City manager wants to tap reserves for 450th

Monday evening, during agenda item 8, the City of St Augustine commission will hear from City Manager John Regan and Development Director Dana Ste Claire regarding the progress of 450th commemoration programs; one of which includes another request for money for what more than a few St Augustinians feel has become a financial black hole.

Ste Claire will give a presentation of 2014 plans relevant to the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act.

Regan will tell the commissioners that the City is close to finalizing acquisition of the Picasso exhibit; something the City refers to as a “signature event” for the 450th commemoration.

Historic City News has learned that the paintings to be included in the “Picasso exhibit” are not original — they are lithographs, printed copies of original works of the artist.

The presence of the exhibit has been the predicate used to justify expensive renovations to the Visitor Information Center; bringing the underutilized building up to strenuous security and safety standards.

Regan says he needs permission to transfer more funds from reserves to cover “related marketing costs” and “final renovations” to the VIC.

If you are planning to attend — the regular 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 the west wing of City Hall, located at 75 King Street in St. Augustine. It will be broadcast live on Comcast Government TV (Cable Channel 3) and is streamed over the Internet.