Callahan names second town park

Plans are underway for a second park in Callahan. 

Depot Park will be located on the former railbeds near the historic Callahan Depot between Brandies and Dixie avenues. Town officials purchased the property in March for $43,000 during a tax deed sale.

Councilwoman Kathy Smith suggested the park’s name, Depot Park, during the Sept. 17 town council meeting.

“Depot Park would be a perfect enhancement for that, along with a new town hall,” Mayor Bobby Rau said.

The suggestion was approved 4-0 with Councilman Marty Fontes absent. 

The council also approved Smith’s recommendation to apply for two $50,000 Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program grants for fiscal year 2018-19, with both targeted for use at Depot Park.

Town Manager Mike Williams told the town council that a weigh station once existed on the property, but burned down. He said a picnic pavilion with removable tables could be used for outdoor movies or concerts and have a look conducive with the West Nassau Historical Society Museum and the depot.

“We’re looking at keeping it more railroad themed,” Williams said, adding that the venue would benefit the community. “It’s something we can do to enhance that area and give the community more to do.”

Councilman David Mellecker agreed.

“This will give teenagers and young adults someplace to go other than where little kids are screaming and playing.”

Children will have more equipment to play on in 2019, with the council approving the purchase of a new $68,415 playground set that features a variety of climbing components. The council received a $50,000 FRDAP grant for fiscal year 2017-18 and has used $6,000 so far. The remaining $44,000 plus town funds will pay for the equipment.

It will be installed near the back of Ewing Park, by the largest pavilion.

“I think the consensus is we’re looking at clearing some of the woods out,” Smith said.

Though the town must fund approximately $24,000 of the purchase, it may receive impact fees to support the purchase.

“Keep in mind that we do have a park impact fee of $250 and some possible development that could offset that,” Williams said, adding that the cost to the town could be as low as $7,000.

The planning and zoning board has heard a presentation from a developer who wishes to construct apartments on Ewing Park Road. A 68-unit apartment complex would bring in $17,000 in park impact fees.

In other town news, the council approved the 2018-19 budget 4-0. The rollback rate of 2.6685 mills was adopted and the town’s budget is just under $1.867 million.

• The council also approved the town’s five-year capital improvement plan, which includes $250,000 in street improvements and sidewalks on Page Street through the town’s capital reserves and $750,000 in general street improvements through grants and capital reserves in fiscal year 2019-20. 

It also includes a storm water plan and water system upgrades through grants and state funds beginning in fiscal year 2018-19 and a $300,000 traffic signal at U.S. 301 and Mickler Street in fiscal year 2019-20, funded by the Florida Department of Transportation. Desnagging of Alligator Creek is slated to begin as early as 2019-20 with Federal Emergency Management Agency funding.

• Rau encouraged council members to examine Amendment One. The amendment would only apply to homes with assessed valuations of $100,000 or more, giving them an additional $25,000 in homestead exemption. Homes valued under $100,000 receive a max exemption of $50,000. Essentially, the higher valued home you own, the less you are taxed, Rau said.

According to the proposed amendment, homes with assessed values between $100,00 and $125,000 would be exempt from taxation, except by schools. The amendment would shift the taxes to the shoulders of business owners and non-homesteaded properties and would also create substantial decreases in tax revenue received by towns and counties, which could result in a decrease in services.

“It won’t help small businesses and it doesn’t help anyone who doesn’t have a homestead exemption on a property over $100,000,” Rau said. “The way it’s looking is the tax shift is going to hurt people who can afford it the least.”

Visit www.3hxestimator.org to see if your properties would benefit from the amendment.

• Paul Schwend of Schwend Insurance and Urban Flemming of VyStar Credit Union updated the council on plans to present the “2018 Out with a Boom Fireworks Spectacular” at West Nassau High School Dec. 30.

The fireworks display will occur at dusk and Schwend and Flemming are spearheading a fundraiser to raise half the costs of the $10,000 display. A $500 contribution gets a business featured on all voiced and printed advertisements and event posters. A $250 contribution gets a business featured in newspaper advertisements and event posters and a $100 contribution includes features in event posters. 

Donation checks should be made payable to Town of Callahan, P.O. Box 5016, Callahan FL 32011. The sponsorship deadline is Dec. 7.

• The next Convoy of Hope will visit Callahan Feb. 16 at West Nassau. Dr. Malachi Clowers of Second Baptist Church said 1,500 adults will be served.

“They will have free lunch, a kids zone, free groceries, family photos, haircuts and more,” he said. “The purpose of that is to give hope, give hope, give hope.”