Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026
Reconsideration of paid parking reversal fails in 2-2 vote
Commissioner Tim Poynter, who made the original motion to terminate the city’s paid parking contract Aug. 19, asked the commission to reconsider that decision, calling his earlier vote “irrational” and “a knee-jerk reaction.” Commissioner Joyce Tuten seconded the motion, citing the need for proper public notice on a major decision. Commissioner Genece Minshew and Vice Mayor Darron Ayscue voted against reconsideration, with Minshew saying, “I consider this done because the community has spoken.” The 2-2 tie means the motion fails; the paid parking program remains on track to end Nov. 18, when One Parking’s contract terminates.
More than a dozen residents spoke during two separate public comment periods, split between those who said the Aug. 19 vote honored the referendum results and those who argued the commission acted too quickly without a funding replacement plan. City Manager Sarah Campbell said the city stopped selling annual parking permits the day after the Aug. 19 vote, though monthly permits remain available through the program’s Nov. 18 end date.
Commission approves updated stormwater utility rates in 3-1 vote
Commissioners approved an ordinance overhauling how the city calculates stormwater utility fees, adopting a rate study that allocates costs based on rooftop area for commercial properties this year, with a three-year phase-in for the 14 largest commercial accounts. Utilities Director Andre Desilet said the new methodology reflects that 92% of the city’s stormwater maintenance needs are tied to public infrastructure used by all residents and businesses, rather than requiring a property-by-property hydrologic study.
Several nonprofit representatives objected to the rate increases, including John Sauer of First Baptist Church, who said the church’s stormwater fee would rise from about $200 to $22,000 annually despite the church’s retention ponds absorbing runoff rather than contributing to it. Vice Mayor Ayscue cast the dissenting vote, saying the city failed to bring nonprofits and business stakeholders into the process early enough. Commissioner Tuten supported the ordinance, saying the stormwater department completed only 2% of its required maintenance last year due to insufficient revenue.
Commission adopts new speed hump policy
Commissioners voted 4-0 to approve a formal policy for how neighborhoods can request speed humps or speed tables, requiring resident petitions, data gathering and an engineering analysis before installation. City Manager Campbell said the city previously had no consistent process for evaluating such requests.
Commission approves conservation land agreement with North Florida Land Trust
Commissioners voted 4-0 to approve a new memorandum of understanding with the North Florida Land Trust to identify and acquire conservation land within the city, replacing an agreement that expired in 2023. The city has set aside $240,000 toward an initial $980,000 property acquisition, with the land trust covering the remaining cost. Commissioner Tuten called the effort critical to the city’s flood water absorption capacity.
Commission reappoints Thomas Morris to Housing Authority
Commissioners voted 4-0 to reappoint Thomas Morris to the Fernandina Beach Housing Authority.
City to develop formal policy for naming public facilities
Commissioners declined to act on a request to rename the Atlantic Avenue Recreation Center pool in honor of longtime resident Louise Bowers, who died in August at 105. Instead, commissioners directed staff to revive and update a 2021 naming ordinance that was later repealed, establishing a formal public process before any future naming decisions.
Other business
Commissioner Tuten urged residents to attend a Florida Department of Transportation open house Thursday, Sept. 24, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Atlantic Recreation Center regarding a proposed repaving of Atlantic Avenue that would remove parking between Jean Lafitte Boulevard and 15th Street. Commissioner Minshew was recognized for earning the Florida League of Cities’ Gold Certificate of Excellence. The commission also recognized Officer Brian Evatt’s promotion to sergeant and Lt. William Haney’s retirement after 28 years of service.
Source: City of Fernandina Beach Commission meeting, Sept. 1, 2026. Watch the full meeting →
