First reading for latest carriage ordinance

Historic City News will be watching as Assistant City Attorney Carlos Mendoza presents the much debated horse-drawn carriage ordinance to the city commission tomorrow night on first reading.

Two weeks ago, during a commission workshop, Mendoza was instructed to put the “final tweak” on the proposed ordinance.

Vocal advocates, both in support of and averse to various elements of the proposed ordinance, will have an opportunity to comment, directly, during the regular Monday evening meeting — an opportunity that is not assured during commission workshops.

If commissioners vote to advance the ordinance, it will come before the Board one final time at a future meeting and public hearing. At that time, commissioners will make their final decision.

The latest revisions incorporated since the workshop include an increase from 25 to 30 permits to be issued, and, a weekly reporting system in which permit holders notify the City Manager of planned charters for the upcoming week and any charters that were unreported in the previous week.

If you are planning to attend, the regularly scheduled St. Augustine City Commission meeting will begin at 5:00 p.m. Monday and will be held in the Alcazar Room; on the first floor of City Hall, located at 75 King Street in St. Augustine.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News staff photographer