GREEN COVE SPRINGS – City Manager Steve Kennedy received a favorable performance review and was granted a 4% raise during a city council session last Tuesday.

Kennedy was commended for his efforts as the city’s Chief Administrative Officer, overseeing local government objectives and services.

“His work speaks volumes,” said board member Thomas Smith, “He has been transparent with the board and with the city. He has brought fantastic ideas to the table.”

“Kennedy has fostered accountability across the city and has been receptive to input from his peers and those on the Citizens’ Advisory Committee,” said Vice Mayor Steven Kelley.

Kennedy has managed many new initiatives across Green Cove Springs, the new stormwater utility as an example. He aims to improve the city’s financial position by maintaining liquid assets in case of emergency.

“These past three years have gone by too fast. I appreciate your generosity and trust in me and my staff,” said Kennedy. “Here’s to another three years. Hopefully, even more.”

The City Council has approved $9.6 million in its ongoing objective to establish a modern stormwater utility. The benefits of a modern stormwater facility will support the city’s growing population. To assist the financing, the city has approved a 3% price increase for water and wastewater usage, which will be effective by January at the latest. There will be a 60-cent increase a gallon of water and a $1.60 increase a gallon of wastewater usage.

“When we’re talking about utility fees, the metrics we look to are the fees in other municipalities,” said Assistant City Manager Mike Null. “Green Cove Springs continues to offer competitive utility rates in the region.”

In the city, 77% of patrons use between 4,000 and 6,000 gallons of water a month. After the motion passes, the average usage would be $20.69 for water and $54.96 for wastewater.

Regarding zoning, the council discussed correctly interpreting and implementing the “Live Local Act,” which took effect on July 1. The legislation aims to streamline multi-family and mixed-use affordable housing by waiving height and density regulations that would normally restrict building developments. As long as a housing development has dedicated enough of its capacity to affordable housing, it can build up to the maximum ceiling in the city, which can be 70 feet.

“Whenever possible, we want to encourage affordable housing,” said Kelley.

The council plans to revisit the statute as it is expected to be clarified in the state legislature.