The swearing-in ceremony for the Dade City Commission took on a new look, as the city adapted to this COVID-19 time.
This year, oaths were recited and hands were raised, as usual — but not at City Hall.
Commissioners took their oaths remotely, by video conference and telephone.
While not quite as ceremonial as a traditional swearing-in ceremony, a purpose was served, as third-term incumbent Jim Shive and newly elected Knute Nathe and Normita Woodard became official members of Dade City’s legislative body.
The July 14 virtual proceedings were handled by City Clerk Angelia Guy and City Attorney Tom Thanas.
The action also coincided with the selection of the municipality’s mayor and mayor pro-tem.
Commissioner Camille Hernandez was unanimously reappointed to the mayor’s chair, while Shive was named mayor pro tem.
Hernandez thanked fellow commissioners for a “vote of confidence to continue to lead the city for the next term.
“I’m honored, I will continue to do my best, and will continue to move Dade City forward as we handle lots of different things,” she said.
The newly sworn-in commissioners, who will serve four-year terms, also offered some remarks.
Shive thanked Dade City residents for allowing him to serve for another term. The retired government employee has served on the Dade City Commission since 2012. He retained his Group 3 seat after receiving 58.14% of votes to defeat challenger Matthew Shane Wilson.
“I really care about Dade City, and am really looking forward to working with the new commissioners and getting things done,” Shive said. “We have a lot of work to get done, but I appreciate the support and thank you very much.”
Nathe, an attorney, assumes the Group 4 seat vacated by Nicole Deese Newlon, who chose not to seek reelection. He defeated Ann Consentino by garnering 56.72% of the vote.
Nathe thanked his supporters and encouraged Dade City residents to become more active in governmental affairs and provide feedback to the commission, whether it’s through phone calls, emails or attending meetings.
He also was vocal about controlling development that comes into city limits, to curb “out-of- control” growth like you have in Wesley Chapel and what’s going on now in San Antonio.”
Woodard, an educator, assumes the Group 5 seat held by Eunice Penix since 1993.
Penix decided not to seek another term. Woodard received 52.46% of votes, edging out Christopher King.
Woodard used her platform to prompt commissioners and department heads to offer more appreciation and thanks to the city’s rank-and-file employees who daily deal with the public.
“I just want to make sure that we’re telling them, ‘Thank you’ just a little bit more, because it seems like a lot of them are wearing a lot of hats. …I think we just need to take a little bit more time and acknowledge them, and that goes a long way.”
Commissioners also:
- Approved first reading ordinance establishing the Highland Trails Community Development District (CDD), encompassing approximately 243 acres located south of Morningside Drive, north of Clinton Avenue, west of Old Lakeland Highway and east of U.S. Highway 301
- Approved first reading ordinance for an annexation of approximately 13.59 acres located west of U.S Highway 301 and north of Clinton Avenue. The annexation petition was requested by Wagenvoord Advertising Inc., and David and Gordon Howard.
- Approved first reading ordinance for an annexation of approximately 52.32 acres located east of U.S. Highway 301, west of U.S. Highway 98 and south of Clinton Avenue. The annexation petition was requested by Iqbal Groves Inc. Additionally, commissioners approved first readings of a large-scale comprehensive plan amendment and zoning amendment for the vacant property, to make way for a future 298-unit subdivision.
- Approved first reading ordinance amending a zoning map on approximately 2.13 acres of real property located at 36847 and 36851 State Road 52, from CN (Neighborhood Commercial District) to CG (Commercial General). The applicant, Benoit Trust, is proposing to develop the property for a small-scale commercial retail building, namely a Dollar General.
- Approved preliminary plan for a new seven-lot subdivision called Teri Court near the intersection of 14th Street and Dixie Avenue
- Approved preliminary assessment for stormwater utility fees for the 2020-2021 tax year, whereby the preliminary equivalent residential unit (ERU) rate is $45 per year. A public hearing is set for Sept. 8.
Published July 22, 2020
