Here are some topics from the last Board of County Commissioners meeting. If you want to know more about what was discussed and decided, you can read the agendas and minutes as they get posted. You can watch the meeting in full on our Facebook page or website.
Working with FEMA on recovery and resilience efforts from the 2024 hurricane season
Emergency Management Director Tim Devin updated Commissioners on recovery efforts from Hurricane Debby in 2024. Clay County faced damages from Hurricane Debby seven months ago, followed by Hurricanes Helene and Milton five months ago. FEMA has been assessing damage in the area for the past three weeks. The preliminary costs for Hurricane Debby are estimated at $915,892, covering shelter and EOC operations, cleanup, overtime, and repairs to the drainage system on Moody Avenue. We are still calculating expenses from Helene and Milton. FEMA offers reimbursement through public assistance grants and local mitigation programs, and Clay County plans to apply for up to $293,391 for projects that enhance community resilience against future storms. We also expect some reimbursement for our 2024 recovery expenses. The discussion starts at the 43:01 mark.
Major County Infrastructure improvement projects remain on track
Major County infrastructure improvement projects are on track, as reported by the Bonded Transportation Program Administrator Ed Dendor. On County Road 218, crews continue work on pond site excavations, drainage installations, driveway demolitions, and pavement repairs. For County Road 209, from Peters Creek Bridge to US 17, stormwater drainpipes are being installed, with temporary pavement to follow on the south side. Crews are also milling the southbound lanes of Russell Road. Work on County Road 209 Project 3B, linking Sandridge Road to County Road 209B, involves clearing for the new road and installing stormwater structures and pipes. Work on Sandridge Road is 98% complete, with sod, sidewalks, curbs, and the final asphalt layer installed. On Cathedral Oak Parkway, drainage construction near the bridge is complete and work continues for the final grading of the limestone base, and the installation of sidewalks, joint-use paths, and sod. For details, listen to the discussion starting at the 46:19 timestamp.
Update on our Capital Projects
Commissioners were updated on some of the significant capital projects within our County. The County issued an advertisement for qualifications for design services for a new 18,000 square-foot Oakleaf Library and community center on Oakleaf Village Parkway, with plans to advertise for a construction management firm in April. We have finalized an agreement to develop the new Clay County Fire Rescue Station 15 site to be located in the vicinity of the expressway frontage road near Sandridge Road. The new station will include four apparatus bays and additional facilities. The construction of Fire Station 20 in Green Cove Springs is ongoing and expected to finish this summer. Drainage work on Halperns Way was completed on schedule and within budget, and the new playground at Fox Meadow Park is now open for use. Demolition of the existing recreational courts at this park continues, with new pickleball courts set to be installed by May. Upcoming, the County will be issuing a request for bids to replace the wood decking and railings on the Black Creek Bike Trail. Finally, phases 1 and 2 of the County Road 220 widening and bridge replacement project are ongoing, with completion anticipated by late 2026. Drivers are requested to slow down and exercise caution in the construction area as bridge replacement work gets underway. For more details, please refer to the 51:06 timestamp.
Springs Citizen Advisory Committee welcomes new members, reappoints two
Commissioners discussed the applications they received to fill the vacant seats on the Springs Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC). Applications for reappointment were received from Juan Blanco and Ryan Marcyes. Applications for new appointments were received from Joseph Tierney and Michael Fluent. Commissioners approved all four applications and thanked them for their willingness to serve their community on this committee. The Springs CAC serves in an advisory capacity regarding development within the Springs Planning District area, which includes Green Cove Springs, Virginia Village, and surrounding areas. Committee appointees serve a two-year term and meet on an as-needed basis. Listen to the discussion of appointments beginning at the 58:37 time stamp.
