St. Augustine City Commissioners discussed a range of subjects Monday during a lengthy meeting that ran nearly three hours and 45 minutes. Here’s what you missed.
Bridge of Lions Lighting Design Selected
The commission selected a design for new lighting meant to celebrate the Bridge of Lions’ centennial next year. The proposal chosen by commissioners calls for up-lighting under the bridge, but does not include lighting for the four towers at the center of the bridge.
The decision came after commissioners expressed concern over the cost of the project, which ranged from $195,000 with lighting for the towers, down to $104,000 for the simplest design. The commission has set aside $150,000 in the budget for the project.
Commissioner Jim Springfield asked if color-changing LED lights could be installed to celebrate holidays and other events. However, Mayor Nancy Sikes-Kline cautioned that themed lighting could invite the kind of Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) intervention and battles that have embroiled past pride month displays on the Acosta Bridge in Jacksonville.
The commission’s chosen proposal still has to be reviewed by FDOT and two other agencies, which is not expected to be completed until at least December.
Commission Formally Protests Federal Rollback of Historic Preservation Rules
Commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution opposing an effort to change Section 106 of the National Trust for Historic Preservation Act, which requires projects proposed by federal agencies to gather input if they might affect historic structures and sites.
“I’m calling a red alert on this one, it is unbelievable that this is even happening,” said Sikes-Kline.
The city will send its resolution to the National Park Service, the Department of State and Northeast Florida’s local congressional delegation.
Flock Cameras
The issue of Flock and other license plate reader (LPR) cameras, which have stoked backlash across the state and across the country recently, was raised during public comment Monday.
Lynne Dadie said she has been a St. Augustine resident since 2002, but it was her first time addressing the city commission. She argued Flock cameras might make residents safer, but only at the expense of essential liberties that are not worth trading away.
“It is none of the government’s business whether I’m on my way to church or a strip club, whether I’m on my way to bottle feed shelter kittens or visit my affair partner,” said Dadie.
She also admonished St. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick for his recent comments claiming cities banning Flock cameras are “the same cities that defunded the police,” and urged the “Don’t Tread on Me crowd” to be more vocal in its opposition to Flock cameras.
According to LPR camera-tracker DeFlock, there are 18 cameras in St. Augustine City limits and about 80 in the surrounding area.
Commissioners Approve Land Conservation Ordinance, Push for Tighter Rules
Commissioners unanimously approved an ordinance inquiring a unanimous commission vote to develop city-owned lands designated for conservation, but made plans to strengthen the measure at an upcoming meeting. Some commissioners honed in on the language of the ordinance, expressing concern that certain properties may not be protected.
Those who spoke on the item during public co
mment were unanimous in their support, and commissioners mirrored their enthusiastic support for the measure.
“The only way to slow the growth is to purchase the property from willing sellers,” remarked Vice Mayor Barbara Blonder, who noted the success of local candidates who ran under a “slow the growth” banner in primary elections a week before.
Commissioner Jon DePreter was absent Monday. The next commission meeting is Sept. 14 at 5 p.m.
