Freeman leads Galimore discussion Monday

At the close of Monday night’s city commission meeting, during the time allocated to items by Mayor and Commissioners, St. Augustine City Commissioner Leanna Freeman will lead a discussion regarding the meeting that was held between City and County representatives relevant to the operation of the Willie Galimore Center.

The status of the Galimore Center has been at the heart of controversy in recent months — resulting in verbal potshots between commissioners on both boards, apparently with differing motivations.

Commissioner Errol Jones has criticized St. Johns County by saying that they have not honored the requirements of their 1987 Interlocal agreement with the City since the county built the 24,000 square foot Solomon Calhoun Community Center and swimming pool on Duval Street in West Augustine.

County Commissioner Joseph “Ken” Bryan addressed city commissioners during an October meeting and when confronted with Jones’ demand that the county honor its contract with the city, Bryan responded by saying, “Contracts have escape clauses.”

St. Johns County officials are saying that when the current interlocal agreement expires, they are out of it.

On October 19th, City Manager John Regan spoke to Historic City News and concluded “this is just one of those issues where people are passionate and the City won’t be hindered in its continuing efforts to repair and return to service the Willie Galimore Center.”

Regan and Director of General Services Jim Piggott have received a number of ideas from the community for renovating the pool and surrounding Eddie Vickers Recreational Facility — some depending on private funding and donations.

Photo credits: © 2010 Historic City News staff photographer