St. Augustine Recod: City elects to partner with UF on properties -- UF negotiators come here next week

City elects to partner with UF on properties -- UF negotiators come here next week
Posted: June 29, 2010 - 12:02am
By PETER GUINTA

St. Augustine's City Commissioners decided by consensus Monday night to work toward a partnership with the University of Florida before the school legally takes possession of the city's 34 state-owned historic properties July 1.

Commissioners hope the relationship will work, but believe their connection with UF is tenuous.

Vice Mayor Errol Jones said, "I'm afraid they'll devour us. UF doesn't have a commitment to us. I think they have a commitment, but I don't know what it's to."

The city had little choice. The commission's only alternatives to partnership are:

1. Fight UF in court, where the city would eventually lose;

2. Request an injunction to stop UF from leasing the properties, which would only be temporary; or

2. Immediately walk away from the properties and risk the jobs of 53 city employees.

Incoming City Manager John Regan said UF may start spending its appropriation of $650,000 on July 1.

That money may be used to maintain historic buildings, maintain one building or hire staff.

The city wants to use some UF money and some of its own to transform the Spanish Quarter into a respected living heritage museum. Right now, the Quarter gets 60,000 visitors a year while the Castillo de San Marcos across the street gets 5 million.

"UF does not see the Spanish Quarter as we do," Regan said. "We want them to let us operate it."

Government House, he said, could become the "academic center" of St. Augustine, housing state history and preservation offices.

"Every great plaza is anchored by great buildings," he said.

Commissioners fear that if the school's appropriation is a one-time or part-time event, UF will be underfunded and perhaps be financially forced to close the Spanish Quarter. The $650,000 appropriation will be a recurring allocation, according to state Rep. Bill Proctor, R-St. Augustine.

"We have to work out a transition plan," Regan said.

Next week, university negotiators are coming here.

Jones said, "There are a lot of simple, unanswered questions. I'd like to partner but I don't know who my partner is. It's like holding hands in the dark."

Commissioner Leanna Freeman said the city has a lot to offer the university and the other way around.

"But we don't share the same goals. I'm concerned. But we don't have any choice," she said.

Mayor Joe Boles said the city will "move on all fronts" to a new partnership.

But Regan said that city property in the Spanish Quarter is required for the new $10 million Visitor Orientation Center, purportedly to be paid for by the National Park Service and state of Florida.

"That (half acre of) land is a big bargaining chip. Without it the VSO won't get built. When I raise the issue, it drives (UF) crazy," he said.

Commissioner Don Crichlow, a UF graduate, said he's optimistic about the partnership.

"It's the unknown we fear. (But) I have every belief that my beloved alma mater is not going to shaft us," he said.