Public Meetings - Jacksonville, Florida

The meeting addressed a funding hold on three cultural chambers (Hispanic, Asian, and black chambers) following the signing of Florida House Bill 1134 on April 22, 2026, which restricts DEI initiatives that exclude others. Councilman Arias, the meeting chair, presented a clarifying letter from the bill's author, Senator Clay Yarborough, to ensure that previously appropriated funds (approved December 9, 2025) could still be disbursed. The administration had paused the funds due to concerns about compliance. Council members debated the delay, the need for compliance guidelines, and the administration's role. The meeting concluded with a commitment to release the funds immediately and to develop future guidelines. Discussion Items - Councilman Arias explained that HB 1134 prohibits organizations from using funds for DEI initiatives that exclude any group, but does not require name changes or bar funding for cultural organizations as long as they serve all. He urged the administration to disburse the $26,000 per chamber funding that had been appropriated five months earlier but not paid. - Ms. Norris from the administration stated that the pause was based on a cautious interpretation of the new law and consultation with the Office of General Counsel, but confirmed the intent to fund after receiving council support and the senator's letter. - Councilman Salem strongly criticized the delay, stating that the council appropriates funds and the administration must implement them. He dismissed HB 1134 as a "red herring" and demanded immediate release. - Councilman Diamond, who opposed the original funding, emphasized the importance of the legislative branch's power of the purse and suggested recapture of unspent funds as a remedy. - Councilman Peluso offered to file a resolution to enforce spending, but Councilman Carucci advised against duplicative actions, noting the meeting itself provided sufficient cover. Councilman Peluso also expressed concern about the political climate and the need to support the chambers. - Councilman Marao and others echoed the need to move the funds now and address compliance later. Councilman Matt Correcci asked about contract delays and stressed the city's tradition of inclusion. - Councilman Arias confirmed he will work with Senator Yarborough to create a compliance checklist for organizations seeking funding. Key Outcomes - The administration (via Ms. Norris) agreed to disburse the appropriated funds to the three chambers immediately, citing council support and the senator's letter as legal cover. - Councilman Arias will collaborate with Senator Yarborough to develop clear guidelines for organizations to stay compliant with HB 1134, to be shared with all council members and entities seeking future funding. - No formal vote was taken, but a consensus emerged to honor the prior budget appropriation and to address future budget cycles (FY 2026-27) with the new law in mind.

The Council Executive Committee met on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at approximately 10:02 AM (despite the metadata timestamp of 6:15 PM, the transcript indicates the meeting began at 10:02 AM). The sole agenda item was the discussion and approval of salaries for two assistant council auditor positions, Brian Reber and Mr. Parks. After a brief presentation, public comment, and a motion, the committee unanimously approved the recommended salaries. Public Comments & Testimony - John J. Nooney (District 4 resident) expressed full support for the salary recommendation and praised the council auditors, citing past positive experiences with the office. He stated he was "in full support" and looked forward to working with the team. Discussion Items - Salary Recommendation: Philip Peterson, incoming Council Auditor, requested that the salaries for both assistant council auditor positions be set at $212,356 per year, which matches his current salary. He noted that this amount is higher than the candidates' current pay. - Committee Deliberation: Chairman Kevin Carico asked if the salary was higher than what the candidates currently earn, and upon confirmation, proceeded to entertain a motion. - Motion: Chairman Carico made a motion to set the salaries for both assistant council auditor positions at $212,356. He then passed the gavel to himself to provide a second, as no other committee member was available to second the motion. Key Outcomes - Motion Passed Unanimously: The committee voted to approve the salaries for Brian Reber and Mr. Parks at $212,356 each, effective Thursday (May 28, 2026). The vote was by voice, with all members in favor and no opposition. - Next Steps: The committee will prepare a written order (letter) for the Chairman's signature, formally establishing the salaries as approved.

The Jacksonville City Council met on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 5:02 p.m. for a regular meeting. The meeting included multiple legislative actions, public comment, and debate on key issues such as a proposed jail location, a Culinary Institute of America campus, and a resolution to prohibit jails in historically redlined neighborhoods. Several bills were approved, while the redlining resolution failed. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from the May 12, 2026, regular meeting. - Approved the consent agenda consisting of numerous routine bills (2026-312 through 2026-413). - Confirmed multiple appointments to city boards and commissions. Public Comments & Testimony - Jail Location / Redlining: Numerous speakers, including Reverend Dr. R. LaRoy Gundy, Jaquan Easton, Katie Hathaway, Lydia Bell, Isaiah Rumlin, Latavia Harris, Sally Barnes, Denise Scott, Keanu Blaylock, Bobby O'Connor, Trey Ford, Vanessa Alvarez, Etta Ettlinger, Wells Todd, Amina Sharif, Lou Dawson, Dragon Beloit, Monica Gold, Nancy Murray Suttle, Anthony Brown, Denise Cook, Samantha Seeres, Shane Trumbore, Jamie Travis Leonard, and others expressed opposition to placing a new jail in historically redlined or predominantly Black neighborhoods. They urged support for Resolution 2026-0356. - Connor Collie Case: Multiple speakers, including Vanessa Alvarez, Shane Trumbore, Sarah Posey, Avery Holbrook, and Felix Bonaventure, demanded justice for Connor Collie, who was arrested during a prior council meeting, calling his conviction politically motivated and urging council members to attend his sentencing hearing. - Free to Garden Act: Nathan Ballantine, James Clower, and Ronnie Walker spoke in support of the Free to Garden Act, which would make community and market gardens permissible by right, citing benefits for food security and community health. - Other Speakers: Johnny Turner advocated for reopening fishing access at the George Crady Bridge. Jake Jacobs thanked council for supporting a watershed study for Hogpine Creek. Tabitha Byers thanked council for honoring Tina Savage and supported the jail resolution. John Nooney spoke on multiple bills during public hearings, often criticizing process. Discussion Items - Culinary Institute of America (CIA) Campus (Item 80, 2026-0419): The council considered an emergency bill to set aside funds for negotiation with the CIA for a southeast campus in Jacksonville. Andre Wallace (JAX USA) explained the funds would not be expended until a term sheet and redevelopment agreement were approved. A floor amendment cleaned up technical language. Robert Jones (CIA Vice President) described the institute's impact on workforce development, including programs for veterans and school nutrition. The bill passed as an emergency amendment with a vote of 16 yes, 2 nays. - Retirement of Kim Taylor (Item 126, 2026-0469): The council unanimously approved a resolution honoring Kim Taylor, outgoing council auditor, with a vote of 18 yes, 0 nays. - Submerged Land Lease (Item 172, 2026-0461): An emergency bill approving a submerged land lease amendment was passed with a vote of 18 yes, 0 nays. - Election Qualifying Deadline (Addendum Item 179, 2026-0474): A floor amendment corrected qualifying deadlines for an upcoming election. The bill passed as an emergency with a vote of 18 yes, 0 nays. - Jail Redlining Resolution (Item 95, 2026-0356): Councilmember Peluso introduced a resolution to prohibit building any new jail facilities in historically redlined neighborhoods. After debate, the resolution failed with a vote of 5 yes, 12 nays. Councilmembers Peluso, Salem, Carlucci, Gaffney, and Johnson spoke in favor; Councilmembers Amaro, Freeman, Diamond, and others opposed, citing the need to wait for a consultant's feasibility study. - Other Third Reading Items: Several ordinances were passed on third reading, including 2026-0315, 0317, 0321, 0336, 0362 (with two abstentions). - Funding for Local Chambers (Items 173-176, 2026-0462, 0464, 0465): Emergency bills to release previously approved funding for the Jacksonville Black Chamber of Commerce and others were passed with votes of 16 yes, 1 nay. - Postponement of Appointment Bill (Item 178, 2025-0872): Councilmember Salem postponed the bill on council appointments to June 9, 2026, after receiving a legal opinion from General Counsel. Vote to postpone was 17 yes, 0 nays. Key Outcomes - CIA Campus: Approved as an emergency (16-2) – funds authorized for negotiation, no expenditure until final agreements. - Jail Location Resolution: Failed (5-12) – no prohibition established; consultant study to continue. - Retirement Recognition: Unanimously approved (18-0). - Election Qualifying: Approved as emergency (18-0). - Chamber Funding: Three bills approved (16-1 each). - Appointment Bill: Postponed to June 9, 2026. - Public Hearings: Multiple public hearings were held on various land use and zoning items; final action deferred on some to future dates. - Adjournment: Meeting adjourned with prayer at approximately 7:30 p.m.

On May 26, 2026, the Jacksonville City Council held a special meeting to elect its President and Vice President for the 2026-2027 term. With a quorum of 18 members present, the council proceeded with paper ballots. Discussion Items - Nomination of Council President: Councilmember Dr. Rockman Johnson nominated current Vice President Nick Howland for Council President. The nomination was seconded by Councilmember Clark Murray. No other nominations were made. All 19 council members voted, with one initial abstention. Councilmember Peluso later affirmed his vote, resulting in a unanimous 19-0 election of Nick Howland as Council President-designate. - Nomination of Council Vice President: Four council members were nominated: Joe Carlucci (nominated by Councilmember White, seconded by Arias), Chris Miller (nominated by Councilmember Gay, seconded by Boylan), Ken Amaro (nominated by Councilmember Freeman, seconded by Howland), and Rockman Johnson (nominated by Councilmember Pittman, seconded by Harris). On the first ballot, no candidate received a majority: Chris Miller received 7 votes, Joe Carlucci 6, Rockman Johnson 4, and Ken Amaro 2. Per council rules, a runoff was held between the top two candidates, Miller and Carlucci. On the second ballot, Joe Carlucci received 10 votes and Chris Miller 9 votes, electing Joe Carlucci as Vice President-designate. Key Outcomes - Council President (2026-2027): Nick Howland elected unanimously (19-0). - Council Vice President (2026-2027): Joe Carlucci elected by a vote of 10-9 over Chris Miller. - Post-election comments: Newly elected President Howland outlined priorities including public safety, infrastructure, fiscal discipline, job creation, and council teamwork. Vice President Carlucci expressed gratitude and called for consensus-building. Councilmember Peluso explained his initial abstention concerned norms and protocol. Former Council President Carlucci praised the competitive election and suggested making the vice president vote unanimous, a motion not formally made. Consent Calendar - No routine approvals were considered. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were taken.

The Special Committee on JEA convened shortly after 1:00 PM on May 26, 2026, with Councilmember Ron Salem (Group 2 at Large) presiding. Members present included Councilmembers Rory Diamond (District 13) and Jacoby Pittman (District 10), along with staff: Colleen Hamsey (Council Research), Mary Stefopoulos (Office of General Counsel), Brian Parks (Council Auditor's Office), and Kim Taylor (Council Auditor). The committee discussed the status of a JEA capacity fee analysis, finalized and approved a targeted employee culture survey, and outlined upcoming testimony. Discussion Items - Capacity Fee Analysis Update: Brian Parks reported that the committee recently received data needed for the capacity fee review. Analysis is underway and may extend beyond the June 30 target date. He noted that verification will involve sampling and cannot rely solely on the provided data. The committee emphasized the importance of taking the necessary time to ensure accuracy. - JEA Employee Survey Overview: Councilmember Salem explained there are two surveys: a company-wide JEA survey (every two years, last done in 2024) sent to over 2,000 employees as a broad “temperature check,” and a targeted survey commissioned by the Special Investigative Committee (SIC) for approximately 150 management-level employees. A third effort by an outside law firm is conducting interviews with senior leadership about workplace culture. Councilmember Pittman requested a copy of the JEA survey to compare questions. - SIC Survey Content and Approval: Councilmembers reviewed the draft survey. Salem moved to remove all references to “senior leadership” and focus solely on CEO Vicky Kavey, per the committee's charge. Rory Diamond supported the change and suggested adding a question about whether respondents feel comfortable being honest in surveys. Pittman noted the importance of including other names (e.g., Diane Mosier) that have arisen in complaints. It was agreed to add freelance comment questions at the end for other leadership or issues rather than amending the committee’s charge. The survey was approved by voice vote (all ayes) with flexibility for minor edits by staff. - Willingness of Employees to Testify: Councilmember Pittman reported that several current and former employees are now willing to testify if protected from retaliation. Jason Teal (committee staff) suggested meeting with them first to assess protections under whistleblower laws and any non-disclosure agreements, with assistance from the Office of General Counsel. The committee agreed to this approach. Key Outcomes - Survey Approved: The committee unanimously approved the SIC employee culture survey, with modifications: references to senior leadership removed, questions added on honesty in surveys and open-ended comment sections for other concerns. Staff will proceed with distribution using a third-party vendor (Selection Link), with emails sent to personal addresses to ensure anonymity. - Future Meeting Schedule: The next meeting will occur in two weeks (approximately June 9, 2026) at 11:00 AM, featuring testimony from Jody Brooks and Regina Ross on combined cycle issues. A second hearing on June 22, 2026, will include Vicky Kavey’s testimony, with Regina Ross also scheduled to provide rebuttal after Kavey speaks.

Councilman Miller held a leadership meeting with Councilman Gay on May 21, 2026, to discuss and receive a formal pledge of support for his candidacy for vice president of the city council. Both council members exchanged remarks on leadership qualities, fiscal responsibility, and collaboration. Discussion Items - Councilman Miller expressed gratitude for Councilman Gay's support, praising his steady, logical, and consistent decision-making focused on his district. - Councilman Gay stated that his support is based on Councilman Miller's emphasis on effective spending, listening to residents, and making wise decisions with city and tax dollars. - Councilman Miller outlined his vision for the vice president role: to work with all council members, the administration, and both parties to foster trust and collaboration, and to address serious fiscal matters in a fiscally responsible manner. Key Outcomes - Councilman Gay formally pledged his support and signed a pledge for Councilman Miller's vice presidential candidacy. - Councilman Miller affirmed his commitment to serving the entire city and fostering unity regardless of the election outcome. - The meeting concluded with mutual appreciation and adjournment.

This finance workshop was held to update council members on the work of the Special Investigative Committee (SIC) regarding issues at JEA, including capacity fee collections, a toxic work environment, and a combined cycle plant. The meeting focused on the three subpoenas requested for witnesses, including OGC attorney Regina Ross, and the status of investigations. Council members asked questions and heard from Jason Teal (Council Secretary and Legislative Counsel) and from Charles Fackler (General Counsel), who requested that Ms. Ross not be subpoenaed or be subpoenaed only on the last date. Discussion Items - Overview of SIC Charges: Council Secretary Jason Teal presented the three areas under investigation: (1) JEA's failure to collect capacity fees from developments that exceeded prior approvals by more than 20%; (2) allegations of a toxic work environment and racism against CEO Vicky Cavey; and (3) a $350 million non-refundable deposit for a combined cycle electric generation plant made without regulatory approvals. - Capacity Fee Issue: The Inspector General investigation revealed that JEA had not properly collected capacity fees. OGC attorney Regina Ross authored a memo on the issue. The SIC requested a waiver of attorney-client privilege from the JEA board to allow Ross to testify, but the board denied that request on April 14, 2026. The SIC then asked the council auditors to calculate total arrearages (regardless of collectability), going as far back as possible. - Toxic Work Environment and Employee Survey: The SIC selected a firm (Selection Link) to conduct a targeted employee survey focusing on interactions with the CEO. This is separate from JEA's own "temperature check" survey, which employees reportedly distrusted due to past retribution. The council survey results are expected by late June or early July 2026. - Witness Scheduling and Subpoenas: Ms. Ross, CAO Jody Brooks, and CEO Vicky Cavey were requested to appear. Brooks and Cavey canceled or declined availability until June (June 8 and June 22, respectively). Ms. Ross stated she could only testify if compelled by subpoena, due to Florida Bar ethical rules. The SIC therefore requested subpoenas for all three, with Ross to appear on both June 8 and June 22 if needed. Teal confirmed the subpoenas are for the dates the witnesses had indicated they were available. - Mr. Fackler's Request: General Counsel Charles Fackler asked the committee not to subpoena Ms. Ross, arguing it would put her in a difficult position regarding attorney-client privilege and would harm trust in the Office of General Counsel. He suggested, as an alternative, that if a subpoena is issued, Ms. Ross be called only on the last day (June 22) after other witnesses have testified. - Councilmember Comments: Councilmember Salem (SIC chair) explained that the IG had recommended the council investigate the capacity fee issue and that the SIC needs the total dollar figure regardless of statute of limitations. Councilmember Diamond emphasized that the process is about transparency and ensuring employee anonymity, similar to the 2019 SIC. Councilmember Boylan questioned the evidence of employee distrust and noted that senior managers he spoke with did not witness the incidents described. Councilmember Arias asked about the unidentified entities that benefited from unpaid capacity fees and the status of two JEA employees who were working on the calculation before being reassigned/demoted. Key Outcomes - The finance committee will receive copies of the subpoenas at its 1:00 PM meeting on the same day. The subpoenas will compel Ms. Ross, Ms. Brooks, and Ms. Cavey to appear on the dates they previously indicated (June 8 and June 22, 2026). - The council survey is proceeding, with results expected in late June or early July. - The capacity fee arrearage calculation by council auditors is ongoing; the committee wants a total figure for as far back as possible, even if some amounts may be uncollectible due to statute of limitations. - Witness testimony and document requests are expected to address the allegations of toxic work environment, the role of HR, and the circumstances surrounding the reassignment of employees who were calculating capacity fees. - The SIC anticipates completing witness testimony by June 22, but the capacity fee analysis may extend into July 2026.

The Transportation, Energy & Utilities Committee of the Jacksonville City Council met on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 9:30 AM in the Council Chamber. The meeting was convened by Chair Will Lahnen and adjourned at 9:54 AM. Five members were present (Lahnen, Johnson, Carlucci, Gaffney Jr., Amaro) and two were excused (Pittman, Clark-Murray). The committee acted on multiple public hearings, an emergency ordinance, and second-read items. Public Comments & Testimony - Mr. Carnell Oliver spoke on infrastructure inequities and called for impact fees on new development, stating that foundational Black Americans should not pay for development that was historically denied to their communities. He referenced the 1960s consolidation of the city. - Mr. John Nooney spoke on several agenda items (2026-0325, 2026-0327, 2026-0328, 2026-0330, 2026-0358, and 2026-0389), often going off-topic. During item 2026-0328, Councilmember Carlucci ruled him out of order for not addressing the specific bill, and Chair Lahnen ended his speaking time. On item 2026-0330, Mr. Nooney again was ruled out of order; he briefly stated support for the closure but continued with irrelevant remarks. Two cards were submitted in support of item 2026-0328 by Maechel Safar and Callie Safar without a request to speak. Discussion Items - Item 1 (2026-0317): Public hearing for honorary street designation for Pastor Ernie L. Murray Sr. on Moncrief Road. Chair Lahnen opened and closed the public hearing with no cards. An amendment was moved and seconded. Mr. Ed Linsky of the Council Auditor's Office explained the amendment: (1) remove waiver of Section 745.105(i)(3) because the honoree lived within 5 miles for at least 10 years, (2) place revised notice documents on file, (3) correct roadway description to reflect only the church parcel frontage, and (4) correct scrivener's errors. Councilmember Amaro praised Pastor Murray for over 30 years of service to the Moncrief Corridor. The amendment was approved unanimously by voice vote. The bill as amended was approved 4-0 (Lahnen, Carlucci, Gaffney Jr., Amaro in favor; Pittman and Clark-Murray excused). Chair Lahnen and Councilmember Gaffney Jr. requested to be added as co-sponsors. - Item 2 (2026-0325): Public hearing to close and abandon an easement for potential residential development (District 7). Chair Lahnen opened the hearing; Mr. John Nooney spoke. Chair Lahnen closed the hearing. The bill was approved 4-0. - Item 3 (2026-0327): Substitute for appropriation of $12,599,258 from the Emerald Trail - Hogan’s Creek to Riverwalk construction account to the land acquisition account, and authorization of eminent domain for 17 parcels. Mr. Linsky explained the substitute: (1) corrected account code, (2) included details on determination of necessity and placed surveys and reports on file, (3) attached listing of affected properties. Chair Lahnen confirmed with Nina Sickler, Director of Public Works, that this is part of a $30 million total project for that section and only moves funds with no increase. The substitute was approved unanimously by voice vote, and the bill as substituted was approved 5-0. - Item 4 (2026-0328): Public hearing to close an unnamed alley for a family-style restaurant (District 9). Mr. Nooney spoke but was ruled out of order. Two support cards submitted but no speaking. The bill was approved 5-0. - Item 5 (2026-0329): Public hearing to close a road right-of-way for Fairview Estates, a 50-home development on 70-foot lots (District 8). No public comment. Approved 5-0. - Item 6 (2026-0330): Public hearing to close a 5-foot drainage easement for a garage (District 4). Mr. Nooney spoke but was ruled out of order. A scrivener’s correction was made (strike "140543-000" insert "140543-0000"). Approved 5-0. - Item 7 (2026-0358): Deferred at the request of CM Gay; deferred from the NCSPHS committee meeting for further discussion. - Item 8-14 (2026-0379, 0389, 0390, 0391, 0393, 0394): Second-read items read and rereferred to the next meeting. No action taken. - Item 12 (2026-0392): Emergency ordinance to authorize an agreement with CSX Transportation for a private sidetrack at Cecil Commerce Center. Mr. Linsky explained the emergency: the contractor is on site and would have to demobilize and remobilize at additional cost without one-cycle emergency passage. Chair Lahnen confirmed the bill relates to the previously approved Cosentino Group economic development agreement. The emergency was approved unanimously by voice vote, and the bill was approved 5-0. Key Outcomes - Approved: - Item 1 (2026-0317) – Honorary designation for Pastor Ernie L. Murray Sr., as amended (4-0). - Item 2 (2026-0325) – Easement closure for residential development (4-0). - Item 3 (2026-0327) – Emerald Trail land acquisition appropriation, as substituted (5-0). - Item 4 (2026-0328) – Alley closure for restaurant (5-0). - Item 5 (2026-0329) – Road closure for Fairview Estates (5-0). - Item 6 (2026-0330) – Drainage easement closure for garage (5-0). - Item 12 (2026-0392) – Emergency CSX sidetrack agreement (5-0). - Deferred: Item 7 (2026-0358) – Towing ordinance deferral. - Rereferred: Items 8-11, 13-14 (2026-0379, 0389, 0390, 0391, 0393, 0394) – second-read items, no vote. - Next meeting: Scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

The Land Use & Zoning Committee of the Jacksonville City Council convened on May 19, 2026 at 5:00 PM in Council Chambers at City Hall. The meeting lasted 25 minutes (adjourned at 5:25 PM), chaired by Joe Carlucci, with Vice Chair Rory Diamond and members Terrance Freeman, Randy White, Reggie Gaffney Jr., Raul Arias, and Rahman Johnson (excused late arrival) present. The committee addressed a heavy docket of land use and zoning items, including multiple deferrals, public hearings, and five approvals. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 2026-0124/0125 (Rampart Rd): One speaker, Tater Salad, opposed the proposal. He was removed after using profanity. No other speakers. Public hearing continued to July 21, 2026. - Item 2026-0310 (Boots Ln – Road Frontage Waiver): Five speakers: Xhenora Jano (support, applicant), Jamie Crawford (oppose, did not speak), Richard-Michael Smith (oppose, did not speak), Megan Graeyany (oppose, spoke about neighborhood character, traffic, safety, and fairness), and Robert Rihehart (oppose, spoke about private road maintenance and property line issues). Public hearing continued to June 2, 2026. - Item 2026-0345 (Margaret St Appeal): One speaker, Ashley Emans, opposed the project, citing architectural integrity. Public hearing continued to June 2, 2026. - Item 2026-0275 (Babylon Restaurant Zoning Exception): Ali Salman, property owner, spoke in support. Public hearing closed. - Item 2026-0276, 2026-0307, 2026-0308 (Sign Waivers): Anabel Soucey, applicant representative, spoke in support on each. Public hearings closed. Discussion Items - 2026-0273 (JEA Rezoning – Southside Blvd): Staff reported the proposal to rezone 11.88 acres from RR-Acre to PBF-1 for the JEA H2O Water Purification Center, consistent with the comprehensive plan and compatible with adjacent uses. Planning Commission recommended approval unanimously. No committee discussion. Approved 7-0. - 2026-0275 (Zoning Exception – 8602 Baymeadows Rd): Staff reported that the request to allow retail sale and service of all alcoholic beverages with outdoor seating at Babylon Restaurant Lounge & Bar was consistent with the comprehensive plan and compatible with surrounding commercial uses. A previous exception existed for the same unit. No committee discussion beyond Councilmember Arias asking to meet with the applicant. Approved 7-0. - 2026-0276 (Sign Waiver – 6680 Powers Ave): Staff reported the request to reduce the sign setback from 10 ft to 0 ft for an existing sign at a gas station, noting the sign has been there since 2002 and moving it would impede traffic flow. Approved 6-0 (Chair Carlucci recused). - 2026-0307 (Sign Waiver – 7575 Melvin Rd): Staff reported the request to reduce the sign setback from 10 ft to 6 ft for a new sign in the same location as one from the 1980s. Councilmember Clark-Murray asked about pedestrian ways; staff confirmed none exist. Approved 7-0. - 2026-0308 (Sign Waiver – 5406 Timuquana Rd): Staff reported the request to reduce the sign setback from 10 ft to 0 ft for an existing sign at a gas station, present since 1987. Approved 7-0. - 2026-0310 (Boots Ln – Road Frontage Waiver): Councilmember White requested deferral pending a legal opinion and allowed speakers despite no action. Public hearing continued to June 2, 2026. - Second Reading Items: Items 2026-0365 through 2026-0376 (various rezoning and text amendments) were read for a second time and rereferred to the committee, with public hearings scheduled in June. Key Outcomes - Approved (unanimous or near-unanimous): - 2026-0273: Rezoning 11.88 acres to PBF-1 for JEA water purification center (7-0). - 2026-0275: Zoning exception for alcohol sales at Babylon Restaurant (7-0). - 2026-0276: Sign waiver at 6680 Powers Ave (6-0; Chair Carlucci recused). - 2026-0307: Sign waiver at 7575 Melvin Rd (7-0). - 2026-0308: Sign waiver at 5406 Timuquana Rd (7-0). - Continued Public Hearings: - 2026-0124/0125 (Rampart Rd) continued to July 21, 2026. - 2026-0274 (Blanding Blvd rezoning) continued to June 2, 2026. - 2026-0309 (Yellow Bluff Rd frontage waiver) continued to June 16, 2026. - 2026-0310 (Boots Ln frontage waiver) continued to June 2, 2026. - 2026-0345 (Margaret St appeal) continued to June 2, 2026. - Deferred Items: All items marked for deferral in the agenda (2026-0122, 0123, 0126, 0127, 0289, 0290, 0291, 0292, 0293, 0294, 0295, 0296, 0297, 0298, 0299, 0300, 0301, 0302, 0303, 0304, 0305, 0306, 0311, 0363, 0364) were deferred to the next cycle (June 2, 2026 public hearing). - Second Reading Items: 2026-0365 through 2026-0376 were read a second time and rereferred, with public hearings set for June 2026.