Carriage ordinance back before commission

A proposed horse carriage ordinance will be presented during the regular meeting of the City of St. Augustine commission; when they convene on Monday, January 24, 2011, beginning at 5:00 p.m. in the Alcazar Room, on the first floor of City Hall, located at 75 King Street.

Staff has labored with a variety of concerns from carriage business owners, commissioners and citizens since the proposed ordinance’s introduction — last May.

Most recently, in their November meeting, commissioners voiced more concerns and decided to delay action until the newly elected commissioner for seat three could be elected and installed.

The draft ordinance has been fraught with controversy; however, following numerous tweaks, among them a proposed franchise system, suspension of carriage service during commuting times, routes and route restrictions, as well as a requirement for advance notice for charters, Assistant City Attorney Carlos Mendoza says he’s ready to move forward.

For those who can’t attend, the meetings are aired live on Government Television (Comcast Channel 3) and are replayed at 9:00 a.m. the following Wednesday.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News staff photographer