At tonight’s city commission meeting, just four weeks after approving a new ordinance creating a franchise system and regulations to replace the $80-a-year permit system for horse-drawn carriages, the St. Augustine commission advanced to second reading and public hearing, two new ordinances that may amend it.

Historic City News was in communication with St. Augustine City Commissioner Bill Leary this weekend; in preparation for issues he will raise at tonight’s meeting.

In less than 30 days since Historic City News local reporters watched the St. Augustine City Commission approve a highly controversial new carriage ordinance, we have learned that when the commission reconvenes Monday night, they will begin considering amendments to it.

Historic City News applauds a Visitor Center custodian who talked a distraught woman off the fourth floor ledge of the parking facility and a city Marine Operations officer who has rescued seven people and a dog in the past month, who will be honored by the City Commission Monday.

Compliance Coordinator Jason Rickards reported a precautionary Boil Water Notice to Historic City News that affects customers who work or reside in a limited area of Ponte Vedra Beach serviced by the St. Johns County Utility Department.

St. Johns County Administrator, Michael Wanchick, is encouraging Historic City News readers to participate in the process that will establish the county’s operating budget for the Fiscal Year 2012.

Mark Knight, Director of Planning and Building, reported to Historic City News today that the City of St. Augustine has been working with a flood mitigation consultant for the past six months in an effort to lower the City’s flood rating score from an “eight” to a “seven”.

The City of St. Augustine will join governmental entities across the nation in celebration of National Public Works Week, May 15-21 with an open house for the public on Saturday May 21.