Golf Course Advisory Board replaced by Greens and Oversight Committee

Fernandina Beach City Commission appoints commissioner liaisons to four committees/boards

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm

Reporter -  News Analyst

In the first of two meetings on January 21, 2014, the Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) took up the topic of advisory boards and committees once again.  While commissioner liaisons were appointed to serve on four committees, most of the discussion and public concern centered on the agenda item sunsetting the current Golf Course Advisory Board (GCAB) and replacing it with a Greens and Oversight Committee (Resolution 2014-10).

As Mayor Ed Boner announced the agenda item on commissioner liaison appointments, two commissioners – Johnny Miller and Vice Mayor Sarah Pelican – simultaneously sought recognition.  Boner called first on Miller, who expressed his desire to be appointed to the Airport Advisory Commission. Pelican announced that she, too, desired that appointment.  Commissioner Charlie Corbett weighed in, opining that since precedent seemed important to the commission, seniority should govern appointments and Miller should defer to Pelican.  Mayor Ed Boner cut the discussion short by announcing that he had tried to match interests and experience of the commissioners against committee assignments and offered his selections:  Vice Mayor Pelican – Airport Advisory Commission; Commissioner Miller – Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee; Commissioner Pat Gass – CRA Advisory Board; and Commissioner Charlie Corbett – Golf Course Advisory Board.  Boner added that he did not assign himself, since there were only four slots open.  Commissioners accepted these assignments without discussion.

Commissioner Charlie Corbett

The FBCC moved on to the only other agenda item, placed on the agenda by Commissioner Charlie Corbett, to sunset the Golf Course Advisory Board and create a replacement greens and oversight committee.  Corbett addressed the item, stating that the GCAB authorizing resolution was now outdated and that the new committee would consist of 7 members, one each from the Men’s (Carl Galphin) and Women's (Jane Paige) Golf Associations, and the other 5 to be selected from applicants to serve staggered terms.  Neither Corbett nor city staff discussed the enabling resolution for the new committee, its origin and mission, nor how the new committee would differ from the existing committee.  Corbett suggested that members of the GCAB would be able to apply for appointment to the new committee.

Michael Spicer

Mayor Boner opened the floor to public comment.  Michael Spicer and Arthur Herman, local residents representing the newly formed Tree Conservancy, rose to express concerns over recently revealed city plans to trim or remove trees from the city golf course property.  Spicer said that he had just learned about the plans around noon.  He asked that the Tree Conservancy be consulted before such actions are proposed.

Corbett replied that there are very few live oaks at the golf course and that most of the tree issues involved diseased or dying hollies and laurel oaks.  He said that Kelly Gibson, the city’s tree expert, had examined the trees as well as a certified arborist with Myers Tree Service.  Corbett indicated that tree roots and excessive shade were problems for the greens.  Commissioner Miller concurred, adding that if tree work is not done, the efforts investing in improving the greens will not last more than 5 years.

City Manager Joe Gerrity said that while no final decision on the trees had been made, some of the trees tagged for removal are reaching the end of their lifespans.  He said that two different types of permits would be issued, one that would eliminate dead or dying trees and the other that would remove healthy trees interfering with course play.  Trees removed under the second permit would be replaced elsewhere at the golf course or in the city.

Arthur Herman

Resident Arthur Herman, a landscape architect, spoke to nutrition needs for the golf course greens and suggested that an arborist not associated with a tree removal company assess the health of trees targeted for removal.  Gerrity suggested to the FBCC that he might call in the arborist who had evaluated the airport trees.

Spicer stressed that the Tree Conservancy was not demanding a seat on the golf course committee, but only wanted to be consulted.  Corbett suggested that Spicer and his group needed to visit the golf course and view the situation first hand.  Vice Mayor Pelican reminded speakers and audience members from the Tree Conservancy that committee meetings were advertised and open to the public.

GCAB Chair Doug Bailey

Mayor Boner asked if anyone wanted to comment on the proposed resolution to create the new greens and oversight committee.  Doug Bailey, current GCAB chair, was recognized and informed the FBCC that activities of the GCAB had been hampered by Sunshine Law requirements and that GCAB members had favorably discussed some of the changes being recommended with the new committee over the past year.  He added that he was offended that he had just that day discovered that the FBCC would be sunsetting the GCAB and creating a new committee.  He said that no city commissioner or the city manager had come to a GCAB meeting to tell current committee members what was being proposed or to seek input.  He felt that the GCAB was being “kicked to the curb” with no explanations or appreciation for the time members had invested in trying to help the city.

Commissioner Gass asked, “How did this go down?”  Mayor Boner replied that he had just found out about the agenda item yesterday.  Corbett quoted from an earlier email from former GCAB member Jim Powers that Corbett believed supported the proposed action, adding, “anyone can apply” for membership on the new committee.  Gass said that she wanted to express her appreciation to GCAB members and apologize for not consulting them on this matter.  Pelican also added her thanks to Bailey and other GCAB members.

Gerrity asked commissioners for their expectations from him with respect to the committees and boards under consideration.  Mayor Boner replied that commissioner-liaisons would attend board meetings and report back to Gerrity and the FBCC.  It was the consensus of the commission that Gerrity would not be expected to attend committee meetings.  Corbett added that the purpose of the liaison was to provide committee members with a direct line to the FBCC and improve communications between the bodies.  Pelican said that with the golf course committee, it was obvious that a communication disconnect had occurred.

Doug Bailey suggested that the FBCC consider placing these boards on their meeting agenda quarterly to maintain currency on issues and activities.  The FBCC concurred.  Corbett moved and Pelican seconded passage of Resolution 2014-10, sunsetting the GCAB and creating a Greens and Oversight Committee.  It passed on a unanimous vote.

Jane Bailey expresses her opinion on handling of the GCAB sunsetting to Commissioner Corbett as City Manager Gerrity and Vice Mayor Pelican look on.

Following adjournment, audience member Jane Bailey approached Commissioner Charlie Corbett to express her displeasure with the FBCC’s failure to consult with the GCAB members before taking action to sunset their committee.  She said that the members put in many hours serving the city and deserved better treatment from the FBCC.  While Bailey spoke in a low, calm voice, Corbett became agitated and shot back defensively, resulting in obvious discomfort to Gerrity and Pelican, who flanked him at the commission bench.

Editor's Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne's many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.

January 22, 2014 2:20 p.m.