Impact fee settlement: The Fernandina Beach Commission approved a settlement of a class-action impact fee lawsuit that requires the city to pay up to $1.8 million into a settlement fund for those water utility customers who paid an impact fee beginning in March 2003. The fight over the fee began in August 2011, when the city of Fernandina Beach was served with a class-action lawsuit alleging the water utility impact fees did not comply with Florida law.
Builders Council: Palmer Kuder [email protected] and (904) 725-4355
NEFBA’s Government Affairs Committee: Meets at 8:30 a.m., Friday, Feb. 20, at the NEFBA office, 103 Century 21 Drive, Suite 100, Jacksonville.
Special election: A filing error during the 2014 elections cycle forced a Dec 16 special election between former state Rep. Reggie Fullwood and City Council member Johnny Gaffney for State House District 13. Fullwood won the Democratic primary and will face Republican Lawrence Jefferson in the general election Feb. 17.
Endorsed candidates: In preparation for the 2015 city election, NEFBA has added to its endorsed candidate list: Jerry Holland (property appraiser), Lori Boyer (City Council, District 5), Mike Anania (District 1), Scott Wilson (District 4), John Crescimbeni (At-Large 2) and Anna Brosche (At-Large 1). Mike Williams (sheriff) received NEFBA’s endorsement following the December board meeting. They join Michael Corrigan (tax collector), Matt Schellenberg (District 6), Reggie Brown (District 10), Doyle Carter (District 12), Bill Gulliford (District 13) and Greg Anderson (At-Large 4, endorsed by NEFBA in the fall). Candidates for other races, including mayor, will be interviewed Jan. 28 and 29. The interviews are open to NEFBA members.
Duval County Issues: Jessie Spradley, [email protected] and (904) 725-4355
New commission chair: Diane Hutching was named chair of the Clay County Board of Commissioners at the board’s Nov. 25 meeting. Hutching was first elected in 1993 to the Green Cove Springs City Council where she completed two terms. She also served as vice mayor and mayor during her tenure. In 2008, Hutching was elected to the County Commission for the at-large seat that was later removed. She was elected to her current post in 2012. Commissioner Ronnie Robinson was named vice chair.
Builders Council: Jessie Spradley, [email protected] and (904) 725-4355
Baker County Issues: Jessie Spradley, [email protected] and (904) 725-4355
Special elections endorsements: NEFBA and the St. Johns Builders Council announced endorsed candidates for the upcoming special elections. Travis Hutson (State Senate, District 6), Mike Davis (State House, District 17) and Paul Renner (State House, District 24) received NEFBA’s endorsement following the December board meeting. The primary election is Jan. 27 and the general election is April 7.
Builders Council: Leona Brown, [email protected] and (904) 725-4355
Sales & Marketing Council, Young Guns and E-Council
Palmer Kuder, [email protected] and (904) 725-4355
Remodelers Council and Wood Council
Corey Hacker, [email protected] and (904) 725-4355