Highlights from the February 10 Board of County Commissioners Meeting

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 are posted.

You can watch the meeting in full on our Facebook page or website.

Commissioners award bid supporting Lake Geneva Restoration Project

Commissioners awarded Bid No. 25/26-013 for the Lake Geneva Restoration Project to C&S Site Prep, Inc., covering selective tree removal across 342 acres in five restoration areas of the lake. The work will improve water quality and support future fish populations ahead of the lake's anticipated refill. The project is funded through a partnership with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Keystone Heights, and Clay County, with volunteer support. The discussion begins at the 45:38 mark of the meeting recording.

Progress continues on County Bonded Transportation Program projects

Commissioners received an update on the progress of multiple roadway projects funded through the County's Bonded Transportation Program. Construction continues on County Roads 218, 209, and 739B. WGI continues to partner with the County by providing project management and inspection services to support the critical work. As of February 3, approximately $151 million has been invested in seven major roadway capacity improvement projects across the county. For a detailed discussion, listen to the meeting recording beginning at the 1:23:16 mark.

Capital projects team reports progress on $95 million in improvements

The Capital Projects Department updated Commissioners on 81 active projects across 13 departments, totaling about $95 million this fiscal year. Of the $65 million Public Safety Bond Program, $14.65 million has been spent. Major projects include Fire Station 24 (Virginia Village), expected completion in spring 2027, and Fire Stations 1 and 22, both roughly 20% complete and on schedule for completion later this year. Upgrades to the solid waste materials recovery facility are nearly finished, and the new Economic and Development Services Building in Green Cove Springs is set for completion in early March. Details on public safety facilities are available online at www.clayCountygov.com/community/fire-rescue. The full discussion begins at the 1:26:28 mark of the meeting recording.

Commissioners accept resignations, make appointments to advisory committees

Commissioners accepted the resignation of Samual Kilgore from the Middleburg/Clay Hill Citizen Advisory Committee and appointed John Barber to the seat, who was recommended by the CCUA Board and experienced in law enforcement. Patricia Kolosky resigned from the OakLeaf Branan-Ridge Citizen Advisory Committee, and Carol Weisenburger stepped down from the Lake Asbury Municipal Service Benefit District. Mark McMillan, a former district member with valuable experience, was appointed to fill the Lake Asbury vacancy for the remainder of the term. Commissioners thanked all members for their service and encouraged interested residents to complete the citizen application form. Listen to the discussion at the 1:51:59 mark of the meeting recording.

Commissioners discuss drought conditions and considerations for a burn ban

Commissioners reviewed worsening drought conditions and the possibility of a Countywide residential burn ban prohibiting all open flames. With prolonged dry weather and wildfire risk increasing, Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 2633 on February 10, addressing cold weather and drought conditions. Fire Chief Lorin Mock expects to request a local state of emergency in the coming weeks to implement a burn ban aligned with the state, potentially including restrictions on commercial burning. Residents are urged to use extreme caution with outdoor flames, as dry, freeze-damaged vegetation can allow fires to spread rapidly and threaten nearby structures. The discussion begins at the 12:06:00 mark of the meeting.