Citizen Boards and Committees Apalachicola citizens have an opportunity to volunteer their time and expertise on a number of citizen advisory boards and committees. Citizen boards and committees are appointed by the City Commission and their terms vary. There are two different types of volunteer groups that are appointed by the City Commission - Boards and Committees. Boards have more regulatory authority and committees are appointed in an advisory capacity. Examples of Boards would include the Planning and Zoning Board, Architectural Review Board and Board of Adjustment. The rest are considered advisory committees. Each of the City's current boards and member makeup is listed below.
City Boards Apalachicola Planning and Zoning Commission The Apalachicola Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) is made up of seven persons who, based on their expertise or occupation, serve as advisory members in reviewing building permits, proposed development site plans and proposed renovation and rehabilitation of historic structures within the City as well as new construction within the City's Historic District. The board, appointed by the City Commission, reviews permits, site plans, stormwater management plans, special exceptions and other proposed developments for consistency with the City's Land Development Regulations as well as for consistency with the City's Comprehensive Plan. The P&Z also periodically reviews existing land development regulations and makes recommendations for changes, whenever necessary, to the City Commission. Current members include the following: Leon Bloodworth, Bruce Hall, Thomas Daly, Curt Blair, David Walker, Mark Browne and Sally Williamson.
Architectural Review Board The Apalachicola Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) serves as the City's Architectural Review Board to ensure that all development that occurs within the City is compatible with other historic resources within the City's historic district. Current members include the existing planning and zoning board.
In 2005, the Architectural Review Board, in cooperation with the City Commission and the Apalachicola Bay Chamber produced An Apalachicola Historic Guidelines Manual to assist persons interested in building or renovating structures within the City's Historic District. The guidelines are available online or from City Hall and are recommended reading for those persons interested in development within the City's Historic District. The guidelines identify the City's primary historic architectural styles, building materials and recommendations for new construction, renovation and rehabilitation within the City. You may purchase a hard copy of the guidelines from the City or you may download the guidelines by clicking here
Board of Adjustment The Apalachicola Board of Adjustment, appointed by the City Commission, is made up of 7 persons. The board acts to consider appeals to any administrative order, requirement, decision or determination made by the local government. The board also hears requests for variances from the land development regulation requirements. Current members include the following: Dieter Ambose, Geoffrey Hewell, Anna-Maria Cannagella, Fonda Davis, Beverly Hewitt, Ann Sizemore, Carrie Kienzle.
City Committees Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). This committee is responsible for advising the City Commission on CRA boundaries, amendments to the existing CRA plan and identifying suggested projects with the CRA. Current members: Joe Taylor, John Gore, Brenda Ash, Tami Ray Hutchinson, Anna Maria Cannatella, Dieter Ambose and Kathy Robinson.
Traffic Safety This committee is responsible for helping to identify traffic safety projects that need to be addressed throughout the City. The group works with the Florida Department of Transportation Community Traffic Safety Program (CTST). Sidewalk and roadway safety projects are the main emphasis of this group. Current members include the following: Bob and Diane Dieter, Dixie Partington, Pat Wilson, Dan Garlick, David Adlerstein, Kerry Feder, Betty Webb.
Library Board This committee is responsible for overseeing all activities of the Apalachicola Municipal Library and for making recommendation to the City for improvements to the library. Current members include the following: Harlan Walker, Ina Meyer, Denise Roux, Susan Clementson, Fred Flowers.
Housing Authority Board This committee is reponsible for overseeing the operation of the Apalachicola Housing Authority at each of the City's two housing projects at 14th Street and 11th Street. Current members include the following: Fonda Davis, Willie Mary Joseph, Huland Glass, Ruth Schoelles, Lynn Griner.
Revolving Loan Committee This committee is responsible for overseeing the City's revolving loan program with duties including reviewing grant applicants, following up on existing grant recipient projects and making recommendations to the City Commission for funding requests. Information about the City's revolving grant program may be obtained by calling City Hall (Shirley Byrd) at 850-653-9319. Current members include the following: Betty Croom, Brenda Ash, Jimmy Elliott, Mark Edenfield, John Lee.
Marina Committees These two committees (Scipio Creek and Battery Park) work with the City's Harbor Master and make recommendations on the various projects and activities that occur at each of the City's two marina facilities. The committee makes recommendations to the City Commission on funding, activities and administration of the two sites. Current members of the Scipio Creek Committee: George Watkins, Jimmy Cameron, Ronnie Harris, Marcus Strikland. Current members of the Battery Park Committee include: Charles McDearis, Jerry Weber, Dan Garlick, Tom Gray, Travis Stanley, Jook Patrenos, Joseph French Kirvin.
Waterfront Working Advisory Committee This committee is responsible for reviewing the Scipio Creek Feasibility Study, creating a final prioritization lost of the infrastructure elements identified in the study, working on funding opportuntiies, making recommendations to the City Commission on the use of City-owned property along the waterfront. Current members include the following: David Cole, Bobby Miller, Harry Arnold, Roy Solomon, Ronnie Martina, George Mahr.
History Culture and Arts Committee This committee was established in June 2008 to coordinate, plan, organize implement and secure funding for city owned museums, culture centers and visual/performing arts facilities. The committee would provide an annual assessment of needs and available resources to ensure the best use of city facilities. Current members include the following: Valentina Webb, Will Spohrer, Marie Marshall, Ed Springer, Teresa Martin, Anita Grove, Pam Mahr, Joe Taylor.
