In order to protect and preserve the quality and historic and cultural ambiance of the historical sections of the downtown area, the City of St. Augustine reported to Historic City News the recent passage of three related ordinances.

Coordinator Bryan Wilson reported to Historic City News that The Animal Rights Foundation of Florida will participate in a discussion of horse-drawn carriages at tonight’s St. Augustine City Commission meeting.

City Commissioner Nancy Sikes-Kline reported to Historic City News that more than 100 resolutions and letters have been adopted by public and private organizations in support of the proposed east coast Amtrak FDOT passenger rail project.

Tuesday the Board of County Commissioners adopted the final fiscal year 2010 budget of $611 million, a $47 million decrease from 2009 and a $122 million decrease since 2007.

At Monday’s meeting, City Commissioners will consider advancing a state grant effort and approving a cost-share agreement with the St. Johns River Water Management district as funding is lined up for the Riberia Street improvement project.

Historic City News spoke with St. Johns County Commissioner Ron Sanchez after lunch yesterday to discuss his impression of Tuesday night’s budget meeting; specifically about the friction between the county and the firefighters union.

Historic City News watched Tuesday night as the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners adopted the final fiscal year 2010 budget of $611 million — a $47 million decrease from 2009 and a $122 million decrease since 2007.

NOTICE OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE ST. JOHNS COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS