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Commission approves grant applications, MSTU drawdowns and first reading of pay plan; board appointment passes
Summary
The City Commission voted unanimously to submit several grant applications (FRDAP for MLK field improvements and Nassau County municipal funds), authorized MSTU funding draws for boardwalk rebuilds, and approved first reading of a pay-and-classification ordinance that includes a 5% increase for non‑union positions; a Board of Adjustment appointment also passed.
The Fernandina Beach City Commission on Sept. 2 unanimously approved multiple resolutions and administrative items including grant applications and a first reading of an annual pay and classification update.
Key approvals:
- Resolution to submit a Florida Recreation and Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) grant to help fund field improvements at the Martin Luther King Jr. softball field; staff said the city’s capital budget includes $2,000,000 for the project and FRDAP may provide up to $200,000 toward that cost. Lorelei Jacobs said the grant program allows three years to implement awarded projects.
- Nassau County municipal grant application (annual $50,000 program) to offset impact‑fee funding for the same MLK field project; staff recommended approval and commissioners discussed asking the county to consider larger or proportional awards in future years.
- Municipal Service Taxing Unit (MSTU) request to draw $50,000 increments from the beach renourishment fund to rebuild two boardwalks; staff noted the fund’s reserve rules limit available drawdowns and the city would cover any excess costs.
- First reading of Ordinance 2025‑10 to update the city’s pay and classification plan. City staff said two bargaining groups (including the fire union) are in the second year of negotiated agreements; staff recommended a 5% increase for non‑union positions to keep steps aligned. Police compensation changes were excluded pending separate negotiations and ratification.
- A Board of Adjustment appointment was approved by a 5–0 vote.
Votes at a glance: consent agenda (5–0); resolution 2025‑153 (appropriations requests) (5–0); resolution 2025‑154 (Nassau County grant application) (5–0); resolution 2025‑155 (MSTU drawdown application) (5–0); Ordinance 2025‑10 first reading (5–0); board appointment (5–0).
Staff and commissioners said some items will return for final action or subsequent ordinance steps (for example police pay changes after union ratification).
