Round-up, 07.13.09

A few items I wanted to highlight today:

Remember the ice machines? At the last meeting of the old Council in early January, businessman Downing Gray tried to circumvent lower board rulings on his large ice machines, appealing directly to City Council. Several citizens and then-Councilwoman-elect Diane Mack spoke against the placement of one of the machines in East Pensacola Heights and Council wisely let the lower board rulings stand. Well, Downing Gray is back, this time appealing through the proper venue, the Zoning Board of Adjustments. PNJ columnist Mark O’Brien has the details.

MOBY doesn’t like the charter. The News Journal’s Mark O’Brien says he can’t back the proposed City charter changes, taking issue with the elimination of at-large seats. We’ll point out that many other cities have councils lacking at-large seats, and seem to do just fine. Mobile, Alabama comes to mind. That said, expect the Council’s present at-large members to take issue with the elimination of those seats (their jobs).

Gazebo in Cordova Square. The East Hill Neighbourhood Association, through a matching grant from the City, is erecting a gazebo in Cordova Square, located at 12th and Gonzalez. Looks good.

Coastkeepers to give presentation on tree ordinance. Emerald Coastkeeper will give a presentation on the proposed tree ordinance this Tuesday evening.

Santa Rosa sunshine issues. Rick Outzen reports on alleged Sunshine violations by Santa Rosa County Commissioners.