Sep 03, 2024 Regular Meeting

[1. CALL TO ORDER]

[00:00:09]

>> GOOD EVENING, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN AND WELCOME TO THIS MEETING OF THE CITY COMMISSION AS ALWAYS. WE WILL START WITH

THE ROLLCALL. >>

>> PLEASE RISE FOR THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED DATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS ONE NATION UNDER GOD INDIVISIBLE WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL. PLEASE REMAIN STANDING FOR OUR INVOCATION DELIVERED TONIGHT BY THE

REVEREND WARDELL AVANT JUNIOR. >> WE COME TO GIVE THANKS TO YOU KNOW. WE THANK YOU FOR OUR CITY, AND HOW YOU HAVE BLESSED AND KEPT US PROSPERED IN YOUR NAME. WE THANK YOU GOD FOR THIS MEETING TONIGHT AND WE PRAY THAT YOU WILL HAVE YOUR WAY.

GUIDE US BY YOUR WISDOM KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING AND

[4.1 PRESENTATION - NASSAU HUMANE SOCIETY - Nassau Humane Society Executive Director Chantal Scherer will present the "City Commission Dog of the Month."]

PRAY AMEN. >> THANK YOU, REVEREND. KICKING US OFF TODAY, WE DO HAVE A VERY SPECIAL GUEST IN THE CHAMBER.

IS NOT OUR SECRETARY OF STATE, IT IS THE DOG OF THE MONTH.

WELCOME, CAN YOU PLEASE INTRODUCE THE DOG?

>> THIS IS JUNE. I WANT TO SAY, A BIG THANK YOU LAST MONTH WE HAVE JAZZ HERE AND JAZZ HAS FOUND A HOME. JUNE HAS BEEN WITH US FOR ABOUT 15 MONTHS. SHE IS A LOVELY DOG . SHE IS SEVEN AND IS GREAT WITH FAMILY. SHE IS GREAT WITH OTHER DOGS.

>> IF SOMEONE WANTS TO ADOPT JUNE , WHAT CAN THEY DO, WORK

AND THEY GO? >> THEY CAN GIVE US A CALL .

YOU CAN, TO THE SHELTER. WE ARE ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE AIRPORT WHERE YOU CAN GO ONLINE AND LEARN ALL ABOUT JUNE AND

THE OTHER DOGS. >> HOW FULL IS THAT SHELTER

RIGHT NOW? >> WE ARE ALWAYS FULL BECAUSE WE RESCUED DOGS FROM KILL SHELTERS SO THAT DOGS GET A SECOND CHANCE. WE ARE ALWAYS AT CAPACITY. EVERY ADOPTION REALLY

MATTERS. >> PLEASE, GIVE HER A VISIT AND THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR COMING TONIGHT.

>> THANK YOU. >> COMING ON DOWN, WE DO HAVE

[4.2 PROCLAMATION - FLORIDA STATE SENATOR CLAY YARBOROUGH - Recognizing Florida Senator Clay Yarborough for his successful efforts in pursing legislative priorities for fiscal year 2024/2025 on behalf of the City of Fernandina Beach. Senator Clay Yarborough will be in attendance to accept. ]

[00:05:06]

FEW WORDS? >> THANK YOU, MAYOR.

COMMISSION, THANK YOU VERY MUCH. IT'S AN HONOR TO RECEIVE THIS AND I HAVE TO SAY, ALWAYS, THIS IS A TEAM EFFORT. THERE WAS A LOT OF GOOD WORK STARTED MANY YEARS BACK WHEN WE FIRST STARTED IN THE HOUSE. I HAD AN ADJACENT DISTRICT TO THIS AREA , MOSTLY ALL IN DEUEL COUNTY AND OUR SECRETARY OF STATE WAS YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE. WE SERVED FOR MANY YEARS TOGETHER IN THE FLORIDA HOUSE AND THEN HE IS A SECRETARY OF STATE AND I HAVE MOVED ON TO THE SENATE TO SUCCEED OUR -- AND I THINK SOME FOLKS HERE KNOW HIM. IT'S A TEAM EFFORT THOUGH, THAT IS MY POINT AND SENT ALL OF THAT. THAT'S A LOT OF FOLKS THAT IT TAKES TO BRING ABOUT THE SUCCESS. WE ARE THANKFUL FOR MR. JACOBS AND HIS ADVOCACY OVER IN TALLAHASSEE ON YOUR BEHALF AND I WANT TO SAY, I COULDN'T MISS THE OPPORTUNITY, WE GOT A LOT OF CALLS AND I KNOW THERE'S A LOT OF CONCERN ABOUT STATE ROAD 200, ESPECIALLY ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BRIDGE. I WANTED TO SHARE WITH YOU, IT'S TIMELY BECAUSE I HAVE A CALL FROM THE SECRETARY OF FDOT LAST WEEKEND HE TOLD ME THAT PROJECT HAS BEEN MOVED UP AND IT SHOULD BE LET OUT TO BID IN NOVEMBER, SO I KNOW THAT IS STILL A LITTLE BIT OF TIME BUT IT WAS GOING TO BE ANOTHER YEAR AND A HALF.

REALLY THANKFUL HE MADE A PERSONAL CALL TO SAY, WE HAVE HEARD FROM A LOT OF FOLKS. WE KNOW IT IS IMPORTANT TO THE COMMUNITY AND I KNOW THAT IS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BRIDGE, BUT IT'S STILL IMPORTANT BECAUSE OF THE AREA AND THE COMMUTE. WE HAVE GOOD THINGS COMING AND THERE IS MANY MORE PROJECTS THAT WE WILL WORK ON IN THE COMING SESSION. THANKS FOR LETTING US SERVE AND IT'S AN HONOR TO REPRESENT YOU IN TALLAHASSEE. THANK YOU FOR THIS HONOR. IT'S VERY HUMBLING.

APPRECIATED.

[4.3 PROCLAMATION - FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF STATE, SECRETARY OF STATE CORD BYRD - Recognizing Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd for dedicated service on behalf of preserving Florida's historical landmarks including the Amelia Island Lighthouse in 2024/2025. Secretary Cord Byrd and Legislative Assistant Katherine Woodby will be in attendance to accept. ]

[00:10:09]

FEW WORDS AS WELL. >> THANK YOU, IT'S WONDERFUL TO BE BACK WITH YOU. I DON'T GET UP HERE QUITE AS MUCH AS I USED TO, BUT I WANT TO LET YOU KNOW THAT WHATEVER I CAN DO IN TALLAHASSEE TO HELP NASSAU COUNTY, FERNANDINA BEACH , IT IS A TEAM EFFORT AND ALSO THAT JACOBS, AND BUDDY WHO ARE TIRELESSLY WORKING ON YOUR BEHALF IN TALLAHASSEE WHEN THEY BROUGHT IN THE LIGHTHOUSE TO OUR ATTENTION. ONE OF MY MANY HATS THAT I WEAR IS AS THE STATES HISTORICAL OFFICER AND THESE PRESERVING THE HISTORIC PLACES ARE CRITICALLY IMPORTANT TO THE STATE AND WE KNOW HOW IMPORTANT THEY ARE TO OUR COMMUNITIES AND SO WHATEVER I CAN DO IN THE FUTURE, I'M JUST A PHONE CALL AWAY AND I WILL BE SEEING YOUR DAD NEXT WEEK IN D.C. THANK YOU AGAIN I APPRECIATE THIS HONOR.

>> MOVING RIGHT ALONG , I SEE WALLY IS HERE. FOLKS, IT IS HISPANIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH. WALLY IS COMING OUT, ANYONE ELSE WHO IS HERE, IF YOU FEEL CALLED TO BE A PART --.

>> CONSTITUTION WEEK. >> WE ARE GOING TO GO STRAIGHT

[4.4 PROCLAMATION - "CONSTITUTION WEEK" - Proclaims the week of September 17–23, 2024, as “Constitution Week” in commemoration of America’s most important document. Daughters of the American Revolution, Amelia Island Chapter Regent Ms. Rebecca Mayle will be in attendance to accept the Proclamation. ]

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY A FEW WORDS?

>> YOU READ YOUR PROCLAMATIONS WITH BOTH EFFICIENCY AND EXPRESSION. I APPRECIATE THAT. MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION , CITY CLERK , CAROLINE BEST, MEMBERS OF THE AUDIENCE, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF OUR COUNTRY. WE HAVE THE FRAMEWORK OF OUR GOVERNMENT AND THE CONSTITUTION AND THE DAR HOPES THAT NO MATTER WHAT YOUR POLITICAL -- IS, COME TOGETHER AND UNDERSTAND THIS PRECIOUS DOCUMENT THAT IS A FOUNDATION OF OUR GOVERNMENT THAT MAKES US A NATION. PLEASE , IF YOU CAN, TAKE SOME TIME TO SEE WHAT IS IN THE CONSTITUTION AND MAYBE WHAT IS NOT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. BEFORE -- I HAVE A CONSTITUTION WITH POSTER FROM THE DAR TO PRESENT TO YOU, MR. MAYOR.

RIGHT HERE. WE SWAPPED. THANK YOU SO MUCH. THAT DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION HAVE DONE GREAT THINGS IN OUR COMMUNITY. WE APPRECIATE WHAT YOU DO.

AHEAD. USE THE MICROPHONE SO THE FOLKS AT HOME CAN HEAR YOU

AS WELL. >> I WANTED TO REMIND EVERYONE THAT THE FIRST LIGHT KEEPER FOR THE AMELIA ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE WILL BE MOVED FROM GEORGIA TO ITS PRESENT LOCATION AND WAS A VETERAN OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. AMOS , AND YOU CAN

[00:15:07]

THERE WAS ONE MORE POINT I WANTED TO MAKE THE -- THE ALZHEIMER'S HAS SET IN AND I'M LEAVING.

>> WE HAVE ONE LAST PROCLAMATION THAT WE DON'T WANT TO MISS, IT IS HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH. WE WILL GET THIS UP, WALLY, COME DOWN. ANYBODY WHO IS WITH HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH, COME ON BECAUSE THIS IS OUR LAST PROCLAMATION TODAY. THANK YOU FOR COMING. AFTER THIS YOU WILL BE TALKING ABOUT THE EVENT WE ARE HAVING? FOLKS, PROCLAMATION, WHEREAS THE UNITED STATES NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH IS CELEBRATED FROM SEPTEMBER 15TH TO OCTOBER 15TH. THIS TIMEFRAME IS OBSERVED BECAUSE IT COINCIDES WITH SEVERAL LATIN AMERICAN -- INCLUDING RICA, EL SALVADOR, HONDURAS, MEXICO, AND CHILE. HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH HONORS THE RICH CULTURE AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE HISPANICS WHOSE ANCESTORS CAME FROM SPAIN, MEXICO, CARIBBEAN AND CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA.

HISPANIC PRESENCE AND INFLUENCE DATES BACK TO THE EARLY 1500S AND HAS SUCH THEIR CULTURE IS INDISPUTABLE AND PART OF THE VIBRANT TAPESTRY. WHEREAS THROUGHOUT THE HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES HISPANICS HAVE PARTICIPATED IN SUPPORT OF THE IDEALS AS A COUNTRY SPECIFIC GROWING POPULATION, THEY CONTRIBUTE TO AMERICAN CULTURE , WHEREAS THIS COMMEMORATIVE MONTH HONORS INFLUENCE AND IMPACT OF HISPANICS AND ALL SPURTS OF SOCIETY AND PRESENTS OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE PRIDE IN THESE ROUTES AND HELP PROMOTE THE ROBUST DIVERSITY THESE CULTURES OFFER. WE AS A COMMUNITY AND GOVERNMENT ARE PROUD OF THE CULTURAL ENRICHMENT BROUGHT BY THAT DIVERSITY OF OUR HISPANIC POPULATION. BY THE VIRTUE OF THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN ME AS MAYOR OF OUR CITY DO HEREBY PROCLAIM SEPTEMBER 15TH THROUGH OCTOBER 15TH AS NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH AND AFFIXED MY SEAL TO THE SAME.

APPLAUSE ] THANK YOU. MR. WALLY, GO AHEAD. WHAT IS IN SPANISH AS WELL.

EVERYBODY GETS ONE. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. AND HONORING OUR CITY'S NAME, FERNANDINA BEACH , IN THE GREAT STATE OF FLORIDA , WE DO APPRECIATE THE MAYOR AND THE CITY COUNCILMAN , ALL ACKNOWLEDGING THIS MONTH , THAT IS VERY IMPORTANT. WILL BE HAVING ON THE 12TH OF OCTOBER , THE FERNANDINA BEACH THIRD ANNUAL HISPANIC HERITAGE FOOD FESTIVAL RIGHT ON THIRD STREET WOULD CLOSE DOWN THAT STREET.

WE HAVE FOUR BANDS THAT WILL BE THERE AND I'M GOING TO PLUG THEM. THESE ARE THE BANDS THAT WILL BE THERE. THIS IS THE FLYER FOR US THIS YEAR . WE ARE STILL LOOKING FOR SPONSORS IF YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT IT. BUT, THIS EVENT , THE HISPANIC HERITAGE FOOD FESTIVAL IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY FRIENDS OF FERNANDINA SKATE PARK , A LOCAL 501(C)(3) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION THAT HAD AN OLYMPIAN THIS YEAR . WE HAVE A GREAT SENATOR, SECRETARY , AND MR. YARBOROUGH , WE DO APPRECIATE BUT WE HAVE MR. -- AN OLYMPIAN'S DAD AND HERE. I LIKE TO ALWAYS ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. WENT TO PARIS AND LEADING HIS DAUGHTER TO A GREAT EVENT. OTHER THAN THAT, WE HAVE WE SENT GUERRERO AND MISS BARBARA BOTH WELL REPRESENTED IN OUR CITY. WORKS FOR OUR HIGH SCHOOL IN DEALING WITH OUR YOUNG HISPANICS AM I CORRECT? AUNT BARBARA WORKS FOR THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT . SO, WE ARE INTRINSIC AND ALL THAT IS HAPPENING . WHENEVER YOU GO TO ANY OF THESE RESTAURANTS, THE PEOPLE WASHING THE DISHES OR COOKING YOUR FOOD , EVEN IF IT IS RIGHT THERE AT THE BOATHOUSE IS USUALLY A HISPANIC PERSON.

WE WANT TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR THEM TO COME INTO CITY HALL, INTO OUR COURTHOUSES BY BEING ABLE TO WELCOME A LOT OF THEM .

A LOT OF THEM RIDE BICYCLES IN OUR TOWN AFRAID TO GET A

[00:20:05]

>> IF YOU HAVEN'T BEEN TO THE EVENT BEFORE, IT'S GREAT. THEY HAVE FOOD TRUCKS. IT IS AWESOME. WE ARE MOVING RIGHT ON THE LINE TO RESOLUTIONS. A LITTLE BIT OF HOUSEKEEPING HERE, WE HOPE TO HEAR FROM EVERYBODY TONIGHT IF YOU CAME OUT TO MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD, WE WILL HEAR ALL PUBLIC COMMENTS . WE HOPE THAT YOU WILL FILL OUT A PUBLIC COMMENT FORM . IN THE BACK OF THE ROOM THERE IS A FORM AND I WILL CALL YOU UP FOR PUBLIC COMMENT. EVERY SINGLE AGENDA ITEM WE ARE VOTING ON TONIGHT, WE WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ON EVERY ITEM. FILL OUT THAT FORM. I WILL NOT TO CALL YOU UP. AT THE END, WE HAVE A PLACE FOR OPEN THE COMMENTS.

[5.1 PÉTANQUE COURTS RELOCATION - RECONSIDER RESOLUTION 2024-139 - APPROVING THE RELOCATION OF THE AMELIA RIVER WATERFRONT PARK (PARKING LOTS C AND D) PÉTANQUE COURTS TO JOE VELARDI FIELD OR CENTRAL PARK, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $50,000; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Synopsis: Approves the relocation of the existing Pétanque Courts from Parking Lots C and D to Joe Velardi Field or Central Park in an amount not to exceed $50,000. The City Commission, at their August 6, 2024, Regular Meeting, approved Resolution 2024-139: relocating the Pétanque Courts to Joe Velardi Field. In response to public concern, the City Commission at their August 21, 2024, Regular Meeting, approved the reconsideration of Resolution 2024-123 at their September 3, 2024, Regular Meeting. ]

>> RESOLUTION 20 TO 4-139 IS THAT RECONSIDER PRIOR RESOLUTION FOR THE RELOCATION OF THE COURTS TO THE FIELD OF THE OF THE SIXTH REGULAR MEETING , ASSIGN THE FUNDS TO JOE VELARDI FIELD. THE CITY COMMISSION TO THE AUGUST 21ST MEETING APPROVED A RECONSIDERATION IN BETWEEN THAT MEETING AND WHERE WE ARE TONIGHT, CITY STAFF ALSO HELD A TOWN HALL MEETING TO SOLICIT FEEDBACK FROM THE COMMUNITY AND REPRESENTATIVES OF DIFFERENT GROUPS THAT WERE -- ALL HAVE A VESTED INTEREST. BASED OFF OF THAT FEEDBACK AND CITY ATTORNEY BACH CAN PROVIDE SOME MECHANICS ON HOW BEST TO STRUCTURE THIS RECONSIDERATION OR WE APPEAL, BUT CITY STAFF IS RECOMMENDING WE HIT THE POLICY BUTTON ON THE RELOCATION OF THESE COURTS. WE HAVE REPRESENTATIVES ON HIM STREET, BABE RUTH TONIGHT THAT MAY WANT TO SPEAK ON THIS TOPIC BUT CITY STAFF IS RECOMMENDING INNING PAUSE ON RELOCATING THESE COURTS TO EITHER CENTRAL PARK FROM THE WATERFRONT TO CENTRAL PARK OR JOE VELARDI FIELD. STAFF IS COMMITTED TO MAKING IMPROVEMENTS TO THE COURTS ENTER THERE NOW. THERE IS A NEED FOR IMPROVEMENTS. AND THEN WE WILL TAKE A LONGER LOOK ON THE NEED FOR THESE ADDITIONAL COURTS OR WHEREVER THESE COURTS COULD POSSIBLY GO LATER ON THIS YEAR AND ADDITIONALLY, THERE IS A QUESTION OF THESE COURTS ARE USED FOR TOURNAMENT PLAY. THE ONES DOWN AT THE WATERFRONT ARE FOR TOURNAMENT PLAY. IN THE EVENT WE HAVE A TOURNAMENT COMING DOWN , WE CAN USE PARKING LOT C AND D TO HOST THE TOURNAMENT. STAFF RECOMMENDS THAT APPROACH AND WE CAN WALK TO THE MECHANICS OF HOW TO WORK

WITHIN THIS RESOLUTION. >> THANK YOU. YOU ARE RECOGNIZED TO DESCRIBE HOW -- AS WE ARE NOT VOTING , CORRECT?

>> SO, THIS IS ON HERE AS A RECONSIDERATION, WHICH MEANS THAT YOU DID PASS A RESOLUTION TO MOVE PETANQUE TO JOE VELARDI FIELD. THAT WAS MADE AND THE RECONSIDER WAS PASSED. WE MOVED INTO THIS AGENDA INSTEAD OF KEEPING IT ON THE LAST SO THAT WE HAD TIME TO HEAR FROM THE COMMUNITY AND SO HERE WE ARE.

THIS RESOLUTION IS PASSED AND I THINK ONE OF THE ITEMS, IF YOU AGREE WITH STAFF'S RECOMMENDATION , WHICH IS TO HIT THE PAUSE BUTTON AS MR. GLISSON SAID, AND NOT MOVE ANY PARTS TO JOE VELARDI FIELD AND NOT MOVE ANY COURTS OR ADD NEW COURTS TO CENTRAL PARK AT THIS TIME, THEN I THINK THE EASIEST IS TO REPEAL THE RESOLUTION NUMBER ON THERE AND THAT JUST TAKES AWAY THAT WHOLE VOTE THAT YOU DID BEFORE.

>> DESCRIBED THAT, THAT WOULD BE A MOTION TO REPEAL AND THE SECOND IS NORMAL? THANK YOU SO MUCH. NOW QUESTIONS , COMMISSIONER QUESTION TIME. I WILL CALL COMMISSIONER GLISSON BACKUP IF THAT IS OKAY. I KNOW WE HAVE HAD CONVERSATIONS OF THE CITY ABOUT THE PETANQUE COMMUNITY. PART OF THIS WOULD BE WE ARE COMMITTING TO REFURBISHING THE EIGHT COURTS THAT ARE AT CENTRAL PARK FOR THESE COURTS ARE NOT REGULATION LENGTH THEY DON'T HAVE NEW TIMBERS. WHAT KIND OF RENOVATIONS DO WE DO TO MAKE SURE CENTRAL PARK ARE UP TO

SNUFF? >> THEY NEED NEW MATERIAL. THEY NEED SOME WEED CONTROL AND SMALL TIMBER ADJUSTMENTS ,

[00:25:04]

>> FOLLOW-UP QUESTION, I KNOW THE OTHER PART OF THIS PLAN, THE REASON YOU WOULD NEED 16 AT THE SAME TIME , THAT IS BECAUSE OF THIS TOURNAMENT PLAY WHICH OCCURS SEVERAL TIMES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. COULD YOU DESCRIBE -- I KNOW WE ALREADY HAD A PLAN TO CONTINUE THE ANNUAL LARGE TOURNAMENT AT THE WATERFRONT IN THE PARKING LOT THAT WILL BE C AND E. CAN YOU DESCRIBE HOW THAT PROCESS WOULD WORK ? WE WANT TO COORDINATE WITH THEM TO SEVERAL TIMES A YEAR. THEY NEED COURTS, BUT MOST OF THE TIME

THEY WOULD ONLY HAVE A FEW. >> 16 REGULATION COURTS RETURN AT PLAY. AS WE HAVE DONE WITH AMELIA OPEN, WE CLOSE OFF PARKING LOT FOR C AND B AND THAT LOT BECOMES THE COURTS THEY CAN USE. WITH THE NEW PLAN , THAT BID WENT OUT TODAY. EVEN WITH THAT NEW PARKER CONFIGURATION WITHIN THAT GRAVEL AND THEY WOULD FOLLOW A SPECIAL EVENT. MIGHT HAVE A TOURNAMENT AND FOLLOW THE APPLICATION PROCESS LIKE WHAT WE DO WITH OTHER EVENTS THAT USE OUR PARKING LOTS FOR A SPECIAL EVENT FOR A WEEKEND WEATHER FISH AND RODEO OR FESTIVAL. THEY WOULD FOLLOW THE SAME PROCESS AND USE THOSE

PARKING LOTS FOR THAT PURPOSE. >> THAT MAKES A LOT OF SENSE TO ME. ANY OTHER COMMISSIONER QUESTIONS?

>> MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT THE CURRENT 16 COURTS THAT ARE DOWN AT THE WATERFRONT WOULD BE LEFT IN PLACE UNTIL THE

INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT? >> YES, SIR.

>> IT'S MY UNDERSTANDING THAT WHEN THOSE 16 COURTS COME OUT FOR THAT INTERNATIONAL DETERMINANT -- TOURNAMENT THAT WOULD ONLY ALLOW 52 COURTS IN THE PARKING LOT AS IT IS, WITHOUT THOSE ADDITIONAL 16 COURTS, THE FINANCIAL VIABILITY OF THAT INTERNATIONAL TURN IS PROBABLY NOT GOING TO HAPPEN WITHOUT THOSE 16 ADDITIONAL COURTS?

>> UNDERSTAND THE FINANCIAL LIABILITY OF REDUCING COURTS MAKES AMELIA OPEN -- IT MAY NOT BE POSSIBLE. I CAN'T SPEAK TO THAT. WE ARE JUST ASKING TO HIT THE PAUSE BUTTON ON THIS TO TAKE CARE OF THE INCREMENTS RIGHT NOW. AS IT GETS UNDER DEVELOPMENT AND WE CAN COME BACK AND THERE IS OTHER THINGS BEING DISCUSSED, WE CAN REVISIT THIS AT ANOTHER TIME.

>> I HAVE PUBLIC COMMENT AND IT IS PERFECT , BUT MR. ABBOTT,

YOU ARE FIRST ON THE LIST. >> JOHN ABBOTT, 1601 NECTARINE STREET , J7 FERNANDINA BEACH , FOR ALL OF THOSE IN THE AUDIENCE AM THE PRESIDENT OF THE CLUB. I APPRECIATE BEING HERE THIS EVENING TO ADDRESS THIS . I THINK WE HAVE TWO DIFFERENT SUBJECTS AT HAND. I THINK WE -- I'M UNDERSTANDING THE PROCEDURAL VOTE THAT YOU ARE ABOUT TO TAKE ON THE RESOLUTION ITSELF REGARDING JOE VELARDI FIELD. THAT HAS TO DO WITH OUR CONTINUING EFFORTS TO FIND THOSE 16 COURTS THAT MAY BE LOST IN THE MARINA WATERFRONT PARK PLAN. AS WELL AS THE RENOVATION OF OUR COURTS AT CENTRAL PARK. A SEPARATE AND PARALLEL CONCERN OF OURS IS THE CONTINUATION OF THE ANNUAL TOURNAMENT. I HAVE PROCURED THROUGH A REQUEST FOR DOCUMENTS DRAWINGS OF THE PARK PLAN AND I CONCLUDE WITH COMMISSIONER ROSS WHAT WE WILL BE ABLE TO GET SOMEWHERE BETWEEN 52 AND 54 COURTS , SMALL COURSE FOR THE OPEN IN PARKING LOT C AND D OF THE WATERFRONT PARK PLANT. THIS YEAR WE WILL HAVE 90 COURTS.

YOU CAN DO THE MATH UNTIL THE DIFFERENCE AND THAT IS WHERE THE QUESTION OF LOSING 36 QUARTS, THE FINANCIAL VIABILITY OF OUR OPEN, WE WILL HAVE TO TAKE A LOOK AT -- THAT IS ON AMELIA ISLAND. THAT IS WHERE WE ARE WITH THAT. I'M NOT SURE WHAT ELSE TO ADDRESS, BUT THOSE ARE THE TWO CONCERNS. OUR SEXTING COMPETITION COURTS, THE ABILITY TO HAVE TOURNAMENTS DURING THE YEAR AND WE ARE INTERESTED IN THE CONTINUING VIABILITY OF THE AMELIA OPEN ITSELF.

>> THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US TONIGHT, SIR. LET'S CALL IT

[00:30:01]

MR. PETE STEVENSON. >> STEVENSON 1627 HIGHLAND DUNES WAY . FIRST OF ALL, CONGRATULATIONS. SOMEBODY USED THE C WORD AGAIN CALLED COMPROMISE. AND I HAVE BEEN PUSHING FOR SOMETHING ALONG THIS LINE AND WHAT MAYOR BEEN , WE DESCRIBED HAS BEEN A VERY SMART STEP . IF I LOOK AT CIRCLE PARK RIGHT NOW AND LOOK AT THE FIELDS, THEY NEED SOME TLC. THAT'S RECOGNIZED , AND THAT MOVING FORWARD TO GET THAT FIXED, THAT GIVES THE LOCALS A PLACE TO PLAY ON A REGULAR BASIS. IF I WERE TO LOOK AT IT, I WOULD HAVE SAID JUST LEAVE THE BATON COURSES EXACTLY WHERE THEY ARE RIGHT NOW. WE SPENT $33,000 A FEW YEARS AGO. IF THERE IS A PLAN WHERE WE CAN REARRANGE, REPOSITION, DO THE SAME THING AND ALSO MAYBE ADDRESS SOME OF THE ISSUES IN TERMS OF DOWNTOWN PARKING FOR SPECIAL EVENTS, SHRIMP REST, THIS MAY BE THE BEST SOLUTION.

I HATE TO SAY IT BUT I THINK I LIKE IT BETTER THAN MY OWN IDEA. I WANT TO COMMEND EVERYBODY THAT IS WORKING ON THIS, THE DOCTOR THAT WE ARE COMING TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY TO TRY AND COME UP WITH A WAY TO NOT SPEND MONEY WE DON'T HAVE TO. I REALLY DON'T WANT TO SEE CENTRAL PARK REDUCED TO ITS GREEN FOOTPRINT. THIS ELIMINATES THAT ISSUE. THE OTHER THING IT DOES, IT GIVES A LOT OF PEOPLE TIME TO GO AND LOOK AND SEE WHAT OTHER ALTERNATIVES MIGHT BE AVAILABLE . WE MAY NOT HAVE EVEN FLIPPED THE COIN ON YET.

CONGRATULATIONS, AND I REALLY APPRECIATE EVERYTHING BEING DONE TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM RIGHT NOW.

>> APPRECIATE YOU COMING HERE TONIGHT. WITH THAT BEING SAID, THAT IS ALL THE PUBLIC COMMENT I HAVE. DO I HEAR A MOTION?

>> MAKE A MOTION TO REPEAL RESOLUTION 2024-139 .

>> SECOND. >> ANY COMMISSIONER DISCUSSION ON THIS? SEEING NONE I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO EVERYBODY FOR WORKING TOGETHER. THAT TOWNHALL LAST WEEK WAS A HUGE SUCCESS WITH EVERYBODY COMING TOGETHER AND COMING UP WITH THE C WORD. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. COMPROMISE

IS GOOD. PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >>

>> PASS IS 5-0. I THINK -- WE ALREADY HAVE CONSENSUS. IT SOUNDS LIKE MR. GLISSON HAS DIRECTION TO WORK ON IMPROVING THE CENTRAL PARK PETANQUE COURTS AS THEY STAND RIGHT NOW.

IS THERE ANY OBJECTION TO THAT? SEEING NONE, MR. GLISSON, THANK

[5.2 LIABILITY INSURANCE RENEWAL - PREFERRED GOVERNMENTAL INSURANCE TRUST (PGIT) - RESOLUTION 2024-157 APPROVING A TWELVE-MONTH RENEWAL WITH PREFERRED GOVERNMENTAL INSURANCE TRUST (PGIT) COVERAGE FOR CITY PROPERTY, GENERAL LIABILITY, WORKERS’ COMPENSATION, LAW ENFORCEMENT LIABILITY, PUBLIC OFFICIALS’ LIABILITY, AUTOMOBILE LIABILITY AND PHYSICAL DAMAGE; APPROVING OTHER INSURANCE POLICIES COVERING MARINA, FLOOD, AIRPORT, ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT (AD&D), YOUTH ACCIDENT, ENVIRONMENTAL AND LIQUOR LIABILITY; AUTHORIZING EXECUTION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Synopsis: Approving a twelve-month renewal offer by Preferred Governmental Insurance Trust (PGIT). ]

>> RESOLUTION 2024- 157 OF FROM A 12 MONTH RENEWAL WITH PGIT COVERAGE FOR THE CITY . THIS IS THE CITY'S GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE. WE HAVE OUR REPRESENTATIVE CONSULTANT, MR. OLSON WHO CAN PROVIDE ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE ON THE COVERAGE . THE NUMBERS CAME IN BETTER THAN WHAT WAS INITIALLY ESTIMATED. STAFF RECOMMENDS APPROVAL.

>> ANY QUESTIONS ? DO I HEAR A MOTION? MOTION FOR APPROVAL.

>> ANY COMMISSIONER DISCUSSION ON THIS? SEEING NONE, I WANT TO THANK JOHN FOR BEING WITH US TONIGHT AND THANKS FOR ANOTHER GREAT YEAR OF INSURANCE. PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.

>>

[5.3 PROPOSAL APPROVAL - STANDARD INSURANCE COMPANY - RESOLUTION 2024-158 APPROVING A PROPOSAL WITH STANDARD INSURANCE COMPANY (THE STANDARD) TO PROVIDE LIFE AND AD&D INSURANCE POLICY COVERAGE FOR EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF FERNANDINA BEACH EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2024, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2027; AUTHORIZING EXECUTION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Synopsis: Approves Standard Insurance Company Group Life and AD&D insurance coverage proposal, in the amount of $45,033, a savings of 21.9% from Fiscal Year 2023-2024.]

COMPANY. >> DENISE MATSON, HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR. THIS ITEM ALONG WITH THE NEXT TWO ITEMS RELATE TO OUR EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PROGRAM. THIS YEAR OUR BENEFITS CONSULTANT BROWN AND BROWN, WE WENT OUT TO BID ON OUR INSURANCE AND THIS FIRST ITEM IS TO MOVE TO STANDARD LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY PREVIOUSLY WE WERE WITH MUTUAL OF OMAHA. THE STANDARD PROVIDED A PROPOSAL FOR A THREE YEAR RATE GUARANTEE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2027 AND A 21.9% REDUCTION IN PREMIUM.

THE ANNUAL PREMIUM AMOUNT IS 45,033 , A SAVINGS OF 21.9% FOR THIS COMING YEAR. IT IS FUNDED IN THE BUDGET FOR THIS NEW

[00:35:04]

FISCAL YEAR. >> ANY QUESTIONS?

>> IT'S TERM LIFE INSURANCE? >> YES, SIR.

>> AM I HEARING THAT RIGHT? WE SAVE 20% ON OUR INSURANCE? YES, BUT WAIT TILL WE GET TO THE HEALTH INSURANCE.

>> OKAY. >> DO I HEAR A MOTION?

>> PEOPLE ARE LIVING LONGER. INSURANCE GOES DOWN BUT MEDICAL

INSURANCE GOES UP? >> VERY INSIGHTFUL FROM DR.

ROSS. WE HAVE A MOTION, DO I HEAR A SECOND? WITH THAT, ANY FURTHER COMMISSIONER DEBATE ON THIS? PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.

>>

[5.4 PROPOSAL APPROVAL – UNITED HEALTHCARE - MEDICAL, DENTAL, AND VISION - RESOLUTION 2024-159 ACCEPTING A PROPOSAL FROM UNITED HEALTHCARE TO PROVIDE MEDICAL, DENTAL, AND VISION INSURANCE COVERAGE; AUTHORIZING EXECUTION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Synopsis: Approves the United Healthcare health, dental and vision insurance coverage proposal in the amount of $3,538,298, which has been funded in the Fiscal Year 2024-2025.]

>> 2024-159 IS TO REQUEST APPROVAL OF UNITED HEALTHCARE FOR THE CITIES HEALTH, DENTAL AND VISION INSURANCE FOR INSURANCE BENEFITS FOR FISCAL YEAR 24-25. MARKET ANALYSIS WAS CONDUCTED BY BROWN AND BROWN . WE DID TWO OTHER PROPOSALS BUT UNITED HEALTHCARE PROPOSED A 13.8% INCREASE RATHER THAN AN INITIAL 23% INCREASE . OUR CLAIM EXPERIENCES ARE RUNNING AT ABOUT 109 .5%. WE ARE AWARE OF VERY HIGH CLAIMS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN PAID YET SO WE DO BELIEVE THAT THIS IS THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CITY TO APPROVE THIS PROPOSAL FROM UNITED

HEALTHCARE. >> ANY QUESTIONS?

>> DO YOU KNOW THE MAGNITUDE OF THE MONEY WE ARE SPENDING?

>> THE ANNUAL PREMIUM IS $3,538,298. FOR ONE YEAR.

>> JUST TO BREAK THAT DOWN FURTHER, IS THIS A GOOD DEAL CONSIDERING WE HAVE OUR 200 EMPLOYEES?

>> YES, SIR. ABSOLUTELY. THE AVERAGE INCREASE NATIONWIDE IS 15 TO 25% IN PREMIUMS. THIS IS A GOOD BENEFIT FOR EMPLOYEES AS WELL AS WE HAVE HAD A LONG RELATIONSHIP WITH UNITED HEALTHCARE. WE HAVE BEEN WITH THEM NINE YEARS.

>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR EXPERT OPINION ON THIS. DO I HEAR ANY OTHER COMMENTS FOR MISS DENISE? DO I HEAR A MOTION? ANY COMMISSIONER DISCUSSION? SEEING NONE, CITY CLERK, PLEASE CALL

THE ROLL. >>

[5.5 AGREEMENT APPROVAL – CURALINC, LLC. - RESOLUTION 2024-160 APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH CURALINC, LLC, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS CURALINC HEALTHCARE, FOR EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE SERVICES; AUTHORIZING EXECUTION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Synopsis: Approves CuraLinc, LLC., otherwise known as CuraLinc Healthcare, for employee assistance services, in an amount not to exceed $5,972. ]

>> THAT PASSES 5-0. 5.5, AGREEMENT APPROVAL WITH YOUR

LINK LLC. >> THIS IS RESOLUTION 2024-160 TO PROVIDE A PLOY ASSISTANCE TO CURALINC LLC . WE WENT TO BED ON OUR EMPLOYEE BENEFIT SERVICES THIS YEAR. CURALINC PROVIDED A PROPOSAL WITH A 36% REDUCTION IN PREMIUM AS WELL AS EXPENDED AND IF IT'S. THEY DO OFFER A PROGRAM FOR FIRST RESPONDERS, WHICH WE FELT WAS VERY IMPORTANT FOR POLICE AND FIRE. THE ANNUAL PREMIUM FOR THIS IS $5972.

>> ANY QUESTIONS? >> HOW DO THEY DO IT SO

CHEAPLY? >> I DON'T KNOW.

>> OKAY. WITH THAT, DO I HEAR A MOTION? ANY DISCUSSION FURTHER?

CITY CLERK, PLEASE CALL ROLE. >>

[5.6 COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT - NORTHEAST FLORIDA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES, LOCAL 630, LABORERS' INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA, AFL-CIO-CLC - RESOLUTION 2024-161 APPROVING THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF FERNANDINA BEACH AND THE NORTHEAST FLORIDA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES, LOCAL 630, LABORERS' INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA, AFL-CIO-CLC FOR THE PERIOD OF OCTOBER 1, 2024, TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2027; AUTHORIZING EXECUTION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Synopsis: Approves the labor agreement with the Northeast Florida Public Employees, Local 630, Laborers' International Union of North America, AFL-CIO-CLC, for the period of October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2027.]

>> THAT PASSES 5-0. LET'S TALK ABOUT THE UNION. MR. GLISSON, COLLECTIVE-BARGAINING AGREEMENT, NORTHEAST FLORIDA PUBLIC EMPLOYEES LOCAL 630, LABORERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF

NORTH AMERICA. >> RESOLUTION 2024-161 APPROVING THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF HER ANEMIA EACH AND THAT NORTHEAST FLORIDA EMPLOYEES LOCAL 630 KNOWN AS FIONA. WE WORKED WITH THEM AND A NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES ARE HERE TONIGHT AS STAFF WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK ON THIS ITEM. WE HAD A SUCCESSFUL COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AND THIS UNION COMPRISES ABOUT 80 EMPLOYEES WITHIN OUR 242 FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES. IT'S ABOUT 35% OF OUR WORKFORCE IN THIS UNION. STAFF RECOMMENDS APPROVAL.

[00:40:03]

>> ANY QUESTIONS FOR MR. GLISSON? MR. RONNIE BURRIS SPEAKS ON BEHALF OF THE UNION TONIGHT., ON UP, SIR.

>> THANK YOU. >> NAME AND ADDRESS FOR THE

RECORD PICK >> RONNIE BURRIS , I'M A BUSINESS MANAGER , NOT PRESIDENT , LOCAL 630. I DON'T LIVE IN FERNANDINA. I LIVE IN JACKSONVILLE BUT I DO REPRESENT THE EMPLOYEES THAT WORK FOR THE CITY OF FERNANDINA BEACH AS THE CITY MANAGER SAID AND I WANT TO THANK JEREMIAH AND DENISE FOR NEGOTIATING IN GOOD FAITH . I WANT TO THANK OUR TEAM , MY TEAM MEMBERS HERE . ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS ABOUT NEGOTIATIONS IS, IT HAS TO BE A WIN-WIN FOR EVERYBODY, SO I TELL MY TEAM THAT WHEN WE NEGOTIATE A CONTRACT, WE HAVE TO SELL IT TO THE CITY, THE CITY HAS A CELL TO THE COMMISSION AND YOU HAVE TO SELL IT TO THESE WONDERFUL PEOPLE.

THAT'S WHAT WE HAVE TO DO AND THAT'S WHAT WE STRIVE TO DO.

IT IS NOT ABOUT WHO GETS THE BEST DEAL . IT IS ABOUT A WIN-WIN , AND I HAVE BEEN IN THIS BUSINESS FOR ALMOST 40 YEARS. I HAVE BEEN DOING IT A LONG TIME, AND THE SENATOR WAS HERE. WE ENDORSED HIM WHEN HE FIRST RAN AND HE WAS ONLY 25 YEARS OLD OR SO, --. AND I SPOKE WITH THE CONGRESSMAN BEAN TODAY , MET WITH HIM , SO I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU TO THE COMMISSION. I WANT TO THANK THE PEOPLE AND TELL YOU THAT YOU HAVE SOME VERY GOOD EMPLOYEES THAT REPRESENT YOU IN THE WORK THEY DO. BEFORE I STOP, I WANT TO SAY, I WANT TO THANK -- AND HE'S NO LONGER WITH US, BUT CHARLIE WAS IN SOME OF OUR NEGOTIATIONS. I WANT TO THANK HIM ALSO. THANK

YOU. >> THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US TONIGHT. WE ALL MISS CHARLIE AS WELL. I SEE A NUMBER OF OUR GUYS OUT HERE. IF YOU ARE ONE OF OUR MAINTENANCE TEAM MEMBERS, COULD YOU PLEASE WAIVE OR RAISE YOUR HAND? THANK YOU GUYS FOR BEING HERE. I APPRECIATE WHAT YOU ALL DO FOR THE CITY. WITH THAT, DO I HEAR A MOTION? ALL RIGHT, ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION ON THIS? SEEING NONE, CITY CLERK, PLEASE

CALL THE ROLL. >>

>> THAT CONTRACT PASSES 5-0. WITH THAT, MOVED TO 5.7,

[5.7 INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT - NASSAU COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - YBOR ALVAREZ REGIONAL SPORTS COMPLEX - RESOLUTION 2024-162 APPROVING AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH THE NASSAU COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR LAND PURCHASE AT THE CITY AIRPORT AND REDEVELOPMENT OF THE YBOR ALVAREZ SPORTS COMPLEX WHERE NASSAU COUNTY AND THE CITY WILL SHARE THE COSTS OF LAND ACQUISITION AND REDEVELOPMENT OF THE SPORTS COMPLEX; AUTHORIZING EXECUTION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Synopsis: Approves an interlocal agreement between the City and the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners to support the soccer field project at the Ybor Alvarez field.]

PARTNERSHIP. >> THIS IS AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS TO CONTRIBUTE $1.7 MILLION AND THAT REPRESENT 50% OF THE ESTIMATE COST TO RECONSTRUCT THE SOCCER FIELDS AT YBOR ALVAREZ SPORTS COMPLEX. THE PROJECT IS TO -- THIS IS AIRPORT LAND THAT IS CONTROLLED BY FAA GRANT REGULATIONS SINCE THE CITY GETS MONEY FROM FAA FOR TAXIWAYS AND OTHER IMPROVEMENTS AND D.O.T., WE HAVE GRANT OBLIGATIONS. ONE OF THOSE MAIN GRANT OBLIGATIONS IS THAT WE MAKE THE AIRPORT AVAILABLE FOR AERONAUTICAL USERS , SOMEBODY HAS ASKED TO USE THE AREA, THE 10 ACRES WHERE THE SOCCER FIELD IS CURRENTLY AND IF ANY OF YOU HAVE BEEN OUT THERE, EVEN IN 10 YEARS AGO, THEY ARE IN BAD SHAPE. THEY NEED TO BE REBUILT ANYWAY, SO THOSE SOCCER FIELDS, THE PLAN IS TO RELOCATE THEM OVER WHERE THE SOFTBALL FIELDS ARE PICKED THAT IS ANOTHER 10 ACRE, 10 TO 15 ACRES OF LAND.

TOTALLY RECONSTRUCT THE SOCCER FIELDS AND MAKE THOSE GRASSY AREAS WITH REGARD TO PAINTING LINES AND THINGS TO BE ABLE TO BE USED AS MULTIPURPOSE FOR OTHER SPORTS, BUT CERTAINLY ACCOMMODATE SOCCER. WE ARE EXCITED FOR THIS $3.4 MILLION PROJECT AND IT WILL BE ABOUT HALF OF THE PROJECT COST TO ACQUIRE THE LAND FROM THE AIRPORT TO RELEASE IT FROM THOSE FAA REGULATIONS AND THE OTHER HALF IS TO CONSTRUCT THE SOCCER FIELDS. AND OTHER MULTIPURPOSE SPORTS.

>> ANY QUESTIONS? SEEING NONE, DON'T HAVE ANY REQUESTS TO

[00:45:06]

MAYOR STURGES ? >> THANK YOU. I JUST WANT TO SPEAK ABOUT THIS BRIEFLY. THIS IS A FEATHER IN THIS COMMISSIONS CAP. I THINK THIS IS A CONTINUATION LOOKING FOR A LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIP WITH NASSAU COUNTY AS FAR AS TRYING TO WORK TOGETHER BEEN GREAT PARTNERS IN CREATING THE THINGS THAT OUR COMMUNITY NEEDS. I JUST WANT TO SAY , WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO IT IN ORDER TO CONTINUE AND ALSO -- AWESOME RELATIONSHIP WITH NASSAU COUNTY. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH. COMMISSIONER ROSS?

>> I WILL BE VOTING FOR THIS MEASURE. IT'S IMPORTANT TO APPRECIATE WHAT NASSAU COUNTY HAS DONE. THERE IS A FISCAL FUNDING CLAUSE WHICH MEANS THAT IF THE COUNTY COMMISSION , I ASSUME THEY WON'T DO IT, FINDS THAT THEY DON'T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY, THEY DON'T HAVE TO FUND THEIR PURCHASE. THAT IS IN THEIR AS A CLAUSE. JUST SO EVERYBODY IS AWARE.

>> OKAY. MISS BACH? >> THAT IS A STANDARD CLAUSE

HAVE THE MONEY. >> THEY ARE PROBABLY GOING TO

PAY FOR IT THEN? >> RIGHT. THAT IS A STANDARD PROVISION THAT GOES IN MANY GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS GIVING AN OUT IF THERE IS A BODY SUCH AS YOURS --. YOU ARE TECHNICALLY NOT A LOT TO FIND FUTURE ELECTED BODIES. IF YOU DON'T BUDGET FOR IT, YOU DON'T GET THE MONEY.

>> UNDERSTOOD. >> EVEN HAVE TO PUT THE MONEY ON THE LOCKBOX? WE KNOW WE WOULD GET THE MONEY?

>> IT DEPENDS ON WHEN IS THE ANSWER.

>> THE ANSWER IS YES, MAYBE? >> MAYBE. WE ARE GLAD TO BE

MOVING FORWARD. >> I AGREE 100%.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH, COMMISSIONER ROSS. WE WILL PUT IT IN A LOCKBOX BECAUSE WE TRUST THEM. THIS COMMISSION, WE HAVE BEEN WORKING HAND-IN-HAND WITH THE COUNTY AND LET ME REMIND EVERYBODY, WE WERE BUTTON HEADS EVERY FIRST FRONT-PAGE. THE CITY AND THE COUNTY WERE FIGHTING TO GET IT.

NOW YOU OPEN THE NEWS AND YOU SEE THE CITY AND THE COUNTY ARE TEAMING UP TO REDO THE SOCCER FIELDS . ALL THE KIDS WIN BECAUSE WE WILL BE WORKING TOGETHER. I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU SO MUCH TO OUR NASSAU COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS BEING WILLING TO WORK WITH THE CITY AND I WANT TO THANK THIS COMMISSION BEING WILLING TO WORK WITH THE COUNTY. THANK YOU, GUYS. WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND. NO FURTHER DISCUSSION. PLEASE CALL ROLE.

>>

[5.8 AWARD OF ITB 24-17 - PERFORMANCE PAINTING - RESOLUTION 2024-163 AWARDING ITB 24-17 TO PERFORMANCE PAINTING IN FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025 FOR PRESSURE WASHING AND PAINTING; AUTHORIZING EXECUTION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Synopsis: Approves awarding Invitation to Bid 24-17 to Performance Painting for pressure washing and painting for Fiscal Year 2024/2025. Funds are included in various Maintenance Department accounts in Fiscal Year 2024/2025.]

>> AWARDING ITB 24-17 TO PERFORMANCE PAINTING IN FISCAL YEAR 24-25. A VENDOR THAT STAFF RECOMMENDS FOR PRESSURE WASHING

. STAFF RECOMMENDS APPROVAL. >> ANY QUESTIONS? DO I HEAR A MOTION? ANY DISCUSSION , DEBATE?

>> I THINK IT'S A GREAT PAINTING. CALL THE ROLL.

>>

[5.9 LEASE PURCHASE AGREEMENT - MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS CREDIT COMPANY LLC - RESOLUTION 2024-164 APPROVING THE MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS CREDIT COMPANY LLC LEASE PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR RADIOS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS; AUTHORIZING EXECUTION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Synopsis: Approves the Motorola Solutions Credit Company LLC lease purchase agreement for first responder radios and associated equipment, in the amount of $912,086.98.]

MR. GLISSON. >> APPROVING THE PURCHASE FINANCING WITH MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS CREDIT COMPANY LLC FOR THE LEASE PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR FIRST RESPONDENT RADIOS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT. THEY ARE HERE TO SPEAK TO THIS INITIATIVE. THIS IS A HIGHLIGHT WITHIN THE BUDGET SESSION IN THE BUDGET WORKSHOP DUE TO EXPENSE. STAFF

RECOMMENDS APPROVAL. >> I KNOW THIS IS A VERY LARGE NUMBER . RADIOS ARE IMPORTANT TO ANY FIRST RESPONDER . COULD YOU PLEASE LET THE PUBLIC KNOW HOW MUCH MONEY ARE WE ABOUT TO

SPEND? >> THIS IS A PURCHASE LEASE OF $912,000. THIS IS FULLY BUDGETED WITHIN THE FUND . OF COURSE THE COMMUNICATION CENTER FOR ALL EMERGENCY SERVICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY IS AT THE NASSAU COUNTY LEVEL. AS THEY UPGRADE THE RADIOS, WE HAVE TO RESPOND IN KIND TO BE ABLE TO MAKE IT WITH DISPATCH HAVE TO REDO OUR ENTIRE RADIO SYSTEM. THAT IS

[00:50:04]

ALL PART OF PUBLIC SAFETY. >> THANK YOU. ANY OTHER QUESTIONS FOR MR. GLISSON OR ANY OF OUR CHIEFS? SEEING NONE, DO I HEAR A MOTION? MOTION IN THE SECOND. ANY COMMISSION OR DEBATE? SEEING NONE, I WILL THANK OUR CHIEFS FOR BEING HERE TONIGHT. THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE, GUYS. LET'S GET SOME NEW

RADIOS. >>

[5.10 AGREEMENT AMENDMENT – FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (FDOT) - RESOLUTION 2024-165 APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (FDOT) TRAFFIC SIGNAL MAINTENANCE AND COMPENSATION AGREEMENT; AUTHORIZING EXECUTION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.Synopsis: Approves the Amendment to the Traffic Signal Maintenance and Compensation Agreement between the City of Fernandina Beach and FDOT.]

>> THAT PASSES 5-0. LET'S GO TO THE AGREEMENT AMENDMENT FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FDOT.

>> RESOLUTION 2024-165 APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FDOT PROVIDES THE CITY COMPENSATION FOR CITY STAFF MAINTAINING TRAFFIC SIGNALS AND SEPARATELY THE STREET LIGHTS ALONG STATE ROAD 200 THAT RUNS THROUGH OUR CITY. THIS IS THE ANNUAL AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT. STAFF RECOMMEND APPROVAL.

>> ANY QUESTIONS? DO I HEAR A MOTION? ANY DISCUSSION? SEEING

NONE, CALL THE ROLL. >>

[5.11 VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION AGREEMENT - 1689 CLINCH DRIVE - RESOLUTION 2024- 166 APPROVING THE EXTENSION OF WATER SERVICE OUTSIDE THE CORPORATE LIMITS; ACCEPTING THE VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION PETITION FOR ONE PARCEL CONTAINING APPROXIMATELY 03.35 ACRES OF LAND LOCATED AT 1689 CLINCH DRIVE; AUTHORIZING EXECUTION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Synopsis: Authorizes the extension of water service to the property owner identified whose property is located at 1689 Clinch Drive, Parcel Number: 00-00-30-0800-0008-0020 and also approves the Voluntary Annexation Petition.]

>> THAT PASSES 5-0. NEXT WE HAVE A VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION AGREEMENT FOR 1689 CLINCH DRIVE.

>> THIS IS ONE SINGLE-FAMILY HOME ON 3.35 ACRES OF LAND AND THEY NEED POTABLE WATER. THEY SIGNED THE ANNEXATION AGREEMENT SO THAT WE CAN EXTEND WATER TO THEM. THEY ARE NOT CONTINUOUS SO THEY WON'T BE ANNEXED FOR SOMETIME.

>> EXCELLENT. ANY QUESTIONS? MISS BACH, THIS IS A SINGLE-FAMILY HOME AND HAS NO INTENTION TO DO ANYTHING EXCEPT

REMAIN THAT WAY? >> THEY SAID NO SUBDIVIDING.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR DO I HEAR A MOTION? A MOTION IN THE SECOND, ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION?

>> I DID CALL THE PROPERTY OWNER. 3.3 ACRES IS SUBDIVIDED BALL AND UNDER THE COUNTY RULES WHICH THEY WOULD BE UNDER, THEY CAN PUT 16 UNITS ON THAT LOT. I BELIEVE THE PROPERTY OWNER HAS A SINGLE-FAMILY HOME AND THE OWNER THAT AGREEMENT FOR THAT AND I WILL SUPPORT THIS AMENDMENT. THESE ARE THE KINDS OF THINGS THAT WE SHOULD BE DOING IF THEY ARE GOING TO BE KEEPING IT AS A SINGLE-FAMILY LOT.

>> THANK YOU, MR. ROSS. >> I SPOKE WITH THE HOMEOWNER MYSELF IN PERSON AND I BELIEVE THIS IS A GOOD THING. THEY WANT WATER AND IT WILL MOVE OUR SERVICES DOWN CLINCH DRIVE SO THAT WILL OFFER MORE SERVICES AT A REASONABLE RATE FOR CITY RESIDENTS WHO WANT TO JOIN OUR SYSTEM. THANK YOU.

>> ALL RIGHT, WITH ALL THAT BEING SAID, CALL THE ROLL.

>>

[5.12 FUNDING REQUEST - AMELIA ISLAND TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL - HISTORIC DOWNTOWN PRESERVATION - RESOLUTION 2024-167 AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF THE AMELIA ISLAND TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (TDC) EVENT/PROJECT/PROGRAM SPONSORSHIP FUNDING APPLICATION FOR HISTORIC DOWNTOWN PRESERVATION IN FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026; AUTHORIZING EXECUTION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Synopsis: Approves the submittal of the Amelia Island Tourist Development Council (TDC) Event/Project/Program Sponsorship Funding Application, in the amount of $1,000,000 in Fiscal Year 2025/2026]

>> THIS IS AN APPLICATION TO FUND DOWNTOWN IMPROVEMENTS FOR NOT THIS COMING FISCAL YEAR STARTING NEXT MONTH, BUT IN 25-26. WE WANT TO GET A HEAD START IN THE COUNTY UNDERSTANDS WE WANT TO DO THAT SO WE GET IN OUR APPLICATION IN GOOD TIME FOR THE 25-26 FISCAL YEAR. AND STAFF RECOMMEND APPROVAL.

>> QUESTIONS FOR MISS BACH? >> THIS MONEY WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE . THIS HAS TO GO TO THE TDC FIRST AND THEY HAVE TO APPROVE IT AND THEN THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS HAVE TO APPROVE IT AND IT WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL OCTOBER A YEAR

FROM THEM -- THEN. >> OCTOBER 2025. THAT'S RIGHT.

>> I THINK THIS IS ANOTHER GREAT EXAMPLE OF START OF WORK WITH THE COUNTY. VICE MAYOR STURGES?

>> YOU TOOK MY THUNDER. A LITTLE BIT. YEAH, THIS IS ANOTHER PERFECT EXAMPLE OF US WORKING TOGETHER WITH NOT JUST THE COUNTY BUT ANOTHER BOARD IN OUR SYSTEM THAT IS NOT DIRECTLY RELATED TO US. WE ARE GOING TO GET FUNDING AND DO IT TO THE DOWNTOWN AREA IN OUR CITY. I LOOK FORWARD TO IT AND I THINK

IT IS AWESOME. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

COMMISSIONER ROSS? >> IT'S A GREAT THAT WE ARE BEING SO COOPERATIVE AND IT'S GREAT THAT LOVE IS IN THE AIR.

BUT THE PROOF WILL BE IN THE PUDDING TO SEE IF THEY ACTUALLY CUT US A CHECK FOR $1 MILLION. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU, MR. ROSS. THE QUESTION WAS ASKED ABOUT MAYBE

[00:55:07]

BUT THE GOOD NEWS IS WE ARE ASKING IN THE YEAR 2020 FOR WHEN THIS COMMISSION IS HERE. ONE THING THAT IS STILL ABOUT THIS COMMISSION IS OUR EXPERT RELATIONS THAT WE HAVE WITH THESE OTHER BOARDS ANDCOUNTY, T BOARD. I FEEL VERY GOOD ABOUT THIS AND I THINK THE COUNTY FEELS THE SAME. LET'S GO AHEAD

AND CALL THE ROLL. >> WE NEED A MOTION IN TO

SECOND. >> COULD WE GOT? FURTHER DISCUSSION? SEEING NONE, CITY CLERK?

>>

[5.13 GRANT APPLICATION - FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, FLORIDA RECREATION DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (FRDAP) / CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN AMENDMENT - RESOLUTION 2024-168 APPROVING THE SUBMITTAL OF ONE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, FLORIDA RECREATION DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (FRDAP) GRANT APPLICATION; AUTHORIZING EXECUTION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Synopsis: Authorizes the submission of a grant application to the FDEP FRDAP program seeking grant funds of approximately $200,000 toward the cost of the Poe Pinson Skate Park expansion. ]

>> THIS IS A GRANT AND WE WOULD LIKE TO TRY FOR . WE RECOMMEND YOU APPROVE THIS TO TRY FOR. IS IT FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SKATE PARK. SINCE SKATEBOARDING IS NOW IN THE OLYMPICS , WITH THAT WE WOULD HAVE A BETTER CHANCE AT GETTING THIS GRANT BY APPLYING. WE ASK THAT YOU ALL APPROVE THIS AND IT IS ASKING FOR $200,000 TOWARD THE COST OF THE SKATE PARK IMPROVEMENT.

>> ANY QUESTIONS? >> IS THERE A MATCH?

>> YES. HALF. >> SO, THE CITY WOULD BE OBLIGATED, IF THE GRANT WAS -- AND THE CITY TOOK IT , THE CITY WOULD BE ON THE HOOK FOR ANOTHER $200,000?

>> YES, CORRECT. >> WE DON'T KNOW WHERE THAT

MONEY WOULD COME FROM? >> WE DON'T. CORRECT. THE WAY THAT THIS WORKS, WHENEVER WE APPLY FOR A GRANT LIKE THIS, IT'S NOT IN THE BUDGET. SO, EVEN JUST BY APPLYING AND RECEIVING 200,000 , LET ALONE OUR MATCH, THE CITY HAS TO BUDGET FOR IT. IF THE CITY WAS AWARDED THE GRANT, WE WOULD

HAVE TO FIGURE ALL THAT OUT. >> THANK YOU.

>> SO, THAT IS ALL THE QUESTIONS. IS THERE A MOTION?

>> MOVE FOR APPROVAL. >> MOTION AND A SECOND, ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION ON THIS? VICE MAYOR, GO AHEAD.

>> I WILL BE VERY BRIEF AND JUST SAY, THIS LOOKS LIKE SOMEWHERE WHERE WE ARE FINDING A SKATE PARK AND MOVING FORWARD AS A PLANT EVEN THOUGH IT IS A GRANT FOR EVERY MEMBER SPEAKING TO LAURA LIE PERSONALLY AND SAYING, PLEASE, LOOK FOR GRANT MONEY. WE WANT TO FUND THIS SKATE PARK AND WE HAVE TO GET A START SOMEWHERE. WHILE HE WAS HERE THIS EVENING. HE WAS HERE IN PERSON WITH US AND I THINK HE IS FREELY -- FULLY AWARE THAT THE CITY IS COMMITTED. HERE WE ARE COMMITTING TO FINDING THE FUNDING TO UPDATE IT AND I WILL SAY, REVITALIZE

THE SKATE PARK. THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU, VICE MAYOR. I THINK IT'S A GREAT IDEA, TOO. IS GOING TO BE A GOOD THING. WE HAVE A GOOD SHOT WILL HAVE A GOOD SHOT AT THIS. LET'S SEE WHAT OUR EXPERT GRANT WRITER CAN DO. PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.

>>

[5.14 CONTRACT APPROVAL - ADAM S. BRANOFF, M.D. - RESOLUTION 2024-169 APPROVING A CONTRACT WITH ADAM S. BRANOFF, M.D. FOR MEDICAL DIRECTOR SERVICES; AUTHORIZING EXECUTION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Synopsis: Approves the Advance Life Support Medical Director Contract with Adam S. Branoff, M.D. for services as Medical Director for the Fernandina Beach Fire Department, in the amount of $40,000.00. ]

CHIEF? >> THANK YOU. RESOLUTION 2024- 169 IS APPROVING THE CONTRACT WITH DR. BROWN OFF WHO IS THE FIRE DEPARTMENT MEDICAL DIRECTOR AND WOULD HAVE TO HAVE A MEDICAL DIRECTOR TO RUN AMBULANCE SERVICE AND THEREFORE WE ASK THAT THE COMMISSION APPROVE THIS , JUST A QUICK KUDO TO DR. BRANOFF . UNDER HIS DIRECTION THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAS MOVED FORWARD WITH A LOT OF ADVANCED TREATMENT AND OUR RESIDENCE SURVIVAL RATE OF CARDIAC ARREST AND STROKES ARE ABOVE THE NATIONAL AVERAGE , AND WE ARE VERY PROUD OF THAT.

THAT IS IN PART WITH DR. BRANOFF'S LEADERSHIP BUT ALSO OUR FIREFIGHTER AND PARAMEDICS THAT RESPOND EVERY DAY.

>> THANK YOU. WE APPRECIATE YOU BEING HERE. ANY QUESTIONS FOR

THE CHIEF ABOUT THIS ISSUE? >> BRANOFF IS ACCEPTABLE WITH

THIS? >> I WORK WITH DR. BRANOFF AND HE DID A GOOD JOB , FAR BETTER THAN IN THE PAST, AND HE DID AN

[01:00:03]

EXCELLENT JOB. >> PERFECT. DO I HEAR A MOTION? I HEAR A MOTION IN THE SECOND. ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION ON THIS? THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK ON THIS, CHIEF. LET'S CALL THE ROLL.

>> THAT PASSES 5-0. OUR LAST RESOLUTION, 5.15, BUDGET

[5.15 BUDGET AMENDMENTS - UTILITIES DEPARTMENT - RESOLUTION 2024-170 APPROVING AMENDMENTS TO THE UTILITIES DEPARTMENT BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023/2024; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Synopsis: Approves the transfer of funds in the Utilities Department various Wastewater accounts in the FY 2023/2024 budget to ensure expenditures do not exceed the budget on a line-by-line basis.]

JEREMIAH GLISSON. >> THIS IS A BUDGET AMENDMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR 23-24. END-OF-THE-YEAR HOUSEKEEPING BALANCING THINGS OUT. YOU WILL SEE MORE OF THESE AS WE MOVE THROUGH THE REMAINDER OF THIS FISCAL YEAR AND GOING INTO NEXT FISCAL YEAR TO CLEAN UP ON THE BACK END TO MAKE EVERYTHING BALANCE AS WE MOVE FORWARD. STAFF RECOMMENDS APPROVAL.

>> ANY QUESTIONS FOR MR. GLISSON ? SEEING NONE, DO I HEAR A MOTION? MOTION AND A SECOND. ANY DISCUSSION? I THINK IT'S THE RIGHT THING TO DO. PLEASE GO AHEAD. ALL ROLL.

>>

[6.1 CODE AMENDMENT - PURCHASING POLICY - ORDINANCE 2024-17 AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES BY AMENDING CHAPTER 2, ADMINISTRATION, ARTICLE VII, FINANCE BY AMENDING SECTIONS 426 AND 444 TO INCREASE THE CITY MANAGER’S SPENDING AUTHORITY FROM $25,000 TO $35,000; BY AMENDING SECTIONS 431 AND 436 TO CORRECT A SCRIVENER’S ERROR; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Synopsis: Amending the Purchasing Policy to increase the City Manager's spending authority limit to account for increased costs of day-to-day City business from $25,000 to $35,000. ]

PURCHASING POLICY. >> ORDINANCE 2024-20 AMENDING THE CODE ORDINANCES BY AMENDING CHAPTER TWO ADMINISTRATION ARTICLE SEVEN FINANCED BY AMENDING SECTIONS 426 AND 444 TO INCREASE THE CITY MANAGERS SPENDING AUTHORITY FROM $25,000 TO $35,000 BY AMENDING SECTIONS 431 AND 46 TO CORRECT A SCRIVENER'S ERROR PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WE TAKE SPEAKERS. THERE IS NO REQUIRED PUBLIC HEARING . ANYBODY CAN SPEAK. THIS IS A SLIGHT BUMP TO THE CITY MANAGER'S AUTHORITY BUT IT ALSO AFFECTS WHERE THE STAFF HAS TO BID OUT PROJECTS. RIGHT NOW , ANYTHING ABOVE $25,000 HAS TO BE BID OUT , COMPETITIVELY BID. THIS WOULD TAKE IT TO $35,000 PER SAME THING WITH THAT CONTRACTS AND THINGS COMING TO THE CITY COMMISSION . IF THEY ARE OVER 25,000 AND COME TO THE COMMISSION AND IF THEY ARE NOT OVER 25, THEY CANNOT COME TO THE COMMISSION. THIS IS

STAFF'S RECOMMENDATION. >> ANY QUESTIONS FOR MISS BACH?

>> I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION. WE ACCEPT THIS WITH THE FOLLOWING ALTERATION , IN SECTION B , SECTION 2.426 B AND THEN SECTION 2.44 E , 35,000, INCREASED TO $50,000 AMOUNT

THAT NEEDS TO BE APPROVED. >> ALL RIGHT. WE HAVE A MOTION AMENDED ON THE FLOOR. THIS WAS A QUESTION I ASKED DURING OUR MEETING. THERE IS A SECOND. MISS BACH, HOW LONG AGO WAS

THIS RECENTLY UPDATED? >> I DON'T REMEMBER WHETHER HE WAS 2012 OR 2014 BUT IT WAS MORE THAN 10 YEARS AGO.

>> INFLATION OVER THAT TIME WOULD BE A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER?

>> YES. WHEN RAISED FROM 25 TO 25 WHEN IT WAS RAISED LAST

TIME. >> I WOULD JUST PAUSE IT TO THE GROUP THAT IT DOESN'T SEEM LIKE THE INTENT OF THIS ORDINANCE BACK IN 2012 OR 2014, IT COULD GIVE PURCHASING POWER TO THE CITY MANAGER. WITH INFLATION OVER TIME, THAT POWER HAS DECREASED AND WE WANT TO KEEP UP WITH INFLATION. I WOULD BE AMENABLE TO SOMETHING BUT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE WHAT THE OTHER COMMISSIONERS HAVE TO SAY. WOULD ANYBODY ELSE LIKE TO

TALK ABOUT THIS? >> 100,000. WHAT THIS ALLOWS IS THE CITY MANAGER CAN MAKE DECISIONS ON THINGS THAT DON'T NEED TO COME TO US. DO IT IN AN APPROPRIATE WAY. WE HIRE A CITY MANAGER AND PAYING THEM TO HAVE DISCRETION. IF IT'S A BIG ITEM, THEY WILL COME TO ME ANYHOW. YOU DON'T HAVE TO GO OUT TO BID ON ALL OF THESE THINGS. AND SO YOU CAN GET THESE THINGS THROUGH AND DID NOT GO THROUGH THIS LONG PROCESS THAT TAKES THREE OR FOUR MONTHS THAT DOESN'T WORK OUT ANYHOW BECAUSE WE CAN'T GET BITTERS. SO I THINK THIS WILL MAKE THE GOVERNMENT MORE EFFICIENT, WHICH I HEARD YOU TALK ABOUT MANY TIMES HOW WE

[01:05:01]

IF IT WERE ME, I WOULD MAKE IT MORE. BUT I THINK $50,000 IS A GOOD COMPROMISE AND I WOULD HOPE EVERYBODY WOULD ACCEPT

THAT. >> MR. ANTUN?

>> I WILL SECOND MOST OF THAT STATEMENT. ESPECIALLY IS DISCUSSING WITH JEREMIAH, THERE IS A NUMBER OF THINGS WE HAVE THAT WE HAVE NOT ADDRESSED IN THIS WAY AS IT CAN TAKE THREE OR FOUR MONTHS . IF WE ARE GOING TO HIRE FOR THIS LEVEL OF A POSITION, WE SHOULD HAVE THAT DISCRETION. I SUPPORT THAT

MOTION. >> OKAY. FOLKS, MY LINE OF REASONING, I'M IN AGREEMENT WITH YOU. I DO THINK THE AMOUNT OF PURCHASING POWER THAT WE THOUGHT OVER 10 YEARS AGO WOULD BE APPROPRIATE FOR THE CITY MANAGER TO HAVE STANDS TRUE TODAY. A QUICK LITTLE GLASS AT THE INFLATION RATES AND OVER THE LAST 10 YEARS, THE DOLLAR HAS JUST ABOUT DOUBLED . THIS KEEPS UP WITH INFLATION AND KEEPS OUR CITY MANAGER VERY AGILE, WHICH IS SOMETHING THAT I THINK IS IMPORTANT FOR US TO HAVE. I WOULD BE AMENABLE TO THIS AND WITH NO FURTHER COMMENTS, I THINK WE CAN CALL ABOUT.

>>

[7.1 BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE GENERAL EMPLOYEES' PENSION PLAN (GEPP) - One reappointment (Susan Carless). ]

MAKE. DO I HEAR A MOTION? >>

>> SECOND. >> I HEAR A MOTION IN A SECOND.

ANY DISCUSSION ? >> I WILL SPEAK TO MY PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH THERE. I CAN THINK OF ANYBODY WHO WOULD BE A

BETTER FIT FOR THIS POSITION. >> EXCELLENT. I WILL THANK HER FOR HER SERVICES. OUR CITY APPRECIATES IT AND ] HIM A THANK YOU MS. SUSAN FOR STEPPING UP FOR THE CITY EVEN WHEN YOU RETIRE. LET'S CALL THE ROLE.

>>

[8.1 FERNANDINA HARBOR MARINA - SLIP FEES WAIVER - Consider waiving Fernandina Harbor Marina slip fees for two sixty-five foot shrimp boats, arriving May 1, 2025, departing May 5, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $1,560.00.]

THERE SOMETHING TO PRESENT? >> YEAH, THIS WAS A CONSENSUS.

WE BROUGHT THIS BACK FOR A MORE FORMAL VOTE TO WAIVE THE SLIP FEES . THE CHAIR IS HERE TO SPEAK ON THIS REQUEST AND STAFF IS PREPARED TO MOVE FORWARD ACCORDINGLY. AS DISCUSSED, THE WHOLE SPECIAL APPLICATION WITH ALL THE ELEMENTS THAT MAKES SHRIMP FESTIVAL THE SUCCESS THAT IT IS WILL BE GOING BACK TO THE COMMISSION FOR APPROVAL IN JANUARY. IN PREPARATION FOR OUR 60TH SHRIMP FESTIVAL. I WILL TURN IT OVER TO SCOTT AND

-- . >> MR. CHAIRMAN, THANK YOU FOR

COMING TONIGHT. >> I LIVE. THIS WILL HELP BENEFIT SHRIMP FESTIVAL AS FAR AS THE SHRIMP FESTIVAL COMMITTEE ACTUALLY CONTRACTED WITH A SHRIMP VOTE OUT OF BRUNSWICK THAT IS A COMMERCIAL SHRIMP VOTE THAT DOES ECOLOGICAL TOURS . THEY ARE GOING TO -- AS A NEIGHBOR TERM -- WELDED TO THE PEER PORTION FESTIVAL THEY WILL BE TIED UP TO THE PEER SO THE GENERAL PUBLIC CAN DO TOURS ON A SHRIMP VOTE . THEY CAN ACTUALLY WALK AROUND AND GET QUESTIONS ANSWERED ABOUT SHIPPING AND THEY CAN ALSO LOOK -- THEY CAN ALSO HAVE THEIR PICTURE TAKEN AT THE WHEEL AND EVERYTHING LIKE THAT. THIS WILL BE A PLATFORM FOR THE BLESSING OF THE FLEET AND THE BEST DRESSED SHRIMP VOTE CONTEST BECAUSE IT WILL GET INDIVIDUALS JUDGING THAT IN BLESSING IT OFF THE PIER AND ONTO THAT VOTE WHICH WILL BE BETTER SAFETY .

THE OTHER PART OF THIS IS GETTING ANOTHER SHRIMP VOTE AS A STATIC DISPLAY ALSO ALONGSIDE OF IT.

>> ANY QUESTIONS FOR THE SHRIMP FESTIVAL? THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US TONIGHT. I DO HAVE ONE REQUEST FOR PUBLIC COMMENT.

MARY PHILLIPS? THANK YOU FOR COMING.

>> GOOD EVENING, MARY PHILLIPS 724 FERNANDINA BEACH FLORIDA.

I'M SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF THE MARINA ADVISORY BOARD. AS A MEMBER OF THAT BOARD I'M ASKING FOR YOU TO PLEASE WAIVE THAT

[01:10:02]

IT IS ABOUT THE SHRIMP. THIS COMMUNITY WAS FOUNDED ON THE SHRIMPING INDUSTRY. IS THE DAUGHTER OF A COMMERCIAL FISHERMAN, I STRONGLY ADVOCATE FOR THAT. MORE EMPHASIS WILL BE PUT ON THE SHRIMPING INDUSTRY . THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE TONIGHT. MISSED BACH, QUESTION FOR YOU. CAN WE VOTE TONIGHT? IS IS DISCUSSION ON THIS. IS THIS SOMETHING WE CAN TAKE A MOTION ON?

>> YES. >> GO AHEAD.

>> THE CITY ALREADY SUBSIDIZES THE $750,000 A YEAR. THE CITY SUBSIDIZES SHRIMP FEST IN EXCESS OF $60,000 A YEAR , SO WE ARE NOW SUBSIDIZING ANOTHER $1500 . AS I POINTED OUT EARLIER, WE HAVEN'T RAISED ANY FEES IN THE LAST -- NO NEW SOURCES OF FEES IN THE LAST 10 YEARS. ALTHOUGH THIS IS A WONDERFUL IDEA AND VERY NICE, AND IT'S IMPORTANT, I'M NOT SO SURE WHY THE TAXPAYERS SHOULD BE SUBSIDIZING THIS.

THEY ARE SUBSIDIZING THE MARIA ANTRIM FEST -- SHRIMP FEST .

I'M OPPOSED TO THIS MOTION. >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER ROSS. I WILL HAVE SOME FURTHER DISCUSSION. DO I HEAR A MOTION TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS ITEM?

>> MOVED TO APPROVE THE WEIGHTING OF THE FEE FOR $1560.

>> THANK YOU. ANY DISCUSSION ON THIS? COMMISSIONER ROSS ALREADY MADE A POINT. ANYBODY ELSE WANT TO MAKE A POINT? SHRIMP FEST , EVERYTHING ABOUT WHAT MAKES FERNANDINA BEACH A SPECIAL PLACE TO LIVE, THIS SHRIMP POSSIBLE IS A HUGE PART OF OUR COMMUNITY AND WE HAVE DONE THIS IN THE PAST MAKING ROOM FOR A SHRIMP VOTE TO COME BY. IT'S ONLY FITTING WE WORK WITH THE COMMITTEE ON MAKING THIS HAPPEN. IT IS $1500 AND A GREAT PRICE FOR MAKING THE SHRIMP FEST THAT MUCH BETTER. FOLKS, I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU TO THIS COMMISSION FOR BEING WILLING TO DO THIS. IT IS GOING TO BE GOOD. THANK YOU TO THE CHAIRMAN FOR BEING HERE. CALL THAT VOTE.

>>

[9. PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA]

>> >> THANK YOU. GOOD EVENING, MY NAME IS LORI HENKE 751 BARRINGTON DRIVE FERNANDINA BEACH AND YOU WILL HAVE TO EXCUSE MY DRY GRAVELLY VOICE.

I'M HERE TO TELL YOU I'M CONCERNED ABOUT CITY MANAGER CANDIDATE SARAH CAMPBELL. SHE WAS THE WIFE OF THE DISTRICT DIRECTOR FOR OUR U.S. REPRESENTATIVE. OUR CONSULTANTS REPORTEDLY DID NOT SHARE THIS INFORMATION. MS. CAMPBELL SHARED HER RELATIONSHIP ALONG WITH STATEMENTS THAT SHE DIDN'T VIEW THIS ROLE AS INTERFERENCE IN POSITION. I APPRECIATE THAT SHE CAME FORWARD AND LET EVERYBODY KNOW THE RELATIONSHIP. HAVING SAID THAT, ALL TOO FREQUENTLY, WE FIND OUT ABOUT UNETHICAL -- AFTER WE BECOME ENTANGLED IN CONFLICT. THE ETHICS OF THE SITUATION THAT SITS IN OUR FACE WITH , WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO NOW? THIS MEANS THAT THERE IS MUCH MORE TO CONSIDER ABOUT THIS RELATIONSHIP DURING THE INTERVIEW WHEN MAKING A FINAL DECISION FOR THE POSITION. YOU MUST KEEP IN THE FOREFRONT OF YOUR THINKING THAT THE COMMISSION WILL OVERSEE THE MANAGERS PERFORMANCE, WHICH INCLUDES OVERSEEING THE FINANCES, BUDGET , SUPERVISING DIRECTOR SUCH AS PLANNING , CONSERVATION, PARKS AND RECREATION , SUPERVISING OUR DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS. CITY FINANCES INCLUDE WORKING VERY CLOSELY , AS WE HAVE HEARD A

[01:15:03]

>> THANK YOU, MISS LORI. LET'S CALL UP MISS RHONDA. WELCOME

BACK. >> THANK YOU. RHONDA MCKEE 409 SOUTH FOURTH STREET AND TWO WEEKS AGO I WAS HERE TO ADDRESS THE BOARD ABOUT RUNOFF ISSUES AND OTHER ISSUES CONCERNING MY HOME AT 409 AND THE NEW BUILDING AT 411 AND HOW THAT IS COMPOUNDING AND FLOODING. I THOUGHT I WOULD COME -- THE LAST TIME I WAS HERE I ONLY TALKED ABOUT MY PROPERTY. WE HAVE A LOT OF ALBUMS ON FOURTH STREET AND IT'S NOT JUST MY PROPERTY, THERE IS OTHER NEIGHBORS HERE THAT WILL SPEAK TO IT. LAST WEEK I HAD TO HAVE AN APPOINTMENT WITH SURF ROW, CONTRACTOR AND REALTOR AND THE NEWS IS NOT ALL GOOD. I DID RECEIVE A COPY OF THE PERMANENT PLAN FROM ANDRE ON THURSDAY. TO GET THINGS DONE. I SENT IT TO MY BROTHER , WHO IS A CIVIL ENGINEER AND WORKS WITH STORMWATER IN SOUTH FLORIDA .

HE WONDERED --. HE COULD NOT EVALUATE THE PLAN WITHOUT A TOPOGRAPHICAL ELEVATION SURVEY . I'M NOT SURE WHAT THAT IS BUT I THINK IT MEASURES THE GRADE , AND THAT HASN'T BEEN DONE. SO, HE DOESN'T WANT TO GIVE ME OR MY NEIGHBORS ADVICE WITHOUT THAT. I'M HERE TO REQUEST THAT BE PART BEFORE WE MOVE FORWARD. THE TEMPORARY MEASURE IS SORT OF WORKING THERE TODAY IT RAINED AND I DIDN'T GET WATER UNDER MY HOUSE , WHICH IS ON THE FOUNDATION, BUT MY NEIGHBORS HAD PLENTY OF FLOODING AND SO DID I. SO, I'M HERE TO REQUEST THAT SURVEY SO THAT WE CAN MOVE FORWARD. TO KNOW THAT IT IS GOING TO WORK SINCE WE ARE SO LOW IN THE NEW HOUSES.

>> THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US TONIGHT. COMMISSIONER ROSS?

>> I'VE BEEN OUT TO YOUR HOUSE AND, YOU LIVE ON THE WEST SIDE OF THE STREET -- EASTSIDE PICK THE ROAD SLOPES FROM EAST TO WEST. AND THEN YOUR PROPERTY -- ALL THE WATER SHEETS ACROSS THE ENTIRE ROAD AND GOES INTO THE YARDS.

>> YES. 411 IS TO BE THE CATCHALL. EVERYBODY HAD SOME RUNOFF, BUT IT IS REALLY AFFECTING US.

>> USED TO BE A SWALE THERE THAT WAS REPLACED AND A LOT OF HOMES -- THEY ARE BUILDING NEW HOMES ALONG THERE. WHERE THE WATER USED TO GO, IT DOESN'T GO THERE ANYMORE BECAUSE THEY BUILT THE PROSPERITY'S -- PROPERTIES. IT'S A PERFECT

STORM THERE. >> IT IS. THANK YOU FOR BEING

HERE. >> I HAVE TWO QUESTIONS FOR MR. GLISSON. WHEN I RECENTLY MET WITH ANDRE ABOUT THE ISSUE ON ANOTHER STREET, I DID HAVE TOPOGRAPHICAL MAPS. IS THAT

SOMETHING WE HAVE? >> YES, SIR. WITHIN OUR MAPPING

SYSTEM. >> THAT WOULD NOT BE THE SAME AS A SURVEY. THE MAP WOULD HAVE TO BE GENERATED FROM THE

SURVEY? >> CORRECT.

>> IS THAT A MAP WE CAN DERIVE?

>> YEAH, WE WILL PROVIDE WHATEVER AVAILABLE FOR YOU , ABSOLUTELY. I WILL HAVE A FOLLOW-UP EMAIL PROVIDING A SUMMARY OF WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THE BUILDER AT THAT LOT AS FAR AS THE SUBS BEING INSTALLED AND THE FINAL DRAINAGE SYSTEM.

THAT SHOULD BE COMPLETED WITHIN THE NEXT FIVE DAYS WITH PERMITTING HIM AND ALSO SOME -- DOING SOME SERVICE WORK AND DISTURBANCES IN THE AREA. WE ARE MAKING SURE THEY REMEDIATE

WHAT THEY HAVE DUG UP. >> I WANT TO THANK YOU AND STAFF FOR WORKING DILIGENTLY ON THAT FOLLOW-UP. GOT TO KEEP DOING THAT. DID YOU TAKE THE ACTION OF GETTING -- MAKING SURE ANDRE GETS THAT TOPOGRAPHICAL MAP TO MISS MCKEE, I WOULD APPRECIATE THAT AS WELL. KEEPING ON THE SAME

[01:20:02]

>> GOOD EVENING. MY NAME IS KEVIN HAMM . I LIVE AT 315 ELM STREET CLOSE NEIGHBOR OF RHONDA AND MELISSA, WHO IS ALSO EXPERIENCING SOME SEVERE STORM WATER RUNOFF ISSUES. I WANT TO ADDRESS THINGS IN A GENERAL PER SPEC OF AND MAYBE DRILL DOWN INTO SOME OF THE SPECIFIC PROBLEMS. STORMWATER RUNOFF IN THAT AREA HAS BEEN A PROBLEM EVER SINCE I HAVE MOVED THERE ABOUT FOUR OR FIVE YEARS AGO. THERE WAS SOME INTERIM WORK DONE WHERE DRAINAGE LINES WERE BURIED , BUT SOME OF THAT WORK -- I WILL CALL IT SUBSTANDARD , BUT CERTAINLY DIDN'T ADDRESS AND REMEDY THE SITUATIONS. SOME OF THE STORMWATER CATCH BASINS ARE INSTALLED ABOVE THE GRADE , SO WHEN WATER RUNS DOWN THE SWELLS THAT ARE SUPPOSED TO CAPTURE WATER INTO THE DRAIN, THEY GET AND CAN'T GET INTO THE DRAIN. THERE IS NO CURVING ON THE STREETS. OMISSION OR ROSS ALREADY ADDRESSED THE SLOPE OF THE ROAD. IT SLOPES TO THE WEST AND INTO ALL OF THE PROPERTIES. AND THEN WHAT STORMWATER CONTROLS THERE , FROM MY PERSPECTIVE AND WHAT I HAVE OBSERVED OVER THE FIVE YEARS, THERE IS VERY LITTLE MAINTENANCE GOING ON IN DRAINAGE DITCHES. THEY ARE FILLED UP WITH VEGETATION, SOLD RUNOFF FROM CONSTRUCTION, SOLD RUNOFF FROM THE ROAD AND THE SYSTEM DOESN'T WORK. IN ADDITION TO THESE DEFICIENCIES, I THINK YOU ARE AWARE THROUGH NUMEROUS PIECES OF CORRESPONDENCE FROM MYSELF AND THE OTHER LADIES PRESENT HERE TODAY, THE CONSTRUCTION GOING ON IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD IS EXACERBATING THE SITUATION. THE PARTICULAR ISSUE WITH MS. MCGEE AND -- , IT'S FRIGHTENING FROM MY PERSPECTIVE BECAUSE THERE IS PLANNED CONSTRUCTION ALL AROUND US. WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN WHEN THAT CONSTRUCTION STARTS TO START AND WHERE IS THE WATER GOING? ADDRESSING THE SPECIFIC ISSUE , FOR NINE OR 411, I'M SPEAKING FROM A LAYMAN'S PERSPECTIVE AND OBSERVATION.

VERY LITTLE HAS GONE ON AT THE CONSTRUCTION SITE. VERY LITTLE STORMWATER MITIGATION OR CONTROL. SILT FENCING IS LAYING ON THE GROUND BURIED IN MUD. THERE WAS A PORT-A-POTTY SITTING ON TOP OF A STORM DRAIN. I THINK IT TOOK ACTION FROM THESE LADIES AND SOME VISITATION FROM YOU, MAYOR AND COMMISSIONER ROSS , AND THE PORT-A-POTTY WAS MOVED , BUT THE FACT WAS IT SAT THERE , NOT FOR DAYS , WEEKS, BUT FOR MONTHS. THE CONSTRUCTION SITE ITSELF IS A DISASTER. PILES OF MUD , MUD FLOWING INTO THE STORMWATER SYSTEM , AND A BUILDER THAT DOESN'T SEEM TO CARE. WE KEEP HEARING -- WE KEEP HEARING THAT HE'S GOING TO DO SOMETHING , BUT NOTHING EVER EMERGES. ANDRE -- HIS STAFF HAS DONE A TREMENDOUS JOB. IS OVERWHELMED. IT'S A PROBLEM FOR THE WHOLE CITY, AND SOMEHOW WE NEED TO GET CONTROL OF OUR STORMWATER RUNOFF.

ALBUMS ARE ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE AS MORE CONSTRUCTION HAPPENS IN THE CITY. WAS GOING TO HAPPEN WITH THE PROPERTIES WHEN WE PROPOSE 29 CONDOMINIUMS ? OR IS THE WATER GOING TO GO? I THINK EVERYBODY HERE IS GOING TO FACE THIS SOONER OR LATER.

THAT'S JUST MY TWO CENTS AND I APPRECIATE YOUR TIME.

>> THANK YOU FOR BRING HERE TONIGHT. MISS MELISSA? I PROBABLY JUST WATCHED YOUR NAME.

>> WHAT A CONSONANCE. MELISSA MCCARRON JUST PICK 415 SOUTH FOURTH STREET SOME OF YOU I HAVE MET AND SOME I HAVE NOT.

IT'S LOVELY TO SEE YOU ALL TONIGHT. I WOULD THANK MY NEIGHBORS WHO ARE MY FRIENDS. I WOULD ALSO ECHO A LOT OF THE THINGS THEY SAID. YOU READ MY EMAILS AND SEE MY VIDEOS. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO SPEAK ON BEHALF OF MY NEIGHBORS THAT LIVE AT 419 BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT HERE AS WELL. THEY HAVE HAD WATER INTRUSION IN THEIR HOUSE FIVE TIMES FROM THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM. WE CURRENTLY STILL HAVE BARRIERS AROUND OUR FRONT DOORS. WE ARE AFRAID TO TAKE THEM DANCE. I WOULD ASK FOR HELP FOR NOT JUST US BUT EVERYBODY ELSE THAT LIVES ON ADJACENT PROPERTIES OF NEW CONSTRUCTION BECAUSE TEMPORARY

[01:25:04]

IT REALLY CAUSES DETRIMENTAL AND EMERGENCY IMPACT ON THE PEOPLE AROUND THEM. I MOVED INTO MY HOME IN 2021 WITH MY SON, WHO WILL BE 17, AND I LOVE SITTING IN MY SUNROOM AND WATCHING THE RAIN AND LIST INTO IT AND NOW I HAVE A CLINCH. I LIVE IN WATER CLOTHES AND BOOTS BECAUSE I CHECKED ALL EDGES OF MY PROPERTY. I NOT ONLY HAVE WATER RUNNING OFF FROM MY NEW NEIGHBOR AT 411. SHE HAS NO IDEA THIS IS GOING. THIS IS NOT SOMETHING -- IT'S HORRIBLE FOR HER, TOO. BUT WE ALSO HAVE THE SLOPING OF THE ROAD, WHICH IS A COMPLEMENTARY MODIFIER FROM TAKING THE DRAINAGE DITCH SYSTEM OUT THAT WAS NEVER COMPLETED. SO, WE HAVE AN ESTIMATED SIX INCH SLOPE FROM ACROSS THE STREET TO ALL OF US ON THE OTHER SIDE THAT IS NOT ADDRESSED. THE WATER RUNS INTO A DITCH THAT IS NO LONGER THERE. IT CAN'T SUPPORT IT. IT'S RUNNING INTO OUR DRIVEWAYS AND TO A GRASS SWELL , SWALE THAT GOES FROM MY DRIVEWAY TO MY NEIGHBORS AND IT'S NOT FUNCTIONING AND THEY ARE ALREADY SCARED TO DEATH TO HAVE MORE WATER IN THEIR HOME.

WE HAVE A NEW CONSTRUCTION ON THIRD STREET THAT IS ALSO -- DOES NOT HAVE TEMPORARY WATER CONTAINMENT ISSUES. THAT WATER IS RUNNING FROM THE BACK OF THEIR YARD ACROSS INTO MY NEIGHBOR'S YARD THROUGH THEIR FENCE AND RUNNING ACROSS TO MY YARD AND ALSO THE OTHER WAY TO MY NEIGHBORS KEVIN AND GLENDA IN THE ADJACENT VACANT PROPERTY. THINGS NEED TO CHANGE. IT'S SO STRESSFUL TO EVERYONE THAT IS INVOLVED . I WOULD ASK FOR YOUR HELP ON THAT. I DON'T KNOW HOW YOU BUDGET THAT. I DON'T KNOW HOW STREETS GET FIXED OR HOW GROUPS GET PUT IN, BUT WE HAVE SIX VACANT LOTS. WE DON'T KNOW THE DRAINAGE CAPACITY OF THESE DRAINS. WE DO KNOW THEY DON'T FUNCTION PROPERLY ALREADY. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE BUILD MORE HOUSES? ON THIRD AND FOURTH STREET. I HAVE BEAUTIFUL NEIGHBORS ACROSS THE STREET AND A VACANT LOT DIRECTLY ACROSS FROM MY HOME. WHEN THAT LOT SALES AND THEY BUILD ON THAT HOUSE, THAT WATER WILL RUN INTO MY YARD AND MY NEIGHBORS AND IT WILL MAKE US ZONE. OUR HOMES ARE FLOODED NOT BY ANYTHING -- THE LACK OF ENFORCEMENT ON NEW BUILDERS THAT DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT IS GOING ON. ALL THE BEAUTIFUL THINGS ABOUT THE STORM -- BECAUSE THEY HAVE BEEN FANTASTIC. I HAVE ALL KINDS OF MONEY TO GIVE TO THAT DEPARTMENT SO THEY HAD MORE MANPOWER I WOULD DO IT. THEY ARE SPREAD VERY THIN. THERE IS FOUR OF THEM FOR THE WHOLE ISLAND. HOW COULD THEY POSSIBLY ATTEND TO EVERYONE IN THE ISLAND WHO HAS WATER ISSUES? WE ARE NOT ALONE. IT'S NOT JUST FOURTH STREET.

>> THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US TONIGHT. WE WILL CONTINUE AS WE AGREE WITH YOU THAT WE HAVE SOME HARD-WORKING PEOPLE IN THAT DEPARTMENT WHO WILL CONTINUE TO GIVE DIRECTION TO CONTINUE TO WORK WITH THAT DEPARTMENT AND MAKE SURE AS TIME MOVES ON , WE CONTINUE TO WORK AND KEEP THE FOCUS AND SPOTLIGHT ON FOURTH STREET. IT'S IMPORTANT THAT WE DO

THAT. >> THANK YOU. AND EVERYONE ELSE, IF THERE WAS NOT PLASTIC LINED WITH THE SILT BETWEEN MY HOUSE AND 411, MY HOME WOULD BE FLOODED. THERE HAS GOT TO BE TEMPORARY WATER CONTAINMENT MEASURES THAT TAKE PLACE. IT SHOULDN'T JUST BE , THEY HAVE A GREAT DRAINAGE PLANT BUT IT WON'T BE READY FOR 8 TO 12 MONTHS. IF YOU HAVE A HURRICANE SEASON, EVERYBODY ELSE, BUCKLE UP AND GET SANDBAGS AND DO THE BEST YOU CAN FOR YOURSELF. I DON'T THAT IS THE RIGHT

ANSWER. >> THANK YOU, MISS MELISSA. WE SHOULD CONTINUE AS WE MOVE FORWARD BUT I DO AGREE WE SHOULD CONTINUE TO REVIEW OUR STORMWATER PLANS. JEREMIAH, COULD YOU MAKE A NOTE ON THAT TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE TEMPORARY CONTAINMENT AS WELL AS LONG-TERM? TANNER? COME ON

DOWN. >> 406 EACH STREET , THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME SPEAK THIS EVENING. WE WERE GOING TO HAVE A PRESENTATION TONIGHT ON THE PLANT THAT CITIZENS AND EXPERTS WERE GOING TO DO. BUT THAT GOT PULLED FROM THE AGENDA, SO I'M GOING TO DO THE BEST I CAN IN THREE MINUTES. JUST TO NOTE, I AM JUST A LAYPERSON. I GO ONTO GOVERNMENT WEBSITES AND I LOOK AT DATA THAT IS AVAILABLE TO ALL THE PUBLIC AND I CHECK FACTS. I WOULD ENCOURAGE EVERYBODY ELSE HERE TO DO SO

[01:30:01]

IN 2023 THE ACTUAL EMISSIONS FOR KNOX NITROGEN OXIDE, WHICH ALL OUR CARS RELEASE AND CAN BE RELEASED FROM LIGHTNING STRIKES , BUT THE ACTUAL EMISSIONS FROM THE RYAN PLANT -- IT'S ALSO A POISONOUS GAS THAT PRODUCES HEADACHES AND BREATHING ISSUES -- BUT THE ACTUAL EMISSIONS WILL 1266 IN 2023 , ACTUAL, AS REPORTED TO THE PUBLIC. THE PROJECTED PER FLORIDA DEP IF THE BIOETHANOL PLANT IT'S PUT IN WOULD BE 1754, AND THIS IS TONS PER YEAR RELEASED INTO THE ATMOSPHERE. WHAT NUMBER IS LOWER? 1754 OR 1266? THEY ARE SAYING, AND THIS IS FROM THE FLORIDA DEP , OUR RELEASE OF KNOX WILL GO UP 500 TONS PER YEAR. THAT IS IN PUBLIC BETA. LET'S GO TO CARBON MONOXIDE, CO , ANOTHER POISONOUS GAS. IN 2023, THE EMISSIONS TONS PER YEAR FROM THE RYAN PLANT WAS 306 TONS PER YEAR . THE PROJECTED , IF YOU ADD THE BIOETHANOL PLANT IS 603 . IS THAT A REDUCTION IN EMISSIONS? I DON'T THINK SO. I THINK 306 OR 603 IS ALMOST DOUBLE OF 306. ALL I'M SAYING IS, BEFORE YOU MAKE A JUDGMENT ON SOMETHING, DON'T JUST LISTEN TO THE COMPANY, GO LOOK AT DATA AND DECIDE FOR YOURSELF IF THE EMISSIONS ARE GOING TO INCREASE OR DECREASE. THANK YOU VERY

MUCH. >> MISS SHEILA, WELCOME. I'M GOING TO KEEP EVERYBODY IN ORDER TONIGHT. THANK YOU.

>> SHEILA, 1553 INDIGO STREET. I WOULD LIKE TO ECHO THE WORDS OF MS. HENKE. THERE IS A CLEAR CONFLICT OF INTEREST WITH MS. CAMPBELL'S CANDIDACY. IT IS THE FINALIST FOR THE CITY MANAGER. WE HAVE HEARD IT HERE TONIGHT MANY TIMES THAT IT IS ALL THESE GREAT RELATIONSHIPS THAT ARE HAPPENING, BUT IT REALLY IS A LOT OF -- THAT IS GOING ON. HAPPENING AT THE COUNTY LEVEL IN OUR CITY WITH PEOPLE THAT THE CITY PAYS TO DO WORK FOR US . THERE IS A LOT OF THAT THAT GOES ON IN THESE RELATIONSHIPS . IT IS INAPPROPRIATE THAT A CITY MANAGER WOULD HAVE THE RELATIONSHIP THAT SHE DOES WITH THE TREND ONES AT THE CONFLICT. AT NO POINT, EVEN IF YOU RECUSE YOURSELF HIM AT NO POINT -- A CITY MANAGER NEEDS TO BE ABLE TO WORK WITH THE COMMISSION BUT THEY SHOULD BE INDEPENDENT OF YOU TO RUN THEIR STAFF AND THE CITY. THAT WOULD NEVER HAPPEN IF WE ALLOWED SOMEBODY WITH SUCH A CLOSE RELATIONSHIP. THE FACT THAT SHE HAS SUBMITTED HER RESUME FOR THIS POSITION AND THINKING THERE IS NOT A CONFLICT, TO ME QUESTIONS HER JUDGMENT , TO NOT SEE PAST WHAT IS RIGHT IN FRONT OF ALL OF US.

THE OPTICALS OF THIS HAVE BEEN TERRIBLE FOR A LONG TIME. WE HAVE BEST BUDDIES WHO WORK AT THE BAR DOWNTOWN WHERE WE HAVE A LEASE, SITTING ON OUR ANTI-PLANNING BOARD. WE HAVE PEOPLE ON OUR CITY PLANNING BOARD THAT GET CONTRACTS TO WORK WITH US WITHOUT GOING TO BID AND WE JUST UP THAT NUMBER TO MAKE THAT MORE MONEY. THIS LOOKS TERRIBLE. EVEN IF IT IS

[01:35:07]

>> THANK YOU, LET'S CALL DOWN MISS VICTORIA ROSS.

>> VICTORIA 2160 SOUTH LETCHER AVENUE FERNANDINA BEACH. GOOD EVENING COMMISSIONERS AND MR. MAYOR. I'M SPEAKING TONIGHT TO EXPRESS MY CONCERNS OF HAVING A CITY MANAGER WHO COULD HAVE UNDUE INFLUENCE EXERTED UPON THEM DUE TO THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR U.S. CONGRESSMAN AND OUR CURRENT MAYOR. WHILE CITY MANAGER CANDIDATE SARAH CAMPBELL HAS BEEN FORTHRIGHT IN STATING HER RELATIONSHIP WITH THE BEAN FAMILY, IT IS THE APPEARANCE OF THESE RELATIONSHIPS AND UNSTATED POTENTIAL FOR INFLUENCE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE CITY THAT IS MOST WORRISOME. THE FACT THAT THEY ARE BEING WELL POTENTIALLY VOTE ON CAMPBELL WILL BE HIRED AS A CITY MANAGER AND THE ALLEGIANCE THAT COULD BE INJECTED INTO OUR CITY POLITICS IS SOMETHING WE SHOULD ALL BE AWARE OF AND CONCERNED ABOUT.

WHILE I DOUBT MAYOR BEAN WILL RECUSE HIMSELF FROM VOTING, AT LEAST CANDIDATE CAMPBELL HAS BEEN TRANSPARENT. I CAN ONLY HOPE MAYOR BEAN WILL DO THE SAME.

>> ALL RIGHT, THANK YOU. LET'S GET MISS MARILYN TO COME ON

DOWN. >> GOOD EVENING , GENTLEMEN.

IT'S NOT ON MY FORM BUT I WOULD LIKE TO SAY I AGREE WITH EVERYTHING. HAVING SPENT ALMOST 30 YEARS IN THE HR PROFESSION,

--. >> NAME AND ADDRESS

>> MARYLIN HAVE BEEN 1322 ISLAND RIDGE DRIVE . I GOT OFF TRACK BECAUSE I HEARD WHAT THESE LADIES -- I THOUGHT THEY WERE SPEAKING ABOUT SOMETHING ELSE, BUT GOT MY BRAIN GOING.

THIS ISLAND HAS BEEN NEAR AND DEAR TO MY HEART FOR 15 TO 16 YEARS AND EVEN MORE SO WHEN MY HUSBAND AND I REALIZED OUR DREAM OF MAKING IT OUR PERMANENT HOME FOUR YEARS AGO.

AND I CAN TELL YOU THAT FROM READING DIFFERENT PUBLICATIONS , WHETHER SOCIAL MEDIA OR PRINT , I HAVE HAD SOME PRETTY BIG OPINIONS ABOUT THIS COMMISSION , BUT I HAVE NOT SAID ANYTHING IN THE PAST. I'M HERE TONIGHT TO GIVE MY OPINION , REALIZING IT WON'T CHANGE ANYTHING . I CAME FROM A CITY WHERE MY FAMILY WAS VERY POLITICALLY INVOLVED . WE GOT PEOPLE ELECTED AND I KNOW HOW THAT HAPPENS. I WILL GO INTO THAT NOW, BUT IT'S VERY DISCOURAGING TO ME . HAVING SPENT 30 YEARS IN THE HUMAN RESOURCES FIELD, YOU CAN RECUSE -- I CAN RECUSE YOURSELVES FROM VOTING OR INTERVIEWING A CITY MANAGER CANDIDATE. BUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THAT PERSON IS HIRED? ON A DAY TO DAY BASIS, THEY REPORT TO THE CITY COMMISSION. THAT IS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST. SPEAKING OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST, THE REAL REASON I WANTED TO COME SPEAK TONIGHT IS, I CLUCKED IT TODAY. I LIVE WITHIN A MILE OF THAT PLANT AND I'M HERE TO TALK ABOUT MY OPINION ABOUT THE BIOETHANOL . WE CAN COLLECT ALL THE FANCY NAMES WE WANT. I WAS READING THAT ONE OF OUR GENTLEMEN HERE TODAY SAID IT WAS A WIN-WIN FOR EVERYBODY. WELL, I DISAGREE. IT'S EXPLOSIVE. IT IS A HAZARDOUS MATERIAL. THERE ARE SCHOOLS, CHURCHES AND HOMES , OLD PEOPLE, YOUNG PEOPLE, MIDDLE-AGED PEOPLE ALL WITHIN A MILE OF WHERE THIS PROPOSAL IS GOING AND I DON'T SEE ANY URGENCY COMING FROM THIS COMMISSION. IN FACT, PEOPLE ARE SAYING IT IS A WIN-WIN. LET'S DO IT. IT'S GOING TO BE GREAT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT. AND THAT MAKES ME INCENSED , IT MAKES ME WONDER, WHAT ARE YOU USING TO THINK ABOUT THIS ? AND THEN THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST. WHEN ONE OF THE GENTLEMEN ON THIS COMMISSION ACTUALLY WORKS FOR THE COMPANY . I CAN'T IMAGINE THIS HAPPENING WHERE PEOPLE HAVE ETHICS AND MORALS AND VALUES . I REALLY CAN'T. IT'S BEYOND MY COMPREHENSION . FORGIVE ME IF I CAME ACROSS AS

[01:40:05]

FOR ALLOWING ME TO SPEAK >> THANKS FOR COMING TONIGHT.

IN CASE YOU HAVEN'T HEARD THIS YET, I WILL BE RECUSING MYSELF FOR ANY VOTE THAT COMES BEFORE THIS COMMISSION RELATING TO MY EMPLOYER'S. WE LOOK FORWARD TO FOLLOWING ON THAT. MR. RICHARD

DEAN, COME ON DOWN. >> RICHARD DEAN 4104 FERNANDINA BEACH . I REGRET THAT WE HAVE REACHED A NEW LOW WITH REMOVAL FROM THE DISCUSSION OF THE ETHANOL PROJECT FROM THE AGENDA. I WOULD LIKE TO --. WHAT WAS INVOLVED WAS --. WHICH THE RIVERSIDE SITUATION WAS PART OF THE ISLANDS. SENT FAX WITH THE ETHANOL AS A DIFFERENT IDEA.

CODE HAS BEEN ON THE BOOKS FOR MANY YEARS. THIS ISN'T SOMETHING THAT WAS PASSED LAST WEEK. SOMETIMES THERE ARE PRINCIPLES WORTH FIGHTING FOR , PUBLIC SAFETY, PROTECTING OUR HISTORICAL DISTRICT, ECOLOGY AND MARINE LIFE THAT WOULD BE HARMED BY A SPILL OF FIRE OR EXPLOSION. SOMETIMES YOU NEED TO GO TO THE MAT TO STAND UP FOR THOSE PRINCIPLES. WHEN YOU GET WE NEED ABOUT LAWSUITS, GUESS WHAT? YOU WILL GET MORE LEGAL SHOCKS. YOU ARE GOING TO GET SUED TIME AND TIME AGAIN BECAUSE --. I'M GLAD OUR FOREFATHERS UP THERE IN MASSACHUSETTS DIDN'T BLINK. WHEN WE CREATED THIS GREAT COUNTRY. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THE LAWSUITS THREAT IS SO GREAT WITH THE CITY ATTORNEY HAS DONE TO PREPARE FOR THIS CASE THE CITY ATTORNEY LINING UP OUTSIDE EXPERT COUNSEL AS THE FINANCIALS , EXPERIENCE AND ABILITY TO WIN THIS CASE. SOME MAY WONDER WHETHER OR NOT THIS LEGAL THREAT IS A POLITICAL SMOKESCREEN. I THINK THAT IS REALLY A SAD CASE THE MAYOR SAID AT A FORUM THIS PAST WEEK THAT THERE WAS ANY ACCURATE INFORMATION -- TELL US WHAT THE INACCURATE INFORMATION IS. TELL US IF THERE IS THINGS BEING SAID THAT ARE NOT APPROPRIATE.

YOU ALL HAVE RESPONSIBILITY TO UPHOLD THE CODE, REGULATIONS OF THE CITY. UOAA TO YOUR CITIZENS TO TELL THEM WHETHER OR NOT YOU ARE GOING TO DIRECT THE CITY EMPLOYEES TO ENFORCE THE CITY CODE THAT SAYS NO MANUFACTURING OF CHEMICALS IN THE CITY. THANK

YOU. >> THANK YOU, MR. DEAN. MS.

JOY, COME UNDONE. >> JOYCE 221 20 BEECH STREET.

SORRY, IT IS GETTING LATE. I WANT TO ADDRESS TWO THINGS. LET ME HELP SINCE SHE ONLY HAD THREE MINUTES PER ONE OF THE REASONS THAT RYAN'S --. I WON'T SAY LYING BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT LYING ABOUT THEIR AIR EMISSIONS. ONE OF THE REASONS THE AIR EMISSIONS WILL IN FACT GO UP IS BECAUSE THEY WERE LEGALLY ALLOWED TO SUBMIT IN THEIR AIR PERMIT EMISSIONS FROM 10 YEARS AGO. THEIR BASELINE DATA IS FROM 10 YEARS AGO BEFORE THE TECH PLANT CAME ONLINE. SO, THERE IS EMISSIONS USED TO BE WAY UP HERE -- I'M A RETIRED HIGH SCHOOL CHEMISTRY TEACHER -- THERE IS EMISSIONS USED TO BE WAY UP HERE. THEY

[01:45:03]

SECOND THING. I DON'T KNOW IF I STILL SEE THE NEIGHBORS WHO ARE FLOODING. AT OUR LAST STATION IN MARYLAND, I SAT ON OUR SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE. I WISH OUR CITY HAD A SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE. THERE ARE WAYS TO CONTROL FLOODING NATURALLY. ONE OF THEM , ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS WE CAN DO IN OUR CITY IS INCREASE OUR PERMEABILITY . PERCENT PERMEABILITY ALLOWED ON YOUR LAND. IT IS LESS THAN HALF HERE THAN WHAT IT WAS IN THE CITY THAT I USED TO LIVE IN. WHEN IT RAINS , THE RAIN WANTS TO GET BACK INTO THE GROUND. IF THEY CANNOT GET BACK INTO THE GROUND, IT WILL RUN OFTEN FLOOD YOUR NEIGHBOR. AS WE BUILD MONSTER HOMES -- AND BY THE WAY, WE ARE NOT BUILDING THEM -- AUDITORY DEVELOPERS ARE. AS MONSTER HOMES GET BUILT AND WE HAVE LESS GRAPHS AVAILABLE FOR THE WATER TO GET IN, IT WILL RUNOFF. IF WE DECREASE OUR TREE REMOVAL , TREES NOT ONLY CAPTURE WATER IN THE ROOTS BUT IN THEIR ACTUAL CANOPY. THAT'S WHY THEY HANG LOWER AND YOU BUMP INTO THEM WHEN IT HAS BEEN RAINING. OUR CITY USED TO GIVE OUT RAIN BARRELS AT COST . IF WE CAPTURE SOME OF THAT RAIN AND NOT LET IT RUN OFF RIGHT AT THE SAME TIME AS A RAINSTORM.

IMA CLIMATE EDUCATOR. THE TOP 1% OF RAIN EVENTS ARE GOING UP ABOUT 20%. THE VERY BIGGEST RAIN EVENTS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW IN THE U.S., THE AMOUNT OF RAIN IS ABOUT 20% HIGHER . IT IS ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE. WE NEED NATIVE PLANTS, RAIN SWALES, RAIN GARDENS. WE NEED TO FUND LAND CONSERVATION. WE NEED MORE LAND CONSERVED I THE CITY TO CAPTURE THIS WATER. IT IS COMING TO ALL OF OUR NEIGHBORHOODS . ALL OF US HAVE EMPTY LOTS NEAR US. AND AS THEY GET BUILT, WE WILL ALL HAVE MORE FLOODING. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE TONIGHT. WE WELCOME MISS SANDY CARRIED TO THE PODIUM. COME ON DOWN.

>> SANDY CARRY 1255 FOREST DRIVE. GOOD EVENING. MR. DEAN MENTIONED SOMETHING ABOUT OUR NEED AS A PUBLIC FOR THE INFORMATION OR MISINFORMATION POINTS . I WANT TO ALSO SAY I WAS THE OTHER CITIZENTHAT RICK WASN'T -- REQUESTED THE 10 MINUTE TIME. ILLEGITIMATELY IT WAS PULLED FROM THE AGENDA FOR A BOGUS REASON. AND PENDING POSSIBLE LAWSUIT ISN'T THERE.

BECAUSE YOUR CODE SAYS IT CANNOT BE BUILT. YOU HAVE TWO OUTSIDE LEGAL FIRMS THAT SAYS IT CANNOT BE BUILT. TRYING TO CLAIM THAT THAT COMP PLAN MAY BE CHANGED BECAUSE OF A COMMISSIONER ASKING FOR TO BE LOOKED INTO HAS NO BEARING ON THE CITIZENS RIGHT TO KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THIS PLAN. AS MISINFORMATION, MAY YOUR BEAN, YOU HAVE STATED THERE HAS BEEN MUCH IN MISINFORMATION WHEN IN REALITY MISINFORMATION HAS BEEN GENERATED BY YOU. IN MY OPINION. YOU STATED THE RYAN PROJECT WAS IN THE EARLY STAGES , HOWEVER THE CEO OF RYAN , MR. BLOOMQUIST , STATED IN A QUARTERLY CONFERENCE WITH THE WALL STREET ANALYST THAT THEY WERE IN THE , QUOTE, FINAL STAGES OF DETAILED ENGINEERING . BIG DISCREPANCY. SECOND, YOU STATED THAT THERE WAS A LAWSUIT ONGOING WHEN IN FACT IT IS NOT A LAWSUIT , BUT RATHER A JUDICIAL PROCEEDING. YOU STATED THAT THE PERMIT HAD BEEN APPROVED BY FDEP. AGAIN, THIS IS INCORRECT. IT WAS ONLY A DRAFT PERMIT. WHICH ALLOWS THE PUBLIC TO HAVE INPUT TO FDEP INTO THE PROCESS. BIG DIFFERENCE. IN NOVEMBER OF 2023, THERE WAS NO JUDICIAL PROCEEDING GOING ON IN THE CITY. AGAIN, AND THE COMMUNITY ASKED FOR A PROJECT REVIEW BY RYAN, YET YOU STILL LOCKED THEIR REQUESTS. THERE WAS NO REASON TO DO SO. FIFTH, YOU STATED THAT THE PROJECT IS ON HOLD, WHICH IS INCORRECT BECAUSE THE ATTORNEY HIRED BY THE CITY -- FOUND THAT THE PROJECT WOULD BE ILLEGAL UNDER THE CITY'S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, THEREFORE EVEN IF FDEP WERE TO APPROVE THIS PERMIT, IT COULD NOT GO FORWARD . MR. MAYOR, YOU NEED TO RECUSE YOURSELF NOT

[01:50:04]

>> THANK YOU, MR. PERRY. WE WELCOME MR. MARK TO THE PODIUM.

>> GOOD EVENING, MR. MAYOR AND COMMISSIONERS. MY NAME IS MARK HOMANS, I LIVE AT 613 KINGS GEORGE LANE IN FERNANDINA BEACH. I AM THE SENIOR DIRECTOR MANAGEMENT FOR RYAN , FORMALLY THE GENERAL MANAGER FOR THE LAST FIVE YEARS. I HAVE BEEN LIVING AND WORKING IN THIS COMMUNITY FOR 26 YEARS NOW. I HAVE A VESTED INTEREST IN DOING THE RIGHT THING ON BOTH SIDES OF THE FENCE. JUST WANTED TO ASSURE YOU THAT WE ARE NOT CUTTING ANY CORNERS HERE. WE'RE GOING TO DO THE RIGHT THING AS WE MOVE FORWARD WITH THIS PROCESS. I WOULD LIKE TO PROVIDE AN UPDATE ON WHERE WE DO STAND WITH THE PROJECT AND ADDRESS SOME CONCERNS HERE TONIGHT. DEVELOPING A PROJECT OF THIS SIZE DOES TAKE TIME. WE HAVE MOVED FROM LUMINARY ENGINEERING INTO DETAILED ENGINEERING. WE ARE ACTIVELY FINALIZING THE SITE PLANS THIS PROJECT CITING WITHIN OUR CURRENT FOOTPRINT. OUR OUTSIDE ENGINEERING FIRM IS WORKING THROUGH ALL THAT DISCIPLINES , WHICH IS CIVIL, STRUCTURAL, MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL AND OUR PROJECT TEAM IS WORKING TO DEVELOP THE PROJECT CONTROLS. THE FIRE SAFETY SYSTEMS ARE A VERY IMPORTANT PART OF THIS PRODUCT THAT WILL BE FULLY DEVELOPED, AS WELL AS RISK ASSESSMENTS. WHEN ALL OF THAT ENGINEERING IS COMPLETE, WE FULLY EXPECT AND WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE CITIES PROCESS BY MAKING APPLICATION TO THE TECHNICAL REVIEW COMMITTEE. AT WHICH TIME, THEY WOULD HAVE THOSE LEVEL OF DETAILS. WE EXPECT THE CITY TO FAIRLY EVALUATE THAT APPLICATION WITHOUT ANY PRECONCEPTIONS. WE WILL MOVE FORWARD AND ASK -- ANSWER QUESTIONS THAT THE CITY WILL HAVE. WE UNDERSTAND THE PUBLIC IS DISAPPOINTED THAT WE HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO SHARE A GREAT AMOUNT OF DETAIL. IT'S SIMPLY NOT AVAILABLE . AS ENGINEERING DEVELOPS, DETAILS WILL BECOME AVAILABLE AND WILL BE PART OF THAT APPLICATION PROCESS. WE WILL ALSO AGREE , AND ARE OPEN TO PROVIDING PRESENTATION TO THE PUBLIC FORUM. AT A DATE TO BE DETERMINED, WHEN WE DO HAVE THOSE DETAILS AVAILABLE TO US. SUCH THAT WE CAN HAVE AN APPROPRIATE CONVERSATION WITH DEFINITIVE ANSWERS . MOST LIKELY, THAT WILL NOT BE ABLE TO HAPPEN IN THE END OF THE YEAR UNTIL WE ARE PREPARED TO DO THAT. I WOULD LIKE TO RECAP WHAT WE HAVE DONE FROM OF TRANSPARENCY SAKE , SO IN A LARGE PROJECT LIKE THIS I'M OF THE COMPANY HAS TO PUBLICLY DISCLOSE THAT , WHICH HAPPENED EARLIER THIS YEAR. WE WORKED WITH THE DEP TO PROVIDE EARLY PUBLIC NOTICE SO THAT WE CAN KICK OFF THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD, BECAUSE WE KNEW THERE WAS GOING TO BE INTEREST. WE HAVE HAD AN OPEN HOUSE AND 170 PEOPLE CAME THROUGH AND WE ANSWERED A LOT OF QUESTIONS AND EVEN FOLLOWED UP WITH ONE ON ONE'S. WE CONTINUE TO HAVE DIALOGUES WITH THE COMMUNITY WE HAVE CREATED A WEBSITE WITH FAQS THAT ARE CONTINUALLY UPDATED BASED ON THAT INFO. ALL OF THIS INPUT IS VERY IMPORTANT. WE ARE LISTENING TO THE COMMUNITY, OUR ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETINGS, FROM REGULATORY AGENCIES . WE HAVE INITIATED CONVERSATIONS WITH LOCAL EMERGENCY OFFICIALS. WE HAVE HAD INPUT FROM COMMISSIONERS AND STAFF . WE ARE HAVING A LOT OF INPUT FROM OUR INSURANCE PROVIDER, WHICH IS VERY STRICT ON GUIDELINES ON FIRE SAFETY. ALL OF THIS IS SUPER IMPORTANT. MAY I CONTINUE? TO FINALIZE THE PLANS FOR A SAFE AND SUCCESSFUL PROJECT. ONCE YOU SEE THE WHOLE PACKAGE , I THINK YOU WILL FIND THAT THIS IS ABSOLUTELY CONSISTENT WITH THE CITY'S GOALS FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH FOR SUSTAINABILITY AND IMPROVEMENT IN THE ENVIRONMENT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

>> TO ASK A QUESTION? >> MR. ROSS?

>> JUST ONE QUESTION. IS THE MANUFACTURING OF BIOETHANOL A CHEMICAL MANUFACTURING PROCESS?

>> IT IS NOT. WE WILL BE PREPARED TO EXPLAIN THAT IN THE

APPLICATION. >> THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU, MR. ROSS. THAT IS ALL THE CARDS I HAVE TO SPEAK

[10. INTERIM CITY MANAGER REPORTS]

CITY MANAGER REPORT . >> THANK YOU, MAYOR.

>> WE CAN'T HAVE SIDE CONVERSATIONS. WE NEED TO HEAR WHAT MR. GLISSON IS SAYING. PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL.

>> I LIKE TO HIGHLIGHT THE CITY MANAGER CANDIDATE PROCESS. THE

[01:55:02]

OTHER PROJECT TO NOTE, WE SUBMITTED THE PLANT TO THE NASSAU COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD TO INCREASE STREET RESTROOMS. THAT WILL BE ADDED AND ADDED IN THE BUDGET IN THIS COMING YEAR AND WAS SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL BOARD ON FRIDAY TO NASSAU COUNTY SCHOOL . THE CITY STAFF IS WORKING ON DATES FOR ANOTHER TOWN HALL MEETING TO HEAR FEEDBACK FROM THE COMMUNITY FOR THE BIOETHANOL PLANT PROCESS BY RYAN , SO WE ARE LOOKING AT DATES LATER ON IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS TO ACCOMPLISH THAT. THE AMELIA WATER FARK PARK FRONT , WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING THAT PROJECT UNDERWAY. BEECH STREET IMPROVEMENTS ARE GETTING CLOSE TO A COMPLETION. ALL WE HAVE LEST LEFT IS IMPROVEMENTS . SIDEWALKS ARE IN PLACE, WHICH IS PART OF OUR BIKE TRAIL SYSTEM AND THEN ASPHALT PAVING HERE WITHIN THREE WEEKS AS THE NEW SIDEWALK ON SEVENTH STREET WITH PAVING THE FOLLOWING THREE WEEKS AS WELL. I WANT TO CONGRATULATE LIEUTENANT BILLY HENNE AND JEREMIAH GLISSON ON 26 YEARS OF

SERVICE. >> THANK YOU. LET'S GO TO OUR

[11. CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS]

CITY ATTORNEY REPORT. >> WHERE DO WE STAND WITH

BRETZ? >> WITH BRETZ, A FEW WEEKS AGO I DISCUSSED WITH YOU, WE ARE TRYING TO WORK OUT A SETTLEMENT. THEIR LEASE EXPIRES AT THE END OF THE 2025 AND AS LONG AS THE SUBSTRUCTURE CONTINUES TO BE MONITORED, WE UNDERSTAND THEY PLAN TO STAY THERE UNTIL DECEMBER 2025. THIS IS ABOUT THE CITY AND NOT TAKING CARE OF THE SUBSTRUTURE SO IT IS IN THE CONDITION IT IS TODAY. WE HAVE GOTTEN AS FAR AS WE CAN GET. I HAVE TO GET THE CITY COMMISSIONERS INTO A SHADY MEETING, WHAT YOU CANNOT DO IN FLORIDA WHEN YOU ARE IN AND ARBITRATIONS LIKE WE ARE. WE HAVE A THREAT OF ARBITRATION BUT WE DON'T HAVE A LAWSUIT AND SO WE ARE FIGURING OUT HOW TO DO THAT. DID YOU HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION?

>> I THINK YOU ARE SUGGESTING WE ARE ABOUT TO FILE A LAWSUIT?

>> WE ARE DECIDING WHETHER IT IS US OR THEM FILING IT TO GET US INTO COURT SO WE CAN HAVE MEETINGS.

>> IS THAT UNUSUAL TO HAVE --? WHICH ONE OF US IS GOING TO

FILE A LAWSUIT? >> YES. BUT IT DOES HAPPEN, ESPECIALLY WITH DECLARATORY ACTIONS. YES, WE NEED THE COURT AS A TOOL SO WE CAN GET TO A SHADY MEETING, CALL IT A

LOOPHOLE. >> WHY DO WE NEED A SHADE

MEETING? >> TO TALK TO THE CITY COMMISSIONERS ABOUT HOW YOU WANT TO SETTLE THE CASE AND TALK WITH OUR OUTSIDE COUNSEL ABOUT WHAT THEIR LITIGATION STRATEGY IS AND WHAT OUR ARGUMENTS ARE.

>> WHY WOULD WE DO THAT PUBLICLY?

>> THAT'S NOT WISE. >> I HAVE A QUESTION FOR YOU AS WELL. I'M CURIOUS, I WANT TO KNOW YOUR OPINION. I HAVE MET SARAH CAMPBELL ONCE IN MY LIFE OVER A YEAR AND HALF AGO. AND I HAVE NOT SPOKEN TO HER SINCE. I DID NOT KNOW SHE WAS APPLYING FOR THIS BUT COULD YOU PLEASE, YOU ARE AWARE OF THE RELATIONSHIP THAT SHE IS MARRIED TO SOMEBODY WHO WORKS FOR MY DAD? COULD YOU PLEASE DESCRIBE , WOULD THAT BE A CONFLICT OF INTEREST BY FLORIDA LAW AND I GUESS DESCRIBE HOW

THAT WOULD WORK. >> I WAS GOING TO SEND THE CITY COMMISSION AN EMAIL TOMORROW ON THIS TOPIC . I DID TAKE A LOOK AT THIS TODAY AND AS YOU KNOW, TO RECUSE YOURSELF OR AS WE CALL IT ABSTAINING FROM VOTING , YOU CAN DO THAT FOR ONE REASON AND THAT IS BECAUSE YOU HAVE VOTING CONFLICT UNDER THE ETHICS CODE. FROM WHAT I HAVE SEEN, THERE IS NO -- IT HAS TO BE A SPECIAL FINANCIAL GAIN OR LOSS TO THE OFFICIAL VOTING. IN THIS CASE, MR. MAYOR, THAT WOULD BE YOU. IS THERE A SPECIAL FINANCIAL , NOT AN APPEARANCE OF OR -- WHICH I UNDERSTAND AND APPRECIATE THE CITIZENS THAT ARE SAYING THAT, BUT THE LAW IS, AND THE ETHICS CODE IS, THERE HAS TO BE A SPECIAL FINANCIAL GAIN OR LOSS, WHICH IS DEFINED UNDER THE

[02:00:01]

>> -- BUT I AM GOING TO GO ONE STEP FURTHER IF I MIGHT UNDER YOU BEFORE YOU FINISH. THIS CAME TO MY ATTENTION AND PROBABLY YOUR ATTENTION WHEN THE DEADLINE WAS EXTENDED TO THE END OF JULY TO GET IN THE APPLICATIONS AND MS. CAMPBELL'S APPLICATION CAME IN TOWARDS THE VERY END . ONCE I HEARD ABOUT IT A COUPLE WEEKS AFTER THE END OF JULY, THAT MS. CAMPBELL'S HAS BEEN WORKS FOR CONGRESSMAN BEING AND SO, I ALREADY STARTED LOOKING AT WHAT ARE THE THINGS, BESIDES MY OPINION BECAUSE OTHER LAWYERS CAN HAVE OTHER OPINIONS IS ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE HAVE TRIED IT BEFORE AND THERE IS NO TIME TO DO IT HERE, MAYOR, UNFORTUNATELY WE HAVE THE MANAGERS COMING IN TOMORROW AND THURSDAY IS WE HAVE THIS WITH MAYOR JOHNNY MILLER IN THE PAST WHEN HE WORKED FOR THE PALACE SALOON. THE OWNER OF THE PALACE SALOON WAS GOING TO ASSIGN EITHER TAKE AND/OR ASSIGN THE LEASE AT THE AMELIA RIVER GOLF COURSE BECAUSE THAT LEASE LUNGS TO THE CITY AND ASKS IF YOU HAVE A CONFLICT. I SAID I DON'T THINK YOU HAVE A CONFLICT BUT JUST IN CASE THIS DECISION WAS COMING UP MONTHS DOWN THE ROAD, HE WROTE FOR AN INFORMAL OPINION ON ETHICS AND THE COMMISSION ON ETHICS ANSWERED HIS QUESTIONS AND NEGATIVE THAT HE DID NOT HAVE AND IT WAS TOO FAR REMOVED AND HE WAS GETTING THE PAYCHECK FROM HIS EMPLOYER DOING BUSINESS, COMING AND BRINGING THEIR CONTRACT BEFORE THE COMMISSION AND THE COMMISSION ON ETHICS SAYS, THEY HAVE TOO MANY EMPLOYEES AND ARE TOO FAR REMOVED. SO YOU DON'T HAVE THAT ABILITY IF WE ARE VOTING THIS WEEK ON THE CITY MANAGER BECAUSE IT DOES TAKE A COUPLE OF MONTHS TO GET THAT OPINION BACK. BUT I DON'T SEE WHETHER THERE IS A FINANCIAL GAIN OR LOSS FOR YOU. IT IS NOT A FINANCIAL GAIN OR LOSS FOR MS. CAMPBELL, IT IS FOR THE PERSON THAT IS VOTING AND THAT IS YOU.

I DON'T THINK YOU HAVE A CONFLICT.

>> UNDERSTOOD. I JUST WANT TO PLUG IN THAT TOMORROW WE HAVING A BEATING GREAT WITH ALL FIVE CANDIDATES. HOPEFULLY THAT WILL GIVE THEM ALL IF YOU'RE SICK TOMORROW AND THAT IS GOOD SO IF ANYONE WANTS TO COME TO THE CITY GOLF COURSE FROM SEWER:00 TO 6:00, I THINK IT WILL BE A GREAT TIME AND THERE WILL BE

LIGHT SNACKS. >> JUST WANTED TO MENTION A ANECDOTE TO THINK ABOUT. WHETHER YOU ARE IN A SMALL COMMUNITY OR BIG COMMUNITY AND THIS IS WHAT WE HAVE THE CODE OF ETHICS IN FLORIDA TOO AND IT IS VERY SPECIFIC TO FINANCIAL GAIN OR LOSS WHEN YOU WERE DEALING WITH A VOTING CONFLICT BECAUSE WHEN YOU ARE IN A COMMUNITY, YOU ARE GOING TO KNOW PEOPLE. YOU ARE GOING TO KNOW PEOPLE THAT YOU HIRE, THAT YOU FIRE, THAT YOU HAVE CONTRACTS WITH AS A CITY COMMISSIONER. IT IS NOT UNUSUAL TO HAVE FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS AND, I GUESS, THE OPINIONS OF CRONYISM. THERE ARE GOING TO BE PEOPLE WHO KNOW WE ARE IN THE SAME COMMUNITY, OTHERWISE WE WOULD BE BRINGING PEOPLE FROM OUTSIDE COMMUNITIES TO RUN FOR THE CITY COMMISSIONS. THAT IS ONE OF THE REASONS . THE IS NOT JUST MY WORDS. THIS IS IN ETHICS OPINION THAT IS GOING TO SAY, HEY, YOU ARE GOING TO KNOW AND HAVE SOME KNOWLEDGE OF A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT YOU COME IN CONTACT WITH. WERE THEY WERE WITH YOU, CONTRACT WITH YOU. THAT IS WHY THEY HAVE THE

FINANCIAL -- >> THANK YOU FOR THE TIPS. I

[12. CITY CLERK REPORTS]

[13. MAYOR/COMMISSIONER COMMENTS]

COMMISSIONER ROSS? >> I THINK I'VE SAID ENOUGH

FOR ONE EVENING. >> THANK YOU. MR. ANTOINE?

>> I LIKE TO EDIFY MR. JEREMIAHS REQUEST ABOUT HAVING A FUTURE WORKSHOP FOR INFORMALLY REQUESTING THAT WE ARE WILLING TO DO SO FOR OUR TONIGHT IN ORDER TO MAKE SURE THAT WE CAN ACTUALLY GET SOME ANSWERS. OTHER THAN THAT, THAT

WILL BE IT. >> THINK YOU MIGHT COMMISSIONER

ANTUN. COMMISSIONER AYSCUE? >> TO FOLLOW UP ON THAT, MR. ANTON, I DON'T THINK ONE IS ENOUGH. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A MINIMUM OF FOUR. TUPLE AT NIGHT. TWO DURING THE DAY. OPEN THEM UP FOR PEOPLE TO COME UP AND COME IN AND JUST LIKE THE LAST ONE WE HAD. ITWOULD BE OPEN FOR EVERYBODY. IF BRIAN WANTED TO COME THEY COULD. IF MS. COOK HE WANTED TO COME, SHE COULD. I THINK THAT THE ISSUE IS THAT LARGE AND WE HAVE GOTTEN TO THAT POINT I BELIEVE WE COULD DO AT LEAST FOUR OVER A GOOD SIX OR EIGHT WEEK PERIOD. WE ARE NOT GOING TO BE ALL AT ONCE BUT JUST LIKE AT LEAST FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND HOW THE PARKS AND REC TOWNHOME WAS A PHENOMENAL SUCCESS. I WANT TO OPEN IT UP AND DO FOUR.

>> SOUNDS GOOD TO ME. ANYONE HAVE AN ISSUE WITH IT? ALL

RIGHT. >> OKAY. THAT SOUNDS GOOD.

COMMISSIONER AYSCUE? >> THAT IS IT.

>>

>> ABOUT YOU SAID YOU WERE GOING TO TALK TONIGHT SO WE

[02:05:03]

COULD GO HOME? >>

>> COMMISSIONER SAID WE ARE DONE AND OVER AT 9:00 SO WE ARE

GETTING WAY UNDER. >> VICE COMMISSIONER CURTIS?

>> THANK YOU, MAYOR. DARREN, I'M GLAD TO SEE YOU HAVE SAFE TRAVELS TO IRELAND AND BACK EVEN THOUGH THE SEMINOLES DIDN'T WIN. I JUST WANTED TO MAKE THAT STATEMENT UP FRONT AND THEN, I DO WANT TO MAKE A COMMENT . OF COURSE SOMETHING TO JEREMIAH REALLY QUICK. CONCERNING THE FLOODING ON FOURTH AND THIRD STREET , ONE WAS THE LAST TIME THAT THAT ROAD WAS PAVED? AND I AM NOT ASKING FOR ANY EXACT ANSWER TONIGHT. YOU CAN TAKE THIS BACK. I AM JUST MAKING A

STATEMENT. >> I DON'T KNOW THE LAST TIME

-- >> THIRD AND FOURTH STREET BETWEEN ALUM AND WHATEVER THIS ISSUE IS, YOU COULD PROBABLY GET WITH ANDRE, WHY NOTICE IS NOT HERE THIS EVENING, BUT THAT IS AN ISSUE AND THAT IS A CONTINUED ISSUE AND WE NOTE THERE IS GOING TO BE MORE ISSUES, WE NEED TO ADD THAT SOMEHOW TO OUR PAVING PLAN AND THAT IS THE TIME WHEN YOU DO STALL THE DANGEROUS. DRAINAGE. THAT IS THE TIME YOU ADJUST THE ROAD. THROWING THAT OUT THERE FOR AN IDEA DURING MY

COMMISSIONER COMMENT. >> AND I ADDRESSED THAT MY

SMEAR? >> SURE.

>> THE FIRST TIME IMMEDIATE PLAN THAT THE CONTRACTOR IS GOING TO BE INSTALLING , THE STORM DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS FOR THAT PROPERTY BASED OFF OF OUR DESIGN THAT WILL BE HAPPENING IN THE NEXT 45 DAYS AND THEN ONCE THAT WORK IS DONE, THERE WILL BE AN ENLARGEMENT OF THE PIPE ALONG FOURTH STREET THAT WILL BE PERFORMED BY CITY STAFF. DO YOUR POINT MY SMEAR, FOURTH STREET, FIFTH, SIXTH, TO THE SOUTH OF WHERE WE ARE AT HERE, -- YES, WE CAN SLOPE THE WORLD. FOR THAT IS ONLY FIVE YOUR PAVING SCHEDULE AND WE WILL DEFINITELY LOOK AT BRING THAT UP SO THAT AS WE RESURFACE, SLOPE THE ROAD , INVERTED, DO WHAT IS NECESSARY TO FIGHT ADDITIONAL DRAINAGE

IMPROVEMENTS. >> I'M GOING TO MAKE THIS STATEMENT UNDER MY COMMISSIONER COMMENTS. SOMETIMES PEOPLE THINK THE WHOLE ENTIRE CITY IS FALLING APART AND WE DO HAVE ISSUES. WE DO HAVE ISSUES JUST LIKE ANY OTHER CITY. WE ARE NOT UNLIKE ANY OTHER CITY WHEN IT COMES TO GROWTH . WE ARE NOT LIKE ANY OTHER CITY WHEN IT COMES TO DRAINAGE PROBLEMS. IT IS JUST THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS TO BE FLARING UP RIGHT NOW. SO WHAT HAPPENS IS AS COMMISSION, WE HAVE TO SWERVE AND ADOPT AND THAT IS HOW SOMETIMES LONG-RANGE STRATEGIC PLANNING DOESN'T NECESSARILY WORK OUT BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO SWERVE AND ADOPT FOR AN ECONOMIC RECESSION. OR YOU HAVE TO SWERVE AND ADAPT FOR A CHANGE IN ADDITIONS. OR SWERVE AND ADAPT. SO I'M MAKING SOME SMART POINTS THAT I WILL PROCEED HOPEFULLY SWERVE AND ADAPT TO HELP THOSE RESIDENTS.

THANK YOU, CHAIR. YOU HAVE ANSWERED MY QUESTION. I WANT TO GO BRIEFLY THAT IT WAS A GREAT MEETING. WE SPENT 2 MILLION $250 MILLION THIS EVENING ON OUR CITY. NOT QUITE AS MUCH OF LAST MEETING BUT WE ARE KEEPING THE BAR UP AND TRYING TO MAINTAIN THE LEVEL OF SERVICE. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU, VICE MAYOR. I APPRECIATE THAT. JEREMIAH, WE WANTED TO TOUCH ON YOUR 26 YEARS OF SERVICE. I APPRECIATE THAT. CHRIS, OUR OFFICER, THANK YOU FOR THE CHIEF OF LETTING ME KNOW. HE HAS BEEN PROMOTED TO BE HOURS OR RESOURCE OFFICER SO CONGRATULATE HIM WHEN YOU SEE HIM. HE WILL BE KEEPING OUR KIDS SAFE AT FVHS. AND I HAVE A NOTE HERE FOR CITY MANAGER GEORGE, HIS FUNERAL IS GOING TO TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY AT 2:00 P.M. AT THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH IN SAVANNAH. IF YOU COULD MAKE IT UP THERE, I AM SURE THE FAMILY WOULD LOVE TO HEAR YOUR SUPPORT AND WE ARE GOING TO MISS CHARLIE FOR SURE.

WITH THAT BEING SAID, WE WILL SEE YOU

* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.