by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Three years of efforts by members of the Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association came to fruition Tuesday when City Council unanimously approved an ordinance to formally support bringing the USS Charles F. Adams to Downtown as floating museum.
“It legitimizes us as having a home,” said Bert Watson, the association’s president. “It codifies that we have a partner who wants us.”
Watson and other members of the association and its legal assistance team congratulated one another following the 15-0 vote. It was one that was consistently delayed, said Watson, but the right decision.
The group has advocated for bringing the retired guided missile destroyer Downtown to be berthed on the Southbank to serve as a floating naval museum. Legislation was drafted in July and sponsored by Council member Bill Bishop and made its way through committee with a few bumps in the road.
Most recently during the Sept. 22 Finance Committee meeting, members deferred the measure to clear up potential language issues regarding any potential cost to the City. Bishop and others maintained the City had no financial obligations.
An amendment presented Sept. 5 clarified the point and resulted in the ordinance’s approval.
“It means it’s not going to Pensacola, it’s not going to Tampa, it’s not going to Mississippi,” said Watson.
As with most ideas of the nature, now comes the difficult part: finding the funds to make it a reality.
“Now it’s about money, money, money,” said Watson.
The association, a nonprofit organization consisting of residents, business owners and retired military personnel, is spearheading the fundraising efforts without City financial assistance or tax incentives.
With the ordinance passed the and support from the City officials, though, Watson and others believe securing monetary support is now feasible.
“This enables us to do a lot,” said Watson.
Other news from Tuesday’s full Council meeting:
• An amended ordinance that would prohibit the use of slot machine-like spinning wheels, video displays and other technologies for sweepstakes, raffles and other contests was re-referred to several committees. The measure is heading back to Recreation and Community Development, Finance, Public Health and Safety and Land Use & Zoning.
• An ordinance appropriating $644,278 from a capital projects reserve for planning and design of a swimming pool complex on the Northside passed after initially being removed from the consent agenda and some discussion. Council member Stephen Joost originally questioned the potential complex’s continual upkeep if built, given the state of the budget and economy. Other members, including Ray Holt, who represents the Northside and introduced the legislation, agreed with Joost’s principle but said the study would show if the complex would work on the land and if it was economically viable.
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