Votes at a glance: commission passes antisemitism resolution, sets millage rate and advances several land-use and code changes

The St. Augustine City Commission on July 14 unanimously adopted a resolution supporting the state'adopted working definition of antisemitism, set a proposed millage rate for fiscal year 2026 and approved a package of land-use and administrative code items for further consideration.

The commission voted 4-0 to adopt Resolution 2025-24 backing the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism as the city'endorsed definition. Mayor Nancy Sykes Klein moved the resolution; Commissioner Jim Springfield seconded. Commissioners John DePrater, Jim Springfield, Cynthia Garris and Mayor Klein voted yes. Assistant City Attorney April Owen presented the resolution to the commission prior to the vote.

The commission also set a proposed ad valorem millage of 7.5 mills for FY 2026, a figure the staff said matches the city's current rate and provides a ceiling for budget hearings. The roll-back rate calculated for the year was 7.3513 mills; the commission scheduled the required public hearing on the millage and budget for Sept. 11, 2025.

On land-use and planning matters the commission approved on first reading several ordinances and moved them to second reading and public hearing dates: amendments to the comprehensive plan and zoning for 241 West King Street to allow an archaeology center and to 500 Anastasia Boulevard to allow a relocated island fire station; and an ordinance to amend the comprehensive plan to incorporate the North Florida Regional Water Supply Plan updates. The commission also passed an ordinance (first reading) designating an administrative authority for plat and replat submissions after a state statutory change preempted the prior public hearing requirement; a companion resolution designating the planning and building director as that administrative authority was also approved.

The commission accepted the city's audited Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for fiscal 2024, receiving an unmodified opinion from auditors.

Most items that were introduced or passed on first reading will return for required second readings or public hearings on future agendas, at which point the commission will take final votes as required by city code.

Votes at a glance - Resolution 2025-24 (Adopt IHRA working definition of antisemitism): Passed unanimously (4-0). Moved by Mayor Nancy Sykes Klein; seconded by Commissioner Jim Springfield. - Resolution 2025-25 (Proposed millage rate 7.5 mills for FY 2026): Passed (4-0). - Ordinance 2025-10 (Amend comprehensive plan to adopt updated water supply plan): Passed first reading; recorded affirmative roll call; to return for second reading with required public hearing. - Ordinances 2025-12/13 (land use and rezoning for 241 West King Street for archaeology center): Passed first reading; moved to second reading. - Ordinances 2025-14/15 (land use and rezoning for 500 Anastasia Blvd for island fire station): Passed first reading; moved to second reading. - Ordinance 2025-16 (amend code to create administrative authority for plats/replats): Passed first reading; companion Resolution 2025-26 designating the planning & building director as that authority: Passed. - Acceptance of FY 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report: Accepted.

What this means next: Several items (most notably ordinances affecting land use) will return for required second readings and public hearings. The city staff will proceed with administrative steps on statutorily required items and follow up on implementation details the commission requested during the meeting.

Ending note: Most votes were unanimous; items moved forward with limited debate. Public-comment topics at the meeting included a proposed residential parking zone on Rode Avenue, multiple speakers urging the removal of horse-drawn carriages from city streets, and a multi-point presentation from staff on traffic and safety proposals for the upcoming Knights of Lights season.