GREEN COVE SPRINGS – “That’s a hard act to follow,” said City Attorney L. J. Arnold following the ceremony where Dane Dunning was given Keys to the City after he and his Texas Rangers teammates won the World Series in October.

After a standing ovation and photos of the World Champion, the clamor from sports enthusiasts trickled out of the room, and the council changed gears to listen to multiple high-profile public hearings for two new citywide ordinances.

The first ordinance granted the city permission to lease the old firehouse building it owns at 25 Roderigo Ave. to the Green Cove Springs Wrestling Club.

A volunteer from Richard Knoff’s workshop spoke against the ordinance. He said the firehouse is critical to their mission of repairing and maintaining nearly 1,000 bicycles a year. The refurbished bicycles are handed out year-round to the Quigley House, Clay County schools, and most recently last Saturday at the 43rd J.P. Hall Charities Children’s Christmas Party.

“We’ve already started working on more bikes,” the volunteer said. “We’re expecting more next year. I hope you will look on that favorably. We can’t afford to lease anything, and that is the bottom line.

“Thousands have been helped, and thousands more will be too, with your help.”

Clay High wrestling coach James Reape said the station is needed to nurture youth wrestling and provide a productive place for children after school, where they will be surrounded by positive role models. The space would provide more room for children of different ages and fitness levels.

“We want to make improvements to the facility. We would add a bathroom for women and men. We’d happily invest in the building. Our interest is to get kids involved in sports,” he said.

Although the ordinance merely permitted the council to lease the building, the council was already feeling pulled in two directions.

“I was mentored by Coach Reape. I have been subject to his yelling and passion,” Councilmember Thomas Smith said fondly.

“I was fortunate to have rides (to practice). I can attest that (Reape) had many kids in the bed of his truck on the way to practice,” Smith said. “Both causes are great for our city. This isn’t one cause versus another. They’re both great.”

The rest of the council seemed conflicted.

“At the end of the day, it’s the taxpayers’ building. We want to put it in the community’s best interest,” said Vice Mayor Steven Kelley.

After thoughtful consideration, the ordinance was passed unanimously.

The second ordinance granted the city permission to levy taxes on Reynolds Park for “special assessments,” tests or other analytical data collections.

Former Florida Sen. Rob Bradley, who represents Reynolds Park, spoke against the ordinance. He wished his client was notified regarding the proposal.

“As a local government attorney, when a property is singled out, it is because there have been series of discussions between the owner and the government,” Bradley said. “This is a headscratcher because there have been no plans (or discussions with my client).”

Councilmember Edward Gaw responded, citing a preliminary electric study as an example.

“We took feedback from the electrical department in Green Cove Springs. What you’re seeing is essentially the beginning of how to best serve the citizens of Green Cove, given the electrical needs,” he said.

“Will this just be an assessment for electrical infrastructure?” Bradely asked.

“Not limited to that, no.” Gaw said.

“I am surprised, but OK,” said Bradley.

City Attorney L. J. Arnold reaffirmed that the ordinance merely grants City Council permission, but no steps would be taken without subsequent notices and additional hearings.

“There may be a special assessment, there might not be, but we’re the only one on the crosshairs. If you’re having conversations (regarding aging infrastructure), I would assume you’re talking about the whole city,” said Bradley. “If you want this tool in your toolbox, why is it only (impacting Reynolds Park)?”

Bradley gave his final remarks.

“We know we have to pay our fair share It just has to actually be fair. Not more. Not less. Thank you for letting me talk for more than (three) minutes. These are tough conversations, so I’m glad you let me have it with you,” Bradley said.

After much deliberation, the ordinance was also passed unanimously.

“Communication is a two-way street,” said City Manager Steve Kennedy. “If there is a desire, it (has to be) both ways. The (plan they sent) is as definite as the way the wind blows.”