HCCC Achievements in 2007

And Goals for 2008

 

     While HCCC had solid achievements during the year -- notably a forceful redirection of the county's attention toward the importance of the Marineland Acres drainage problem  --  we were unable to gather sufficient support among Hammock residents to make possible a referendum on annexation to Marineland.  We still have work to do on many of our 2007 goals, and even more to do on new goals for 2008.

 

2007 Achievements

 

    1) Our efforts to hold the referendum ran aground largely on a growing perception among some communities on the island that the threat of annexation by Palm Coast was diminishing.  This belief perhaps stemmed  from an undertaking by Palm Coast early in the year not to use its role as water supplier to the Hammock as grounds for annexation (though the city left open annexation by any other legal means).  Some voices in the gated communities also protested that Marineland annexation would saddle them with most of the cost of  a new layer of government they did not consider necessary.  Without their support we could not meet state minimum requirements for holding a referendum on the issue.

 

Follow-up in 2008:  Our tax status prohibits us from taking a position on annexation.  However, we do believe we can, and should, make clear to the Hammock's citizens that the future is likely to bring increasing pressure for change in the Hammock's status.  Moreover, we can, and should, help them understand the pros and cons of the likely options should that change become necessary.  HCCC should make this one of its main topics of discussion in 2008.  It is not clear at this juncture what, if any, specific actions we should take at this time. Action officer: Dennis Clark

 

     2) We did improve communication with the county, as we had hoped, by meeting with each of the commissioners for a general review of our needs at least once, and by convincing them of the need to again turn their attention toward solution of the Marineland Acres problem.  In a workshop in October the commissioners agreed on a list of actions which again dealt more with investigating the problem than taking concrete steps to solve it, but we believe with more of a sense of urgency now about its

importance.  We will have to continue to press the county and not let it lapse into passivity on the matter.  Fortunately, we have created a committee to do just that, with strong representation from all affected communities. Committee meetings will begin in the spring. 

 

Follow-up in 2008: A member of the above committee should give every HCCC monthly meeting a status report on the county's efforts on the drainage problem so that HCCC will know when further action is necessary. Key HCCC officers should meet with new county manager Coffey ASAP to make him aware of our existence and priorities.  Further meetings should be held with all commissioners to discuss an agenda prepared and sent to commissioners before each meeting.  Action officer:  Thad Crowe

 

     3)  At the beginning of the year the county appeared to be willing to zone an area in the Malacompra Greenway for commercial use in order to swap the lot and its protected status for land elsewhere in the county.  Though that threat never materialized, HCCC made clear its opposition to such abuse in an appearance before the commissioners, asking that deed restrictions be placed on all the Malacompra Greenway parcels to insure their use as parks in perpetuity.  The County Attorney's office is looking into the matter, and has assured us that an answer is forthcoming soon.  We have been told that the county is researching the matter.

 

Follow-up in 2008: HCCC should contact Melissa Sheets in the county attorney's office in January 2008 to urge completion of research and subsequent action by the commissioners.  The issue should be pursued until completion.  Action Officer:  John Byrd

 

     4)  Growth management is a perennial concern for HCCC.  We have been been among the most important  voices in the county arguing for updating of the county's land use planning code.   That process has now begun.  The county has expended considerable effort to hire a consultant to prepare the new code.  We met with Commissioner Holland, asking that she intercede with her colleagues to insist that community meetings be held with planners  ("community visioning")  to ensure input by other than builders and developers.  That is now envisaged in the consultant's plans.

 

Follow-up in 2008:  HCCC should make monthly reports on progress in developments of new plan and suggest any HCCC action that can promote such progress. Action officer:  Thad Crowe

 

     5)  We posited as a goal improving our communications with the Sheriff's Department to help ensure our crime rate remains low.   The Sheriff spoke at one of our meetings, and heard our concerns expressed.

 

Follow-up in 2008:  HCC should again host the Sheriff at a meeting at mid-point in the year.  Action Officer: Susan Fairley

 

     6)  We supported A1A Scenic's  work with the County Parks Department during the year, gained new  restrooms and somewhat better parking for the community center, and were given a commitment to try to find funding for better tree trimming over the A1A bike path .  Reflecting HCCC and others' efforts in past years, the 2002 Greenway Parks plans are finally taking shape, with pavilions and tables installed in three parks.  Trails in the Greenway have been opened, including new parts of the Coast Guard Road, and new land added to Bings Landing.  Long-planned gateways at each end of the county's portion of A1A are under construction, and the county has agreed to redo the tennis courts at the Adult Education Center.

 

Follow-up in 2008:  Continue to oversee county work on our parks.  Action officer: Dennis Clark

 

     7)  Ensuring oversight on Palm Coast's installation of a sewer line along A1A, another of our goals, has been made unnecessary for the time being by the city's apparent decision to postpone most of the project.

 

Follow-up in 2008:  (see "Waste Water Treatment" in 2008 Goals below) .

 

     8)  We worked successfully with the other Hammock civic associations, Scenic A1A, Hammock Women's Association, and Friends of Washington Park, and carried out plans to hold the traditional Hammock Community Day and the A!A Cleanup Days.

 

Follow-up in 2008:  Continue good work of past years.  Action Officers: Judy Shearouse/DennisClark

 

     9)  At our request the county's emergency planning chief spoke at a monthly meeting to outline emergency evacuation plans for the Hammock.

 

Follow-up in 2008:  HCCC should  ask him to speak again to the May meeting.  Action officer: Susan Fairley

 

 

 

New Goals for 2008

 

     In addition to the follow-up work on 2007 goals described above, HCCC should commit itself to making progress on the following new goals for 2008:

 

   1) We should keep close watch on Palm Coast's plans to delay installation of a force main along A1A to supply water and waste treatment to points north of the toll bridge.  Key officers should meet early in the year with the city's water utility manager  to clarify status.   He should be questioned closely on possible alternative waste water treatment for unserved portions of the Hammock.

 

    2) These same officers should meet with county on waste water treatment to hear their suggestions on waste water treatment, though without encouraging the county to take on the job.   

 

    3)  They should also meet with St. Johns Water Management district to get that organization's view on potable water supply and waste water treatment.

 

Action officer on all of the above: Thad Crowe