08-26-71 v f
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE ATLANTIC BEACH CITY
COMMISSION HELD AT THE CITY HALL ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 26, 1971
AT 8:00 P. M.
Present: William S. Howell, Mayor-Commissioner
L. W. Minton, Jr.
Marion Marvin
R. R. Rosborough, Commissioners
and
R. C. Vogel, City Manager
Oliver Ball, City Attorney
Adele S . Grage, City Clerk
Absent: Arthur J. Longo, Commissioner
The meeting was called to order by the Mayor-Commissioner, Mr.
Howell. He advised this meeting was called to continue the hearing
on the operation of the "Big L" at 1805 Mayport Road.
To save time he advised he was going down each row and give each
one an opportunity to speak if they wished. He stated that as he
went down a row, if they had anything to say, to stand up, give
name, address, and how long a resident of Atlantic Beach, then
state whatever they had to say. When they have been heard, then
the City Commission will carry on all further discussions with Mr.
Rex Thames, owner of the "Big L', and his attorney, Mr. Helms.
Willie F. Weaver, 1795 Mayport Road, a resident of Atlantic Beach
for 23 years, stated he thinks the "Big L" should be closed
because of bad management, and causes disturbances in the neigh-
borhood with shooting, stealing, etc.
Mr. Howell asked, as a matter of clarification, if these situations
he listed are taken care of does he have anything against the
"Big L" other than these things. If these things are controlled,
does he have any other objection to the operation. Mr. Weaver
advised he did not.
Bertha Lee Weaver, 1795 Mayport Road, a resident of Atlantic
Beach for 23 years, stated it was too noisy, they play the juke
box too loud. Also there is shooting that endangers them. She
advised that if the 'Big L" gets management that controls the
operation, she wouldn't mind their staying open.
No one else spoke on the subject.
Mr. John Helms, Attorney, spoke for Mr. Rex Thames, owner of the
"Big L" , and requested that a decision be deferred another period
of time. He is making this request due to:
First: It is obvious that improvements have to be made
and they have a qualified, capable man coming in
as Manager, and if can defer for perhaps one month
the man will be there and in charge, and can make
changes the people are talking about. They plan to
take the prospective manager to Chief of Police for
conference. This is only temporary as Mr. Thames
wants to negotiate for sale of the business.
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Minutes 8/26/71 - Page #2
Second: They plan to renovate and make changes so that
entire operation can be under one direct super-
vision.
Mr. Howell stated he wanted to make it clear so will be under-
stood. As he understands it, what Mr. Helms has basically said
is that he is asking the City Commission to withhold any judgment
for a period of time - perhaps 30 days - during which time Mr.
Thames does not intend to reopen until he brings before the Chief
of Police the new manager of the "Big L" and the Chief concurs
with him that this gentleman will be able to exercise the
necessary control of the "Big L" tavern and environs to keep
the place, etc. within reasonable limits. In the meantime they
plan to move ahead with the changes for physical improvements
at the "Big L" . This Commission will stand ready pn 24 hours
notice, if we adjourn this particular meeting on a day to day
basis, to go back into session. It is understood no alcoholic
beverages will be sold until a satisfactory manager has been
secured.
Following further discussion Mr. Rosborough moved that Mr. Thames
be permitted to open his business with alcoholic beverages when
he has secured a manager competent to handle and also that
Mr. Thames complies with other requests of City Commission to
renovate the building within a 30 day period, seconded by Mr.
Marvin and carried.
Mr. Vogel would like approval to engage Mr. Parks to draw up
preliminary plans and specifications for water and sewer lines
down the no named street running east off of Mayport Road and
north of Atlantic Gardens Apartments. These lines to serve the
new apartments being built as well as the other property adjoin-
ing this street. There were no objections from the Commission.
Mr. Rosborough brought up that if the condition at "Big L" should
get out of hand again what would be our procedure. Mr. Howell
advised the Commission would be called back into session within
24 hours.
Mr. Howell then declared this meeting adjourned on a day to day
basis.
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Attest: Mayor-Commissioner
a_CW4-1--
Adele S. Grage
City Clerk