Following government watchdog Tom Reynolds' suggestion, St. Augustine Beach Commissioners voted unanimously October 17, 2016 to offer $50,000 for the former Anastasia Mosquito Control Commission of St. Johns County headquarters to convert to park use.
Following government watchdog Tom Reynolds' request, St. Augustine Beach Commissioners confirmed on October 17th an alcohol ban and nondiscrimination policy at City Hall, responding to Mr. Reynolds' concerns about underage drinkers at St. Augustine Beach Civic Association parties held in City Commission chambers.
But Tom Reynolds was not there at the October 17, 2016 meeting.
Wonder why?
An illegal, unconstitutional injunction sought by embattled St. Augustine Beach Mayor RICHARD O'BRIEN barred him from City Hall -- strong arm police state tactics unworthy of a free people.
St. Augustine Beach to make $50K offer on mosquito district property
Posted October 19, 2016 06:09 am - Updated October 19, 2016 06:47 am
By SHELDON GARDNER sheldon.gardner@staugustine.com
St. Augustine Beach commissioners supported offering $50,000 for the former Anastasia Mosquito Control District headquarters at 500 Old Beach Road.
The district recently issued a request for proposals to sell the property.
The district would prefer a minimum bid at the property’s certified value of close to $250,000, but the district will consider other offers, according to a previous St. Augustine Record report.
The deadline to respond to the request is Nov. 18.
A reverter clause requires the property be used for public purposes by government agencies or revert back to the city of St. Augustine’s control, according to a previous St. Augustine Record report. The city sold the property to the Anastasia Mosquito Control District for $6,250 in 1972.
The district’s home is now on EOC Drive, which is off Agricultural Center Drive near State Road 16 and Interstate 95.
At Monday’s St. Augustine Beach meeting, City Manager Max Royle asked commissioners to decide on some key issues before responding to the request for proposals, including the offer for the property and what it could be used for.
Commissioners said they’d like to see it used for community purposes such as recreation, a community center and an educational site, but they plan to create a more detailed plan as the process moves along.
“We should get that property and figure [it] out,” said Commissioner Gary Snodgrass.
Snodgrass said it could take an additional $50,000 over the property cost to fix up the site.
Commissioners will get another look at the proposal in November before it goes to the Anastasia Mosquito Control District.
In other business, Vice Mayor Undine George encouraged everyone whose property has been damaged by Hurricane Matthew to apply for assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. She said that with more people applying, it will be easier for dollars to flow into the area.
FEMA approved “Individual Assistance” disaster declaration for St. Johns County and other parts of Florida, which means people whose homes were damaged in the storm can apply for money for repairs and temporary housing, according to a previous St. Augustine Record report
Commissioner Andrea Samuels said people who don’t have flood insurance can apply, but they just need a letter from their insurance company saying they don’t have flood insurance. If people don’t know the name of their insurance company, they can check with their mortgage company to find out, she said. Commissioners are still hashing out policy on how city facilities and the City Commission meeting room should be used. Amid concerns about making an exception for the St. Augustine Beach Civic Association, the commission supported changing the wording of part of the policy to allow 501(c)4 organizations — which includes nonprofit civic associations and social welfare groups — based at St. Augustine Beach to use the meeting room instead of naming the civic association specifically. Also, commissioners supported requiring a security officer to be present whenever the commission meeting room is used.
In event permits, commissioners approved the Santa Suits on the Loose 5K, with the understanding that the police chief will pick the race route.
Commissioners also approved 4-1 the Diva Run in St. Augustine Beach this year, after one of the event officials spoke to commissioners about the race and its route. Snodgrass voted against the motion, which also requires route approval by the police chief.
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