KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – In next year’s Super Tuesday primary elections, Keystone Heights voters will decide four ballot amendments to alter language in the city’s charter, which were approved by council members Monday night.

The city’s Charter Review Commission approved amendments for the ballot in mid-November.

Two amendments address council vacancies. The first calls for appointees to the city council, if a vacancy occurs, to meet residency requirements, such as living one year within city limits. Another amendment would allow the temporary transfer of duties to the vice mayor; if the mayor’s seat was vacant.

An amendment to section 14 of the charter would allow voters to file absentee ballots at the Supervisor of Elections office in Green Cove Springs, where votes are counted. City Attorney Rich Komando said the potential change would give city staff some flexibility.

“What happens is, the polls close at 7 p.m. here in Keystone Heights,” Komando said. “If an absentee ballot comes in, it requires city staff to drive from here to Green Cove Springs where the results are tabulated.”

The last amendment would rebrand the Keystone Airpark as the Keystone Heights Airport.

If passed, the effective date of the amendment changes is Jan. 1, 2020.

In other business, council members discussed a possible pickleball court. However, City Manager Scott Kornegay said it was better to wait for state funds in the form of a Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program grant rather than dip into the city’s general fund for a pickleball court and dog park. He said he received a quote from a contractor about converting a cracked and dented concrete slab that needs to be restored, washed and painted.

“It just makes more sense to go that way,” Kornegay said.

Council members also approved food trucks at Keystone Beach, effectively expanding the reach of the city’s food truck ordinance that was adopted in September.