACEMENT BEHIND THE FRONT FACADE OF A PRINCIPAL STRUCTURE; AMENDING SECTION 8.01.01.02 (6) TO CLARIFY ACCESSORY STRUCTURE HEIGHT CALCULATION WITH THE OT-1 AND OT-2 ZONING DISTRICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Synopsis: Amend the Land Development Code for accessory structures and accessory dwelling units.]
>>ND AN ORDINANCE 022-02, SECTION 1.07,.00 TO ADD DEFINITIONS FOR BUILDING AREA AND FRONT FACADE, AMENDING, SECTION CLARIFYING PLACEMENT OF DETACHED ACCESSORY BUILDINGS BEHIND THE FRONT FACADE OF THE PRINCIPLE STRUCTURE, AMENDING 5.03.0 TO ALLOW 12 INCH EAVES ENCROACHMENT TO SIDE SETBACKS FOR ACCESSORY STRUCTURES, ADDING 5.05.3 SUB 8 SUB 1, MEASUREMENTS FROM AVERAGE NATURAL GRADE TO THE ROOF PEEK UNLESS LOCATED IN A FLOOD HAZARD AREA, AMENDING 5.05.E, FOR DETACHED ACCESSORY BUILDINGS AMENDING SECTION 5.05.1, SUB 3, TO CLARIFY
[01:10:07]
DWELLING UNIT, BUILDING HEIGHT MEASUREMENT FROM AVERAGE NATURAL GRADE TO ROOF PEEK UNLESS LOCATED IN THE SPECIAL HAZARD AREA. AMENDING 5.015.04, DIRECTING ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT PLACEMENT BEHIND THE FRONT FACADE OF THE PRINCIPLE STRUCTURE, AMENDING 5.01, SUB 6, TO CLARIFY HEIGHT CALCULATION WITHIN THE OT 1 OT 2 DOANING DISTRICTS, PROVIDING FOR SEVERAL BUILDING AND PROVIDING FOR EFFECTIVE DATE. IF YOU REMEMBER AT FIRST READING THERE WAS A SLIGHT CHANGE FROM MAY TO MUSK AND THAT'S INCLUDED IN THE AMENDMENT, PLEASE OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING.WOULD ANYONE WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK.
SEEING NONE, PUBLIC HEARING IS CLOSED.
DO WE HEAR A MOTION. >> AND MOTION TO A SECOND
>> CITY CLERK, WOULD YOU PLEASE CALL THE VOTE.
>> COMMISSIONER AYSCUE >> YES.
>> VICE MAYOR STURGES? >> YES.
[8.3 LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE TEXT AMENDMENTS - SEASONAL SALES, OVERNIGHT PARKING, AND TEMPORARY PORTABLE STRUCTURES - ORDINANCE 2023-03 AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE (LDC) SECTION 5.02.02 (D) TO ALLOW AN EXEMPTION FOR OVERNIGHT PARKING WITHIN A PERMITTED SEASONAL SALES SITE; AMENDING SECTION 5.02.06 TO ADD ROLL OFF DUMPSTER AS A PERMITTED TEMPORARY PORTABLE STRUCTURE AND EXTENDING THE DURATION OF TEMPORARY USE PERMITS TO THIRTY (30) DAYS PER LOT PER YEAR, UNLESS MADE PART OF AN ACTIVE BUILDING PERMIT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Synopsis: Amend the Land Development Code related to overnight parking and temporary portable structures]
>> MAYOR BEAN? >> YES AND PASSES.
>> AND ORDNANCE 003, SECTION 5.02, SUBD.
>> TO ALLOW EXEMPTION FOR, SEASONAL SALES SIGHT AND AMENDING, AND TO ADD, AS A PERMITTED TEMPORARY PORTABLE STRUCTURE AND EXTENDING THE DURATION OF TEMPORARY USE PERMITS TO 30 DAYS, PER LOT PER YEAR, UNLESS MADE PART OF AN ACTIVE BUILDING PERMIT, PROVIDING SEVERALABLITY AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTSTIVE DATE.
TO ALLOW OF RIGHT OF WAY USE PER METH MIT TO BE APPLIED, AND SOME RESIDENTIAL THAT IS SO SMALL, THAT IF THEY NEEDED A DUMPSTER, IT COULD NOT FIT ON THEIR PROPERTY.
THEY CAN APPLY FOR RIGHT OF WAY USE PERMIT.
THAT WOULD BE ADDED TO THE ORDINANCE.
>> MAKE A MOTION FOR APPROVAL. >> SECONDS.
>> MOTION FOR SECOND. >> ANY DISCUSSION?
>> SEEING NONE, PLEASE CALL THE VOTE.
>> VICE PRESIDENT STURGES? >> YES.
[8.4 LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE TEXT AMENDMENTS - CANOPY ROAD DESIGNATION PROGRAM - ORDINANCE 2023-04 AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE (LDC) BY CREATING SECTION 4.05.17 CANOPY/SCENIC ROADS; PROVIDING FOR DESIGNATION OF CANOPY TREE ROADS; PROVIDING FOR RESTRICTIONS ON CANOPY ROADS; PROVIDING FOR CANOPY ROAD ZONES; PROVIDING FOR RESTRICTIONS ON TREE REMOVAL ON CANOPY ROADS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Synopsis: Amend the Land Development Code to create a canopy road designation program.]
>> AND ORDINANCE 2023-04, AMENDING CODE BY CREATING 4.0.417, CANOPY SCENIC, PROVIDING DES NATION OF CANOPY TREE ROADS PROVIDING RESTRICTIONS FOR CANOPY ROADS, PROVIDING FOR RESTRICTIONS ON TREE REMOVAL ON CANOPY ROADS AND PROVIDING AND PROVIDING FOR EFFECTIVE DATE.
NO CHANGES SINCE FIRST READING. PLEASE OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING.
>> PUBLIC HEARING IS OPEN. WOULD ANYONE WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK ON CANOPY ROADS? SEEING NONE, PUBLIC HEARING IS
>> SECOND. >> MOTION AND SECOND.
ANY DISCUSSION. CITY CLERK, WOULD YOU CALL THE
[8.5 CODE AMENDMENT - ELECTIONS - ORDINANCE 2023-05 AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES BY AMENDING CHAPTER 34, ELECTIONS, SPECIFICALLY AMENDING SECTION 34-1 TO CHANGE THE CITY GENERAL ELECTION DATE TO COINCIDE WITH THE STATE PRIMARY ELECTION DATE (AUGUST) AND AMENDING THE CITY RUNOFF ELECTION DATE TO COINCIDE WITH THE STATE GENERAL ELECTION DATE (NOVEMBER); REPEALING SECTION 34-9 DUE TO ELECTION FOR MAYOR PROVIDED IN CITY CHARTER; AMENDING SECTION 34-10 TO CHANGE DATE OF ANNUAL ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING TO COINCIDE WITH NEW CITY GENERAL ELECTION DATE; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Synopsis: Changes the dates of the City's general and runoff elections to coincide with the state primary and general election dates, and repeals Section 34-9.]
>> YES. >> COMMISSIONER AYSCUE?
>> YES. >> AND AMENDING CITY ORDINANCE, BY AMENDING ELECTIONS SPECIFICALLY ELECTING, 34-1, TO CHANGE THE ELECTION DATE TO COINCIDE WITH THE STATE PRIMARY ELECTION DATE AND AMENDING THE CITY RUNOFF ELECTION DATE TO COINCIDE WITH THE STATE GENERAL ELECTION DATE.
REPEALING 34.09 PROVIDED IN CITY CHARTER AND MAYOR 10 TO CHANGE THE DATE OF THE ANNUAL ORGANIZATION MEETING.
PROVIDED FOR SEVERALABLITY AND PROVIDING FOR EFFECTIVE DATE.
THE -- THIS IS THE SECOND READING.
THE GENERAL ELECTION WILL BE HELD IN AUGUST AND THE RUNOFF ELECTION WOULD BE HELD, WHEN THE GENERAL ELECTION IS HELD NOW.
AND I UNDERSTAND THERE'S SOME DISCUSSION BUT PLEASE OPEN TO THE HEARINGS. WE'VE DISCUSSED TO COME BACK.
MARGARET DAVIS, AND WE CAN ALL HEAR A VOTING IS A CITIZEN'S MOST CHERISHED RIGHT AND THUS COST SAVINGS SHOULD NEVER BE THE PRIMARY DRIVER OF CHANGING ELECTION PROCEDURES.
AFTER ALL, HAVING ONLY ONE PLACE IN THE CITY, WOULD SAVE MONEY.
[01:15:03]
AS -- AND IN THE ELECTION CHANGE, THAT ALLOWS ALL COMMISSIONERS TO BE ELECTED WHEN VOTER TURNOUT IS THE HIGHEST, WHILE ALSO ACHIEVING COST SAVINGS COULD BE A WORTHY GOAL.UNFORTUNATELY, THIS PROPOSED ORDINANCE DOES NOT ACHIEVE THAT GOAL WHEN THEY ARE LESS THAN THREE CANDIDATES RUNNING FROM UNWITH COMMISSION SEAT. I HAVE THE PLEASURE OF SERVING WITH YOU, WHERE WE EXTENSIVELY DISCUSSED CHANGING ELECTION DATES. WE ADOPTED A MORE VOTER INCLUSIVE EMDATION, ORIGINALLY PROPOSED BY YOU.
THE CRC RECOMMENDATION, WHICH IS FOUND IN PAGE 286, PROVIDES THE IDENTICAL EFFICIENCY AND COST SAVINGS AS ACHIEVED BY THE ORDINANCE. BUT PREVENTS ANY COMMISSIONER FROM BEING ELECTED BY TURN OUT BELOW THAT OF THE NOVEMBER GENERAL ELECTION. THE CRC RECOMMENDATION IS STILL THE BEST WAY TO STREAMLINE OUR ELECTIONS, HAVE EACH COMMISSIONER, BY THE HIGHEST VOTE, VOTER TURNOUT.
AS AN ADDED BENEFIT, SAVED THE CITY MONEY.
AS A REMINDER, UNDER THE CRC RECOMMENDATION, IF THERE ARE MORE THAN TWO CANDIDATES, SEEKING ONE COMMISSION SEAT, THEN THE PROCESS WORKS IDENTICAL TO THE ORDINANCE TONIGHT.
AND HOWEVER, IF THERE ARE ONLY ONE OR TWO CANDIDATES SEEKING ONE COMMISSION SEAT THEN THE ELECTION OF THE SEAT IS HELD ON THE STATEWIDE GENERAL ELECTION DATE SO THAT NO ELECTION FOR THE SEAT IS HELD ON STATEWIDE PRIMARY DATE.
AGAIN, THAT IS UNDER THE CRC RECOMMENDATION NOT THIS ORDINANCE. THIS CRC APPROACH WHICH RESULTS IN ALL COMMISSIONERS BEING ELECTED IN THE NOVEMBER ELECTION DATE MAXIMIZES VOTER TURNOUT FOR THE ELECTION OF EACHND AN EVERY COMMISSIONER. BUT IT COSTS THE CITY THE SAME AS THE ELECTION DATES SCHEDULED IN THE ORDINANCE YOU'RE TALKING TONIGHT. IN CONTRAST UNDER TONIGHT'S ORDINANCE, IF ONLY TWO CANDIDATES ARE SEEKING ONE COMMISSION SEAT, BASED ON THE HISTORICAL TURNOUT THAT COMMISSIONER WILL BE ELECTED BY SUBSTANTIALLY A SMALL NUMBER OF VOTERS WHO TURN OUT FOR THE PRIMARY ELECTION.
AND IT IS BASED ON TURNOUT NOT MUCH HIGHER THAN THE TURNOUT EXPERIENCE IN THE RUNOFF SYSTEM. THERE'S NO GAIN FOR THE VOTERS.
IF, AS YOU HAVE STATED, THE PURPOSE OF THE ORDINANCE IS TO ACHIEVE THE GREATEST VOTER TURNOUT IN ELECTING ALL OF OUR COMMISSIONERS, WHILE SECONDARY GAINING COST SAVINGS, I URGE YOU TO REJECT THE ORDINANCE IN THE CURRENT FORM AND AMENDMENT TO REFLECT THE DATES, SO EACH AND EVERY COMMISSIONER IS ALWAYS ELECTED IN THE NOVEMBER, WITH STATEWIDE ELECTION DATE, WITH THAT HAS THE HIGHEST TURNOUT. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMENTS. WE -- I HAVE A QUESTION.
>> I HAVE A QUESTION FOR MR. ROSS.
>> AND I UNDERSTAND. >> ON THE PRIMARY DATE, IF THERE'S MORE TWO PEOPLE RUNNING, THEY HAVE TO BE VOTED ON.
AND IT FLAIR ROSE DOWN TO TWO. AND IF THERE'S ONLY TWO PEOPLE RUNNING, IT'S STILL IN THE ELECTION DATE.
THE FINAL ELECTION. >> AND ON THE GENERAL ELECTION
DATE >> PRIMARY DATE, WILL BE ESSENTIALLY THE PRIMARY. THE FINAL ELECTION, THAT'S DONE
IN THE GENERAL ELECTIONS. >> RIGHT.
ALL ELECTIONS THAT WILL BE HELD IN NOVEMBER, WOULD ONLY HAVE TWO CANDIDATES. ALL OF THE ELECTIONS HELD IN AUGUST, WILL BE THREE OR MORE. IF YOU HAVE ONLY TWO CANDIDATES, RUNNING FOR AUGUST, THEY ARE AGAINST EACH OTHER.
THEY ARE NOT FACING OFF AND BEING THE WINNER BEING DETERMINED FOR THE COMMISSION SEAT IN AUGUST, WHICH IF IT'S DETERMINED IN AUGUST, FIRST OF ALL, IT'S DETERMINED, AS YOU KNOW, SLIGHTLY HIGHER TURNOUT THAT WE HAD IN DECEMBER TIME, PLUS IF THEY ARE DETERMINED IN AUGUST, THAT'S AN EXTREMELY LONG PERIOD. AND YOU HAVE ONE COMMISSIONER WHO IS FULLY ELECTED AT THAT TIME.
AGAIN, MAYOR BEAN IS THE ONE WHO ORIGINALLY CAME UP WITH THIS PROPOSAL IN ORDER TO MAXIMIZE VOTERS WHEN WE WERE ON THE CRC TOGETHER. I REALLY FEEL THAT WAS MUCH IMPROVED OVER THE LANGUAGE IN THE ORDINANCE TONIGHT BECAUSE IT DOES GIVE THE MAXIMUM VOTER TURNOUT FOR ELECTIONS OF EACH COMMISSIONER BUT IT DOES PROVIDE ALL THE COST SAVINGS ON WHAT IS
IN THE ORDINANCE THAT IS HERE. >> THANK YOU FOR THE
CLARIFICATION. >> AND MEMBER DAVIS IS CORRECT.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH AND UP UNTIL THIS WEEK, I HAD A ONE ON ONE MEETING WITH TAMMI, OUR CITY ATTORNEY.
AND I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION TO MAKE SUCH A CHANGE, WE HAD TO AMEND THE CHARTER. THAT'S THE ATTEMPT TO DO THE
[01:20:03]
NEXT BEST THING. WHEN I MET WITH TAMMI AND ASKED HER ABOUT THIS, WE CAN DO SUCH A PLAN, BY ORDER NARNS AND FOR THAT REASON, YOU COULD PLEASE ELABORATE.HOW COULD THIS WORK AND IS THAT SOMETHING WE CAN DO? COULD THAT PLAN WORK BY ORDINANCE TONIGHT?
>> I THINK IT WORKS TONIGHT. WE CAN BRING IT BACK AGAIN.
>> WE WILL GLADLY DO A THIRD READING.
IN ADDITION TO SECTION 34-2 OF THE CODE, BECAUSE IT TALKS ABOUT QUALIFYING DATES AND NOVEMBER GENERAL ELECTION.
WE HAVE TO MAKE A CHANGE TO THAT.
MY RECOMMENDATION IS, IS THAT YOU DIRECT ME TO GO AHEAD AND APPROVE THE LANGUAGE AND WE SEE THAT.
>> AND I APPRECIATE THAT. AND COMMISSIONER'S ANTUN'S LIGHTS ON. YOU MAY BE ON PROMOTIONAL SIDE.
I WILL HEAR AND MAKE SUCH CHANGES.
I MOVE TO AMEND ACCORDING TO THE DISCUSSION THAT'S BEEN HAD, SO WHEN THREE CANDIDATES SHOW, NOW DOWN TO GENERAL.
IF ONLY TWO CANDIDATES SHOW AND WE'RE IN THE GENERAL ELECTION.
>> SO WE DON'T HAVE TO CHANGE AND I KNOW YOU NEED A SECOND.
>> I'LL SECOND THAT -- THE RUNOFF PLAN OR THERE WILL BE A CHANGE TO THE CHARTER. I WILL WORK UP THE LANGUAGE.
IT WILL BE FOR MARCH 21ST. IT TAKES THAT LONG TO DO THE ADVERTISEMENT, NEWSPAPER ADVERTISEMENT.
I WILL WORK THAT LANGUAGE AND PUT IT IN THE BACKUP, SO YOU WILL SEE ALL THE CODE AND CHARTER SECTIONS IN PLAY.
>> LAST ONE. >> AND THANKFULLY, WHAT THEY ARE DESCRIBING IS, ONLY IF THERE'S TWO CANDIDATES, THAT THEY WILL BE BROUGHT TO THE NOVEMBER ELECTION AND THE TWO RUN IT AT
THAT TIME. >> AND THERE'S THREE CANDIDATES, THEY ARE RUNNING IN AUGUST, THE THREE, IN GETTING THERE, TO GO TO NOVEMBER. AS LONG AS WE DON'T HAVE A RUNOFF IN DECEMBER, TEN DAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS, I DON'T CARE HOW IT WORKS. AS LONG AS THEY DON'T HAVE TO DO
>> EXCELLENT. WITH NO FURTHER DISCUSSION, WE WILL BE VOTING ON THE AMENDMENT. THE YES VOTE, MAKES THE AMENDMENT. SIMPLY CALL THE VOTE.
>> COMMISSIONER ANTUN? >> YES.
>> COMMISSIONER ROSS FRJS YES. >> VICE MAYOR STURGES?
>> YES. >> AND ON THE FLOOR WE HAVE THE CODE AMENDMENT. IF IT GETS APPROVED TONIGHT, IT WILL GO TO A THIRD MEETING COMING BACKEN O THE 23RD.
>> AND WE HAVE TO APPROVE THE AMENDMENT URGING FOR A THIRD
READING. >> DO I HAVE A SECOND?
>> SECOND. >> PUBLIC HEARING IS STILL OPEN.
WE HAVE ONE MORE REQUEST TO SPEAK FROM MR. COGGEY.
WOULD YOU ADDRESS THE PODIUM. >> SHEILA COG GI, 5053 SHIA STREET. AND I WANT TO SAY SOMETHING ELSE WITH THE PREVIOUS SPEAKER. THERE'S SOME BENEFITS TO MOVE THE ELECTION AS IT WAS STATED. THE OTHER ISSUE IS THAT IN THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, THEY HAVE SEPARATE ELECTIONS.
THE REASON WHY IS BECAUSE PEOPLE VOTING ON A LARGE BALLOT WITH LOTS OF POSITIONS AND CANDIDATES, MOST OF THEM NEVER EVEN MAKE IT PAST THE FIRST FEW. SO WE HAVE A LESS ENGAGED ELECTORATE WHEN WE'RE NOT HAVING AN ELECTION FOCUSED JUST ON THE CITY. THIS IS THE CLOSEST FORM OF GOVERNMENT THAT WE HAVE. THE DECISIONS ARE BEING MADE WITH OUR TAX DOLLARS, HOW WE LIVE EVERY SINGLE DAY.
TO LOSE THAT, IS WHAT WE LOSE TRYING TO PUT THIS IN THE GENERAL ELECTION. I THINK IT'S A MISTAKE TO DO THAT. IT'S IMPORTANT, ENGAGEMENT WE HAVE FOR CITIZENS. ALL OF YOU AS CANIT DAS, THE OPPORTUNITIES TO MEET WITH YOU, TO SEE ALL OF THAT, IT'S A DIFFERENT SITUATION, WHEN YOU'RE RUNNING 25 DIFFERENT OFFICES IN
THE COUNTY. >> AND YOU DISCOVER?
>> ANYONE ELSE WISH TO SPEAK ON THIS MATTER? THE PUBLIC HEARING IS CLOSED. WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND ON THE FLOOR. IS THERE ANY DISCUSSION? THANK YOU VERY MUCH. BEFORE WE CALL A VOTE I WILL JUST SAY THAT THIS IS IMPORTANT TO MAXIMIZE VOTER TURNOUT AS ONE OF THE SPEAKERS SAID TONIGHT. THIS NEW PLAN AMENDED WILL INSURE NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS, WE WILL HAVE THE FINAL DECISION MADE BY THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF VOTERS IN THE CITY.
THAT'S SOMETHING THAT'S VERY IMPORTANT TO THE LOCAL
DEMOCRACY. >> COMMISSIONER ROSS FRJS YES.
>> COMMISSIONER AYSCUE? >> YES.
[9.1 MARINA ADVISORY BOARD - One appointment.]
[01:25:01]
THAT PASSES 5-0. >> ITEM 9, 9.1, ADVISORY BOARD.
DO I HEAR A MOTION. >> IT'S IN THE PACT.
>> MR. CHRIS. >> MR. CHRIS, APPOINTMENT TO THE
MARINA ADVISORY BOARD. >> MAKE A MOTION.
>> I HEAR A SECOND. >> ANY DISCUSSION? SEEING NONE, CITY CLERK, WILL YOU PLEASE CALL THE VOTE.
>> COMMISSIONER AYSCUE? >> YES.
>> AND WE'LL GO ON TO NUMBER # 1, CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS.
[12. CITY CLERK REPORTS]
>> NO REPORT. >> ITEM 12, CITY CLERK REPORTS.
>> WE HAVE A COUPLE OF UPCOMING MEETINGS I WANT TO REMIND EVERYBODY OF. THE PLAN ADVISORY BOARD IS TOMORROW EVENING, 5:00 P.M. IN THE CHAMBERS.
NASSAU COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD AND WORKSHOP IS SCHEDULED MARCH 6TH, 6:00 P.M. AND THAT WILL BE 1201 ATLANTIC AVENUE.
IF YOU COULD GIVE ME THE AGENDA ITEMS YOU WANT TO DISCUSS, I APPRECIATE IT. I'VE ALREADY RECEIVED MAYOR
[13. MAYOR/COMMISSIONER COMMENTS]
STURGES. THANK YOU, MAYOR.>> THANK YOU, CITY CLERK. >> AND COMMISSIONER COMMENTS.
WE'RE GOING TO START WITH COMMISSIONER ALLZIM.
>> I HOPE YOU HAVE A PLEASANT EVENING.
THANK YOU. >> VICE MAYOR STURGES
>> THANK YOU, MAYOR. I DON'T HAVE MUCH TO SAY I THINK I'M HAPPY TO BE COMMISSIONER.
NOT EASY TO MAKE DECISIONS AS CITY COMMISSIONER.
I FEEL AS A CITY, I LOOK FORWARD AND EVERYTHING WILL BE FINE.
THANK YOU, MAYOR. >> THANK YOU.
>> NOT MUCH COMMENT FROM ME. DEFINITELY, HEAVY MEETING FOR ALL OF US. I HOPE WE'LL HAVE A POSITIVE
MEETING MOVING FORWARD. >> COMMISSIONER AYSCUE
>> THANK YOU, MR. MAYOR. ONE, I WILL START OFF WITH SOME VERY GOOD NEWS. THAT IS THE RETIREMENT OF VICTOR RUSSEL, CAPTAIN VICK, GREAT, GREAT FIREMAN FOR THE MANY YEARS I'VE WORKED ON THE SOUTH END OF THE ISLAND.
I HAD THE PLEASURE TO WORK DIFFERENT SCENES, DIFFERENT HALLS WITH VICK. AND HE'S ALWAYS BEEN EXCELLENT.
HE'S ALWAYS BEEN GREAT. AND HE IS, AGAIN, A VERY, VERY GOOD MAN. GREAT AMBASSADOR FOR THE CITY.
AND I WISH HIM WELL IN HIS RETIREMENT.
AND, AGAIN, GREAT FIREMAN AND BETTER MAN.
AND MY NEIGHBOR AROUND THE CORNER.
I APPRECIATE HIS SERVICE. I'D LIKE TO BRING FORTH AN ISSUE, SECOND ISSUE, WE DISCUSSED AND SAW AN E-MAIL COME THROUGH FROM MR. RON FLICK ON THE CONTINUANCE OF THE TRUE VALLEY PROPERTY. I HAD A QUESTION AND I'D LIKE TO SEE IF THE CITY ATTORNEY COULD ADDRESS IT.
IS IT EVEN LEGAL FOR US TO BE ABLE TO ISSUE THAT CONTINUANCE?
>> I DIDN'T THINK SO. SO TONIGHT, WE HAVE A COUPLE OF THINGS AND AT THE LAST MEETING, WHEN STAFF TOOK THIS OFF THE AGENDA, BECAUSE THE APPLICATION WAS NOT COMPLETE.
BUT THAT DOES NOT MEAN AS IT WAS SENT TONIGHT, BY A CITIZEN, THAT THE PLANNING STAFF HAD AN AGENT AUTHORIZATION FROM THE VERY BEGINNING WHEN THIS APPLICATION CAME IN AUGUST.
AND THEN, THE AGENT AUTHORIZATION WAS CHANGED TO A DIFFERENT AGENT IN THE JANUARY TIME PERIOD.
SO WE ASKED THAT SECOND AGENT TO MAKE SURE MR. FLICK, TO MAKE SURE HE GOT US THAT. THE HEARING WAS COMING UP.
THE PLANNING BOARD HAD DECIDED IN DECEMBER, 2022 AND MADE THE RECOMMENDATION. AND SO, THEY HAD THE NEXT AUTHORIZATION CAME IN WITH THE TRUSTY OF THE TRUST SIGNING THAT. STAFF DIDN'T GO IN TO SEE OR PUSH ANY ORDER, ACCEPT THAT AS THEY ALWAYS DO.
WHEN I REVIEW, TO THE TWO DAYTIME PERIOD, BY THE WAY, FOR GETTING THINGS IN THE CITY, IS FOR INTERVENING PARTIES.
SO I GAVE THE DEVELOPER WHO HAD ALL THIS WAY, THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT, MAYBE I WAS WRONG, I WASN'T PICKING SIDES.
I THOUGHT THEY PAID THE APPLICATION FEE AND SAID THE
[01:30:03]
SIGNATURE CAS COMING. I GAVE THEM THE BENEFIT TO THE START OF THE HEARING OR RIGHT BEFORE, BEFORE IT WAS, IT DIDN'T COME IN. THE APPLICATION IS NOT COMPLETE.I DON'T THINK THAT IT IS RIGHT FOR THE CITY COMMISSION TO CONSIDER ANYTHING OF THE APPLICATION AT THIS POINT.
I SENT YOU A MEMO. MR. FLICK ALSO GOT A COPY OF THE MEMO. ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WAS MISSING, ONE OF THE PARCELS, WHEN I REALLY DUG INTO IT, DIDN'T HAVE ANY AUTHORIZATION FROM THE PROPERTY OWNER.
IT'S FOT OWNED BY THE TRUST. IT'S OWNED BY THE INDIVIDUAL.
I FEEL THE APPLICATIONS IS INCOMPLETE.
THAT'S MY LEGAL OPINION AND IT CANNOT BE HEARD AND IN MY MEMO, I DID SAY TO MR. FLICK THAT, IF YOU WITHIN 30 DAYS, COULD GET THE OWNERS SIGNATURES TO AUTHORIZE THE APPLICATION, THAT WE WILL GO BACK TO THE PLANNING BOARD, BECAUSE THEY MADE THE RECOMMENDATION REALLY, THIS MIGHT BE TOO HEAVY OF A TERM, UNDER FALSE PRETENSES. I DON'T THINK IT'S INTENDED BUT THEY DIDN'T MAKE A RECOMMENDATION WITH A COMPLETE APPLICATION EITHER. THAT WAS UNKNOWN TO ME AT THE TIME AND TO STAFF. IT'S NOT JUST STAFF DECIDED TWO DAYS BEFORE THE HEARING TO START LOOKING AT THE STUFF.
I DECIDED TO LOOK AT IT, WITHIN TEN DAYS OF THE HEARING.
MR. FLICK, AND SENT, AS THEY CAME IN, SAID HE COULDN'T GET
THE LAST ONE. >> WHEN I DUG IN A COUPLE OF DAYS IN PREPARATION, I REALIZE, THERE'S ONE PARCEL, THAT DOESN'T HAVE ANY AUTHORIZATION. I DON'T THINK IT'S RIGHT FOR THE COMMISSION TO CONTINUE IT. SO IF THE DEVELOPER IS UNABLE TO PROCEED IN THE NEXT 30 DAYS AND THE APPLICATION IS STILL INCOMPLETE, WOULD THEY BE ENTITLED TO A REFUND OF THEIR APPLI APPLICATION.
IF THAT'S NOT NORMALLY WHAT WE ZO AS A PRACTICE, BUT THE COMMISSIONER HAS WAVED FEES BEFORE AND THAT'S SOMETHING YOU WANT TO DO, WE CAN REFUND THE APPLICATION FEE, IF THE APPLICATION IS STILL INCOMPLETE AT THE END OF 30 DAYS.
I THINK IT'S MARCH 17TH, AT THE TOP OF MY HEAD.
>> OKAY. . >> ALL RIGHT, VICE MAYOR
TYPICALLY, WE HAD DISCUSSION AT THE LAST MEETING AND THERE'S SOMETHING VERY HEATED, HOW DOES THIS GET PULLED.
WE HAVE SOMETHING DISCUSSED IN THE MEETING AND THEY SPENT ALL THIS TIME AND EFFORT WITH ATTORNEYS.
THE STAFF, THAT WOK YOUR RESPONSIBILITY AT SOME POINT TO DIG IN, TO SEE IF IT'S VERIFIED THE APPLICATION IS COMPLETE
LEGALLY, CORRECT? >> YES STAFF DOESN'T HAVE THE SKILLS TO GO LOOK AT TRUST DOCUMENTS OR ANYTHING ELSE THAT MAY BE. THAT DIDN'T DIG IN.
THEY NEVER DIG IN. THEY LOOK TO SEE PROPERTY OWNER, SIGNED, NOTARIZED AND THE AGENT AND THAT'S IT.
>> AND THEY TYPICALLY, IT SHOULD, THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE HEARD. BUT AT THIS POINT, OBVIOUSLY, IF IT'S THIS FAR, WE NEED ALL THE VERIFICATIONS?
>> RIGHT. >> I WAS GOING TO SAY, STAFF DOESN'T DIG IN, NO. AND I WAS SAYING, THAT WAS ONE
PARCEL FROM THE BEGINNING. >> IT WAS BASICALLY A MISTAKE.
>> ERROR AND NOT INTENTIONAL. .
>> OTHER THING, WHEN THEY INTERVENE, WHEN THERE'S TWO INTERVENING PROCESS AND THEY HAVE TO HAVE EVERYTHING WITHIN TWO DAYS OF THE HEARING. AFFECTED PARTIES ARE ANYBODY WHO LIVE IN THE CITIES AND THEY CAN, AND I'VE SAID THIS, INTERVENING PARTIES, YOU COULD PRESENT EVIDENCE RIGHT AT THE HEARING.
THAT'S NOT THE INTENTION OR ADVICE FOR ME.
I NEVER SAID, THEY HAD TO BRING WITNESSES.
AND I SAID, EXPERT TESTIMONY SHOULD BE LAID MORE THAN TESTIMONY. I NEVER GAVE THE ADVICE THAT SOMEONE SHOULD BRING THEIR EXPERT WITNESS.
I BELIEVE THAT'S THE CHOICE OF THE PROPERTY OWNERS.
I THINK, IF I HAD TO DO IT AGAIN, I WOULDN'T PULL IT AT THE LAST MINUTE. I PROBABLY WOULD HAVE PULLED IT, PROBABLY WITHIN A COUPLE OF DAYS.
I WOULD HAVE PULLED IT A MONTH BEFORE.
I WHATS TRYING TO. I WAS TRYING TO BE HELPFUL, HONESTLY. NOT TAKING SIDES, BUT I WAS
[01:35:01]
TRYING TO BE HELPFUL. .>> COMMISSIONER ROSS? >> MY UNDERSTANDING, THERE'S FIVE PARCELS INVOLVED. AND WHEN THE ORIGINAL REPRESENTATION WAS MADE, WHAT STAFF BELIEVED, AND THAT THEY HAD THE APPROVAL OF ALL FIVE OF THE PARCELS.
JUST RELIED ON THE -- THEY RELIED ON THE MATERIAL PRESENTED TO THEM. THERE'S NO PROOF.
AND THEY DIDN'T LOOK INTO IT. WHEN THEY SAY THE CITY MANAGER, THAT REALLY MEANS THE CITY MANAGERS DESIGNATE, WHICH IS THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT. THE CITY MANAGER.
>> AND SO STAFF RELIED UPON THIS.
AND AT SOME POINT, IT BECAME OBVIOUS, YOU MAY HAVE HAD THE SIGNATURES BEFORE THE PARCELS, BUT YOU DIDN'T HAVE THE OTHER ONE. AT THAT POINT, THINGS WENT SIDEWAYS. THE APPLICATION IN FACT, IS
>> AND IT SHOULD NEVER HAD GONE BEFORE THE TRC BECAUSE IT WAS AN
INCOMPLETE APPLICATION? >> CORRECT.
>> AND THEY, AND THAT INCOMPLETE APPLICATION WAS BASED ON THE FACT THAT IT WAS, SHALL WE SAY, INAPPROPRIATE -- I DON'T WANT TO USE THAT WORD, REPRESENTATION MADE THAT THEY WERE THE AGENT FOR ALL FIVE PARCELS, WHEN FACT THEY WERE THE AGENT FOR ALL FOUR
PARCELS? >> WE HAD ONE PARCEL THAT DIDN'T
HAVE ANY AGENT RECOMMENDATION. >> I'M NOT GOING TO TALK ABOUT
THE INTENTION. >> I'M NOT GOING TO TALK ABOUT
THE INTENTION EITHER. >> AND HERE WE ARE.
>> AND START IN THE BEGINNING AND OFF WE GO.
IS THAT WHAT YOU'RE PROPOSING? >> I'M PROPOSING AN APPLICATION FEE HAS BEEN PAID. AT THIS POINT, WE CAN GO BACK TO THE PLANNING BOARD AND START OVER.
BUT TO THROW THE APPLICATION COMPLETELY OUT REQUIRING A NEW FEE, AS IF WE DIDN'T ALREADY COLLECT ONE I DON'T THINK IS FAIR TO THE APPLICANT. THE INTENTION IS TO COVER THE COSTS TO THE CITY OR SOME OF THE COSTS, NOT ALL BECAUSE THEY DON'T CAPTURE ALL IS THROUGH THE PROCESS, WHICH WOULD HAVE INCLUDED THE CITY COMMISSIONS, APPLICATION HEARING SO --
>> ALL RIGHT. GOOD DISCUSSION.
DO WE HAVE ANY FUTURE COMMENTS? >> NO, DEEP IN THE WEEDS OF THIS. APPARENTLY WE DID.
I'M JUST TRYING TO BE FAIR TO EVERYBODY INVOLVED IN JUST BE AS TRANSPARENT AS WE CAN. I'M NOT TRYING TO BLAME ONE SIDE, WHETHER IT'S THE APPLICANT OR WHETHER IT'S THE CITY.
OR WHETHER IT'S THE COMMISSION. I, YOU KNOW, MISTAKES HAPPEN, MISTAKES HAPPEN. IT'S A VERY CONTROVERSIAL ISSUE.
I UNDERSTAND THAT, TRYING TO BE AS TRANSPARENT AND FAIR AS POSSIBLE. THAT'S WHY I WANTED TO BRING IT UP, TO HAVE A DISCUSSION. I HAVE IT ON MY AGENDA TO, TO TALK TO CITY ATTORNEY AND THE CITY PLANNING DIRECTORS, SO THAT WE CAN KIND OF, YOU KNOW, MAYBE LOOK AT HOW WE DO THINGS IN THE FUTURE, MAYBE WE CAN DO A WORKSHOP ON IT LATER DOWN THE ROAD. I WANTED TO BRING SOME CLOSURE TO THIS AS BEST AS WE POSSIBLY COULD.
SO I -- THAT'S ALL I HAVE, MAYOR.
>> ANY COMMISSIONER ASKED YOU. >> I HAVE A FEW COMMENTS.
FIRST I HAVE ONE PIECE OF BUSINESS.
I HAVE A CALL FROM COUNTY COMMISSIONER JOHN MARTIN THIS PAST WEEK WHO STATED THAT WE HAVE ISSUE WITH THE CITY'S APPLICATION TO GO TO THE TAC AND REFRESH THE MEMORY.
THE CITY APPLICATION WE SENT IS FOR VICE MAYOR STURGES TO BE ON THE TRC. AND COMMISSIONER INFORMED ME THERE WAS ISSUES SOME SORT OF REQUIREMENT, MAXIMUM OF FOUR PEOPLE WHO PAID THEIR TAX. BASICALLY VICE MAYOR STURGES, YOU GOT THE SAME CALL. COULD YOU ELABORATE.
>> I APPRECIATE YOU BRINGING THAT UP.
UNFORTUNATELY, I'M VERY DISAPPOINTED I WANTED TO BE IN THE DRC AND BE SERVED I GOT SLIGHTED, EVERYBODY KNOWS THAT.
NOT IT'S REAL SLIGHT. AND I DON'T KNOW IF IT'S A LIAISON SOMEWHERE. AND UNFORTUNATELY, BECAUSE THE SHORT TERM, AND EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE IN THE LLC, BY RULE, THEY CAN ONLY HAVE FOUR SHORT TERM ROLES AND THEY ARE NOT AWARE THEY ARE SHORT TERM RENTALS. BECAUSE OF THAT, THEY ASKED THE OTHER MEMBERS, IF ANYBODY WAS INTERESTED IN STEPPING DOWN AND NOBODY WAS BECAUSE OF THE DEFAULT.
EVEN THOUGH WE AFFORDED OURSELVES TO THE DDC, I CANNOT
[01:40:01]
SERVE IN THE DDC, MAYBE IN THE FUTURE I CAN.BECAUSE IT ONLY HAVE BY RULE, AND STANDARD RULE FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE STAKEHOLDERS AND COLLECT BED TAX.
BECAUSE I COLLECT BED TAX, I CANNOT BE IN THE LIST.
AND SO, I WOULD OFFER, OLIVE BRANCH, BASICALLY, YOU SAW MYSELF TRADE BOARDS AND YOU COULD SERVE ON THE TDC AND I WOULD LOVE TO SERVE IN THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOARD.
>>ND AN I BELIEVE MR. AYSCUE, I HAVE THE REGIONAL.
AND THE VOTE HAS TO BE SETTLED BY A MOTION.
IF I HEAR A MOTION FROM THE FLOOR AND FROM ME, VICE MAYOR
STURGES, I WOULD MAKE. >> I MAKE A MOTION TO SUPPORT.
>> I HEAR A MOTION. >> I'LL SECOND.
>> AND A SECOND. ANY DISCUSSION? SEEING NONE, CITY CLERK. PLEASE CALL THE VOTE.
>> COMMISSIONER ANTUN? >> YES.
>> ADVICE MAYOR STURGES? >> YES.
CONGRATS ON YOUR APPOINTMENT. WITH THAT, I HAVE SOME OTHER COMMENTS, ECHO WHAT COMMISSIONER AYSCUE, CONGRATULATIONS TO VICTOR RUSSEL WE APPRECIATE HIS SERVICE TO THE CITY. WE WANT TO CONGRATULATE THE POLICE AUXILLARY CORE. THEY PROVIDED OVER 2500 HOUR SERVICE, ASSIST IN DAILY TRAFFIC CONTROL AND SERVICE, DEDICATION TO SAFEGUARD FERNANDINA BEACH. AND WE WANT TO WISH, AND I WANT TO THANK EVERYONE FOR HIS SERVICE.
WITH THAT I ADJOURN.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.