07-15-67 v MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE ATLANTIC BEACH CITY
COMMISSION HELD AT THE CITY HALL ON SATURDAY MORNING, JULY
15, 1967, AT 8: 00k. M.
Present:
William S. Howell, Mayor-Commissioner
John W. Weldon
Donald L. Goodling
Louis C. Holloway, Jr.
W. J. Parks, Jr. , Commissioners
and
Frank Thompson, City Attorney
Murray H. Bennett, City Manager
Adele S. Grage, City Clerk
The meeting was called to order by the Mayor-Commissioner, Mr.
Howell.
Mr. Howell presented and read in full Ordinance #33-67-1 provid-
ing for the holding of a Special Referendum Election for approval
or disapproval of the amendment to House Bill 3029. He then
declared the meeting in session for Public Hearing. The Ordi-
nance provides for publication once each week for 3 weeks, 3
publications being sufficient, and commencing not later than
15 days prior to said election, in the Jacksonville Journal.
Section VI was changed to read 4 inspectors. As no one spoke
either for or against the Ordinance the Mayor declared the Public
Hearing closed. Mr. Parks moved adoption of Ordinance with
change on second and final reading, seconded by Mr. Holloway.
Mr. Weldon stated that he has serious doubts as to constitutionality
of the whole scheme, but will have to go along on premise that peo-
ple of Atlantic Beach should have opportunity to vote. Mr.Howell
then put the question and the vote was:
Aye: Goodling, Holloway, Parks, Weldon, Howell
Nay: None
Whereupon the Mayor declared the motion carried and Ordinance
#33-67-1 passed on second and final reading.
Mr. J. B. Claiborne advised that he felt the meeting set for
Wednesday, July 19th, is good idea, provided it is solely for
information to the public on particular subject. He felt
Atlantic Beach, or the Mayor, should not take part in it if
just one side is presented. Mr. Weldon stated that this body
has never voted to sponsor or consider this meeting and regrets
Atlantic Beach was mentioned in it. Mr. Holloway moved that the
Atlantic Beach City Commission go on record as not supporting or
sponsoring in any way a public meeting which presents only one side
of a public issue, seconded by Mr. Weldon. Mr. Parks stated that
the tragedy in error today is that a person that does not agree
with "me" is a bigot at heart, and wishes it were possible for the
F-
Minutes Special Meeting 7/15/67 Page #2
communication media of all types to make a presentation of
fact and unbiased. He thinks, somehow, some way, that we would
be derelict if there is not some official or unofficial, way
found of explaining the "Yes" or "No" on question to be voted
on. Mr . Weldon inquired if newspapers were wrong that our Beach
Mayors were presenting opponents but not proponents. Mr. Howell
stated he is Mayor of Atlantic Beach when conducting official
business, but otherwise he is a citizen, and that proponents are
welcome to come to the meeting. Following further discussion,
the Mayor put the question and the motion carried.
Mr. Howell stated that for the record the motion be crystal
clear that it applies to any and all issues, not just consolida-
tion, so that the news media cannot twist it to indicate that
the City Commission favors the consolidation plan.
There being no further business the meeting was declared adjourned
by the Mayor.
/4411(//
illiam S. Howell
Mayor-Commissioner
Attest:
acee& )1X .
Adele S. Grage, City C 1-rk