The Jacksonville City Council Rules Committee met on Monday, April 6, 2026, at 2:00 PM in City Hall Council Chamber. Chair Chris Miller presided. The meeting lasted until 3:42 PM and covered 45 agenda items including appointments, ordinances, and resolutions. Several items were deferred, and significant discussion occurred on JEA appointments, a street renaming, a budget stabilization amendment, a housing finance authority appointment requiring a residency waiver, and Eastside Grants Committee appointments following public concerns. Public Comments & Testimony - John Nooney expressed general concerns about OGC representation at CPAC meetings and highlighted legislation on capital improvement projects and public access to waterways. - Latavia Harris, Dennis Sanchez, James Matchett, Leslie Jean-Bart, and Dawn Curling voiced opposition to several nominees for the Eastside Grants Committee, alleging conflicts of interest (e.g., Dr. Rudolph Jamison Jr.\'s prior inaction on tenant conditions as Human Rights Director, connections to Lift Jax organization), lack of community vetting, and a breach of trust. They supported nominees like Larry Swink who demonstrated community investment. Discussion Items - Deferral of JEA Appointments (Items 9 & 11): Chair Miller deferred confirmation of Randy Wyse to JEA governing body and reappointment of Joseph Disalvo to JEA due to ongoing investigations and surveys related to JEA. Several members supported the deferral, emphasizing it was not a reflection on the appointees. Councilmember White noted his co-sponsorship of Wyse but supported the delay. The deferral was set for one cycle. - Street Renaming – Confederate Street to “Rose Arbor Way” (Item 5): The committee passed a NCSPHS amendment (4-3) to rename only a portion of Confederate Street (Market to Liberty) rather than the full length, including a waiver for partial renaming. Discussion included concerns from Councilmembers Salem, Freeman, and Gay about erasing history and from Council Vice President Howland about alternative streets closer to the historic rose arbor. Councilmember Amaro noted the request came from the property owner. The bill as amended was approved 4-3 with Freeman, Salem, and Gay in opposition. - Budget Stabilization Reserve Amendment (Item 15): Councilmember Lahnen presented an ordinance to direct excess operating reserves (above 7% target) to fund unfunded completion grant obligations. Discussion confirmed the bill creates a double protection: cannot go below 2024 unassigned fund balance of $369 million. Councilmember Salem expressed hope to move away from completion grants but supported the bill. The bill advanced to second reading. - Jacksonville Housing Finance Authority Appointment – Residency Waiver (Item 17): Administration requested waivers for Shannon Nazworth, a St. Johns County resident, to serve on JHFA. Discussion revealed she would need two waivers: one for Duval residency and one for maintaining substantial business/philanthropic interest (she recently retired from Ability Housing and no longer has such interest). Councilmember Freeman raised concerns about precedent and due diligence. Committee agreed to revisit with required additional waiver language at the next meeting. - Eastside Grants Committee Appointments (Items 29-35, 42-45): Following public comment, Councilmembers Gay and Boylan called for pausing the appointments to seek more community input and to hear from the Administration and Council President on the selection process. Councilmember Salem noted an imbalance: six of eight nominees appeared to come from one faction (Lift Jax). Chair Miller affirmed the community’s concerns were heard and that the committee would seek further clarification before acting. Key Outcomes - Approved (7-0): - Item 4: Honorary street designation for Cedric Burrell with waiver of code requirements (amended). - Item 6: Appointment of Matthew D. Jones to Waterways Commission (1st term). - Item 8: Appointment of Chrysta D. Bowman to Council on Elder Affairs. - Item 10: Appointment of Bradley Nestor to Tree Commission. - Item 12: Reappointment of Kate Moorehead Carroll to Homelessness Initiatives Commission (amended to correct term). - Item 13: Appointment of Dorothy Gillette to JHCDC. - Item 20: Resolution honoring Janie R. Robinson’s 100th birthday. - Item 23: Resolution honoring City Rescue Mission’s 80th anniversary. - Item 24: Resolution honoring Providence School boys’ basketball state championship. - Item 25: Resolution honoring JU Dolphins women’s basketball championship. - Item 28: Resolution recognizing Workers’ Memorial Day. - Item 36: Resolution honoring Bessie Coleman. - Item 41: Resolution for National Library Week. - Approved (4-3): Item 5 – Street renaming to Rose Arbor Way (amended). - Deferred (at sponsor request or by Chair): Items 1,2,3,7,9,11,14 (appointment of Cody Mashni). - Read 2nd & Rerefer (advanced to next committee): Items 15,16,18,19,21,22,26,27,29,30,31,32,33,34,35,37,38,39,40,42,43,44,45. (Items requiring further discussion or public hearing.) - No action taken (continued): Item 17 (JHFA appointment) will return with additional waiver language. - Public hearings scheduled: For multiple ordinances on April 14, 2026.
Public Meetings - Jacksonville, Florida
Public Meetings - Jacksonville, FloridaOn April 6, 2026, the executive committee of the personnel committee met to discuss and set the salary for the incoming council auditor, Bill Peterson. The meeting was held publicly with only committee members present. Public Comments & Testimony - John J. Nooney expressed strong support for Bill Peterson assuming the council auditor role and voiced confidence in the committee's handling of the salary decision, stating he wanted to go on record supporting the appointment. Discussion Items - The committee discussed the salary for the incoming council auditor. The current council auditor's salary was stated as $252,570.24. The chair recommended setting the new auditor's salary at the same amount, to align with budget and financial responsibilities. The incoming auditor, Bill Peterson, indicated he would be thrilled to receive that salary. Key Outcomes - A motion was made and seconded to set the new council auditor's salary, effective May 28, equal to the departing auditor's salary of $252,570.24. The motion passed unanimously. The committee chair will sign a written order to be filed with administrative and employee services.
The Personnel Committee convened on April 6, 2026, at 1:01 PM to consider the appointment of a new Council Auditor following the retirement of Kim Taylor. After receiving public comment and extensive discussion, the committee unanimously nominated Philip Peterson, the current Assistant Council Auditor, to succeed her. Public Comments & Testimony - John J. Nooney, a resident of Council District 4, expressed strong support for the appointment of Philip Peterson, calling it "one of the best appointments the city could be making" and advocating for the position. Discussion Items - Kim Taylor, the retiring Council Auditor (effective May 27, 2026), recommended Philip Peterson, citing his 21 years of service, integrity, trustworthiness, and institutional knowledge. She highlighted his work on the Better Jacksonville Plan, economic development agreements, audits, and the JEA sale consideration in 2018. - Council President Kevin Carrico thanked Taylor for her service and expressed full support for Peterson, stating no nationwide search could find a better replacement. - Councilmember Dr. Rockland Johnson praised Taylor's leadership and noted the limited time before new council leadership in July, making a quick appointment necessary. He supported Peterson. - Councilmember Chris Miller commended the team Taylor built and gave full support to Peterson, emphasizing his dependability and pleasant demeanor under stress. - Councilmember Joe Carlucci praised the "dream team" of Kim, Philip, and others, and stated Peterson would win any nationwide search. - Councilmember Jason Teal moved to nominate Philip Peterson, citing the need for continuity and specialized skills. - Councilmember Randy White supported Peterson, noting he is from the Westside. - Councilmember Ken Amaro congratulated Taylor and supported the nomination, highlighting Peterson's financial astuteness and public service attitude. - Councilmember Ron Salem recalled the smooth transition in 2020 when Taylor was promoted, and listed past council auditors, stating Peterson can follow in their footsteps. - Councilmember Matt Peluso expressed comfort with the decision and excitement for both Taylor and Peterson. - A communication from Councilmember Roy Diamond was read into the record, expressing strong support for Peterson's appointment. Key Outcomes - Motion and Vote: Councilmember Jason Teal moved to nominate Philip Peterson as Council Auditor; the motion was immediately seconded. The committee voted unanimously in favor (all ayes, no nays). - Effective Date: The resolution will set Philip Peterson's appointment effective May 28, 2026, the day after Kim Taylor's retirement on May 27, 2026. - Next Step: The Executive Committee (comprising the President, Vice President, and Finance Chair) will meet to discuss Peterson's salary. - Adjournment: The Personnel Committee adjourned at 1:26 PM to convene an executive session.
The Youth Empowerment Committee held its fifth and final meeting on March 26, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. to finalize the framework for distributing $5 million in youth-focused investments. The committee heard from a panel of city department representatives, collected public comments, and provided guidance on the balance between programmatic and infrastructure funding. The meeting lasted approximately one hour. Discussion Items - Timeline & Process: Chair Terrence Freeman outlined that the Request for Proposals (RFP) is expected to be released in April, open for 21 to 30 days, with awards determined by June and funds disbursed within 90 days of award. The RFP will be administered by Kids Hope Alliance (KHA). - Eligibility & Duplication: Councilmember Keno Amoro questioned whether organizations already receiving KHA funding could apply. Chair Freeman replied that duplication of scope would disqualify applicants, and that procurement decisions are independent of the committee. - Panel on Capital vs. Asset Investments: - Darrell Joseph (Parks) defined capital projects as those over $100,000, while equipment and supplies below that threshold are considered assets. - Nina Sickler (Public Works) added that capital investments typically have a useful life of 30+ years. - Robert Warrenberg (Procurement) explained that construction requires different procurement procedures than off-the-shelf equipment. - Councilmember Rory Harris asked about public use requirements: any city-funded facility must be open to the public, even if operated by a private organization. - City Facility Partnerships: The panel noted that previously underutilized community centers are being offered via RFP to nonprofits with at least two years of existence and good standing. Leasing city spaces involves insurance and operational costs, but programmatic grants may offset those expenses. - Committee Guidance on Funding Allocation: After a show of hands from attendees (majority in favor of programming; about seven for infrastructure), Councilmember Harris and Councilmember White both expressed support for a heavier emphasis on programmatic funding. Councilmember Harris suggested a possible 4:1 split ($4 million programmatic, $1 million infrastructure), but no formal decision was made. - Pre‑Registration Encouraged: Procurement urged organizations to pre‑register on the city’s supplier portal to expedite application responses. Public Comments & Testimony - Anthony Dorsey (Teen Leaders of America, address on file): Asked whether new members of a program counted as public use. Chair Freeman clarified they would. - Sheryl Limrett (preservation firm): Inquired about reimbursement vs. upfront funding and matching fund requirements. Referred to the forthcoming RFP. - Michael Daniels (Atlantic Steam Race Association): Expressed concern about field conditions at Emerson Spring Park. Mr. Joseph noted the school board facility will be replaced later this year, and the city will help find an alternate location. - Dr. Ray Owens (Church of Oakland): Asked about required insurance certificate (COI) thresholds. Referred to the RFP. - Terry Harris (TSH Capital Ventures): Asked about for‑profit eligibility for the youth empowerment program. Chair Freeman stated it is for nonprofits only, and suggested exploring the Jacksonville Small Emerging Businesses (JSEB) program. - John’s Army (name unclear, address on file): Asked for a list of available city spaces and whether capital funds could purchase distressed properties. Referred to the RFP and noted that such proposals could be included if allowed. - Dr. Nashawn Nicks (address on file): Described a SEAL team curriculum (Social, Emotional, Academic Leadership through mentoring and martial arts) serving at‑risk youth. Requested broader distribution of information since many could not attend. Key Outcomes - The committee provided clear direction to prioritize programmatic funding over capital infrastructure in the upcoming RFP. - No formal votes were taken; the committee’s recommendations will be used by KHA to draft the RFP. - A procurement “silence period” will begin once the RFP is published; all inquiries must go through the procurement division. - Attendees were urged to watch recordings of the previous four meetings and to pre‑register as city suppliers. - Chair Freeman encouraged organizations to advocate for continued funding in future city budgets.
On March 25, 2026, Councilman Rachman Johnson (District 14) and Councilman Michael Boylan (District 6) held a one-on-one meeting regarding the upcoming 2026-27 council leadership cycle. Johnson sought Boylan's perspective on council leadership and direction, and ultimately asked for Boylan's support in his bid for Vice President. Boylan provided candid advice and shared his views on the current council dynamics, priorities, and what will be needed for successful leadership. Discussion Items - Leadership Perspectives: Boylan expressed disappointment with recent leadership elections, noting that no notice meeting occurred before decisions were made. He emphasized the need for a more transparent and inclusive process. - Challenges Ahead: Boylan highlighted that the council will face increasingly difficult financial challenges in the coming years, which will strain support for the nonprofit sector and quality-of-life initiatives. He warned that if funding for nonprofits is cut, public safety funding must rise dramatically to fill the gap. - Affordable Housing: Johnson raised the missed opportunity of a $15 million appropriation that would have been matched by the Community Foundation for affordable housing, representing a $45 million impact. Boylan agreed that short-sightedness on such investments would cost the city more later. - Council Dynamics: Boylan criticized the current practice of stacking committees to push a specific agenda and stressed the need for diverse voices. He advised Johnson to sit down with Council Vice President Howland to discuss how they can complement each other's strengths and address blind spots. - Leadership beyond Titles: Boylan reminded Johnson that one does not need a title to lead, and that losing a leadership bid should not stop him from being an effective council member. Key Outcomes - Johnson formally requested Boylan's vote for Vice President at the May 26, 2026 election (which coincides with Johnson's 50th birthday). Boylan did not commit, but expressed appreciation for Johnson putting himself forward and encouraged competition. - Boylan advised Johnson to build a platform based on individual conversations with all council members, noting that pledge forms are non-binding. - The meeting concluded without a formal endorsement, but with mutual respect and acknowledgment of their shared commitment to affordable housing, nonprofit support, and effective governance.
The meeting was called to order at 2:00 p.m. by Councilman Chris Miller (At-Large Group 5) and Councilman Rockman Johnson (District 14), both candidates for council vice president. The two engaged in a wide-ranging conversation about council leadership, collaboration, and the importance of moving past partisan divides. A single public comment was received. Public Comments & Testimony - John Nooney (Jacksonville resident, CPAC 3 representative) expressed his view that "ethics is gone in Duval County" and raised concerns about the absence of the Office of General Counsel at CPAC and other community meetings. He explicitly stated his support for Councilman Chris Miller as the next vice president, arguing that an at-large leadership team (at-large president and at-large vice president) would be the most unifying for the city. He urged continued support for Miller. Discussion Items - Councilmen Miller and Johnson discussed their candidacies for vice president, emphasizing mutual respect and a shared desire to move the council forward. Johnson noted that despite being a Democrat in a Republican supermajority, he is focused on collaboration, not party affiliation. Miller stated he would not ask about party affiliation, drawing on his military experience of working as a team. - Both discussed the need to avoid "drama" on the council, with Miller saying the public expects them to work together professionally. Johnson highlighted instances where the council-administration relationship has been adversarial and stressed the need for legislative and executive branches to cooperate. - Miller shared his approach to learning by attending community events across the city, and Johnson described his passion for the Land Use and Zoning (LUZ) committee, which he initially did not expect. They agreed on the importance of placing council members in roles that leverage their strengths and experiences. - Miller expressed interest in joining the Finance committee to apply his financial management background, while Johnson committed to supporting whichever candidate wins the vice presidency, whether as a lieutenant or as a friend. Both agreed the incoming president should engage members early to understand their priorities and assign committee roles accordingly. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or decisions were taken. The meeting was primarily a discussion between the two candidates and included one public comment. - Both councilmen pledged to support each other regardless of the vice presidential election outcome and emphasized the need for continued collaboration and mutual respect on the council. - Miller noted he is working on improving the CPAC (Citizen Planning Advisory Committee) system and the neighborhood bill of rights, and encouraged further community engagement.
This meeting was a one-on-one conversation between two Jacksonville City Council members regarding the upcoming 2627 leadership cycle. Councilmember (unidentified in transcript) declared their candidacy for Vice President of the Jacksonville City Council and sought to understand the qualities needed for leadership, as well as the priorities of District 8. The meeting began with a moment of remembrance for two-year-old Amari Robinson, a victim of gun violence. Opening Remarks - Councilmember (speaker) called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. and led a moment of silence for Amari Robinson, a two-year-old who was shot and killed days earlier. The speaker expressed grief and called for an end to senseless gun violence in the community. Discussion Items - Leadership Qualities for Vice President: Councilmember (speaker) asked Councilmember Regal Gaffinett Jr. (District 8) what qualities are necessary for a leader at this point. Councilmember Gaffinett emphasized: bringing the council together, bipartisan leadership, changing the morale and environment of the council (moving away from drama), ensuring all colleagues feel valued and have a voice, and making sure no district is left behind. He referenced the need for fairness and respect. - District 8 Priorities: The candidate asked Councilmember Gaffinett about priorities for District 8. Councilmember Gaffinett identified: infrastructure (sidewalks, traffic lights, flooding), smart growth rather than building without adequate infrastructure (citing a pending 89-home development at Morris and C board), and ensuring community notification and involvement in development decisions (referencing a recent meeting on the Neighborhood Bill of Rights). He noted that District 8 and District 12 are the fastest-growing districts in Jacksonville due to land availability. - Candidate’s Pitch: The candidate stated they are “uniquely positioned” to be Vice President, plan to be in the race “for the long haul,” and asked for Councilmember Gaffinett’s support. The candidate noted that former council members warned that pledge forms “don’t mean nothing” because people can change their vote, but they hope for critical consideration and eventual support. Key Outcomes - No formal vote or decision was taken. The meeting was informational and exploratory. - Councilmember Gaffinett expressed appreciation for the candidate’s friendship and pragmatism, and agreed to consider the candidacy. He did not make a formal commitment. - The meeting ended with adjournment at an unspecified time.
On March 25, 2026, Chairman Will Lane (District 3) and Councilmember Rockland Johnson (District 14) held a meeting to discuss leadership qualities and the upcoming City Council Vice President election. The meeting also included a public comment from John Nooney. Public Comments & Testimony - John Nooney addressed the council, noting that the agenda from a recent CPAC 3 meeting lacked representation from JBA and JTA in staff reports, calling this a concern. He also stated that public access to waterways is "probably the worst ever." Nooney reported that the Office of General Counsel (OGC) is not present at meetings of the Mayor's Disability Council and Council on Senior Citizens, leaving those meetings without proper procedure. He requested the restoration of public participation in the Jacksonville City Council legislative process, referencing 2017-160. Discussion Items - Councilmember Johnson initiated the discussion on leadership, asking Chairman Lane what qualities he seeks in the next Vice President. Johnson emphasized the importance of understanding the different priorities of districts, noting his own focus on land use and zoning (LUZ) after three years of service on that committee. - Chairman Lane shared his perspective, stating that the council's role is "90% about the budget, 5% about land use and zoning, and 5% noise." He expressed a desire for "less drama and more numbers and less words" in future leadership. Lane drew on his military service, relaying a former captain's standing order to "be nice" as a lesson in civility for the 19-member council. He also stressed the importance of transparency, stating he does 99% of his talking on the dais and avoids social media. - Both councilmembers discussed the upcoming Vice President election, with Johnson noting that there are four candidates who "care deeply about Jacksonville." Lane acknowledged the pledges of support but remarked that pledges "mean nothing" based on advice from former council members. Johnson indicated he would be observing candidates' votes and stated that "whoever wins, I'm gonna support them and applaud them." - The date of the election was noted as May 26, 2026, which is also Johnson's 50th birthday. - Councilmember Johnson raised a concern about the lack of a council liaison for certain bodies like Elder Affairs and the Disability Council, and he has been in conversation with the General Counsel about having legal representation at CPAC meetings due to procedural issues. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken. The meeting served as a preliminary discussion of leadership priorities and an exchange of views on governance style. - Councilmember Johnson committed to sending a follow-up email to Chairman Lane requesting his vote, and Lane indicated he would consider it. - The public comment by John Nooney led to a brief discussion among the councilmembers, with Johnson stating he would work on moving forward the issue of restoring public participation and has already been in conversation with the General Counsel about OGC presence at CPAC meetings.
The Jacksonville City Council met on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Council Chamber at City Hall. The meeting was presided over by Council President Kevin Carrico. It included an invocation, pledge, approval of prior minutes, several presentations, quasi-judicial hearings, a consent agenda, public comments, public hearings on land use and other items, third reading resolutions and ordinances, second reading items, and introduction of new legislation. The meeting adjourned at 8:11 PM. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the March 10, 2026 regular meeting (voice vote 17-0). - Approved the Consent Agenda (with the exception of 2026-0194) by a 17-0 roll call vote. Items included: confirmation of several board appointments (Sex Trafficking Survivors Leadership Council, Cultural Service Grant Program Committee, Duval County Election Advisory Panel), recognition of Arab American Heritage Month, honors for Darnell Smith Sr., Judge Henry Lee Adams Jr., Mark Middlebrook, the San Marco Preservation Society, and the Chi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi at Edward Waters University. - Resolution 2026-0194 (honoring Darnell Smith Sr.) was pulled by Council Member Johnson, amended with a council amendment, and approved 17-0. - Two resolutions (2026-0049 and 2026-0074) were withdrawn. Public Comments & Testimony Public comments lasted from 5:23 PM until roughly 6:30 PM, with speakers given three minutes each. Key topics included: - Soccer Stadium Location: Kathleen Pereira urged placing a soccer stadium downtown rather than at the Town Center, citing flood risks, traffic, and noise impacts on neighborhoods. - Redlining and Neighborhood Bill of Rights: Several speakers (Wells Todd, Bobby O'Connor, Anthony Brown, Addison Patrick, Denise Cook, Nancy Murray Settle) criticized council for prioritizing developers over residents and urged support for a neighborhood bill of rights. They noted only two council members attended a town hall meeting the previous night. - George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier: Multiple speakers (Angela Freedman, Belle James, Ulysses Cromedy Sr., John Nooney) requested reopening the Duval County side of the bridge for fishing, citing it as a popular recreational site. - JTA Connection Plus: Sharon Dykes, executive director of the Center for Independent Living, described poor on-time performance for paratransit and urged council to find a better solution. - JEA Contract Negotiations: Several JEA water/wastewater employees (Ronnie Burris, Nick Smith, Amanda Breen, Eric Stodola) expressed frustration over stalled contract talks, noting wage gaps with other JEA divisions and the essential nature of their work. - Flock Cameras: Dragon Beloit submitted draft ordinances to regulate or ban automated license plate readers, urging council to act. - Baby Boxes: Kathleen Pereira and Blake Harper supported the appropriation for infant safety devices at fire stations. - Public Service Grants Microgrant Program: Speakers debated the amendment to allocate 3% of PSG funds to microgrants, with council members and the Chief of Grants testifying. Discussion Items - Quasi-Judicial Ordinances (2026-0060, 2026-0132, 2026-0135): All three were approved unanimously (18-0) after declarations of ex-parte communications. - Public Hearings: - Several land use amendments and rezoning items were continued to April 14, 2026 (e.g., Morse Ave, Historic Kings Rd, Old Kings Rd, Rampart Rd, Pitts Rd, Southside Blvd). - Approved items included: Eagle LNG Partners rezoning at Zoo Parkway (FLUM amendment 2026-0083 approved 16-0; companion rezoning 2026-0084 approved 17-0); Millennial Christian Schools rezoning at Park St (2026-0085 and 2026-0086 both approved 17-0 after amendments). - Public hearings were held for numerous funding ordinances, including $4.5 million for tree planting (2026-0180), $359,000 for fire specialty teams, $120,000 for an artificial reef, $100,000 for City Hall elevator repairs, $314,900 for baby boxes at 14 fire stations, $30,000 for North Florida School of Special Education vocational training, and $355,000 for McDuff Ave Park land acquisition. - Third Reading Ordinances (selected): - 2026-0136 (New Berlin Rd land acquisition): Approved 18-0 after amendment. - 2026-0137 (Council Rules attendance changes): Approved 18-0 after amendment. Council Member Johnson expressed concern about lack of flexibility for committee chairs. - 2026-0138 (PSG categories for FY 26-27): Amended to add a microgrant category (3% of total PSG funding) by a floor amendment, passed 16-1-1 (Council Member Diamond nay, Pittman abstain). The amendment was debated extensively; supporters argued it fulfilled a budget commitment, while opponents (including the grants chief) cited administrative burden and desire to use carryover funds instead. - 2026-0139 (Homelessness Initiatives Fund oversight): Amended to require council approval for expenditures over $100,000, then approved 16-2 (Peluso, Pittman nay). - 2026-0142 (Opioid settlement grant for MAT clinic): Approved 17-0-1 (Carrico abstain). - 2026-0144 (Justice Center due diligence): Approved 16-2 (Amaro, Diamond nay). - 2026-0150 (Campbell Cove affordable housing loan): Approved 18-0. Council Member Peluso noted an opportunity for a larger $10 million investment was missed. - 2026-0151 (PSG code amendments): Approved 17-0-1 (Pittman abstain). - Second Reading Resolutions (selected): - 2026-0197 (Women's History Month): Approved 18-0 with council amendments. - 2026-0200 and 2026-0201 (Five Points Special District appointments): Approved as emergencies, 17-0. - 2026-0229 (Honoring Rob Sweeting): Approved as an emergency with floor and council amendments (18-0), after news of his passing. Key Outcomes - Approved Resolutions & Ordinances: Numerous ceremonial and administrative actions approved (see Consent Calendar and votes above). - Land Use Approvals: Eagle LNG rezoning (FLUM and rezoning) approved; Millennial Christian Schools rezoning approved with amendments. - Funding Allocations: $4.5M for tree planting, $314,900 for baby boxes, $355,000 for McDuff Ave Park, $120,000 for artificial reef, $100,000 for elevator repairs, $30,000 for vocational training, and others passed second reading and moved to third reading. - Policy Changes: Council Rules amended (effective July 1, 2026); Homelessness Initiatives Fund now requires council approval for expenditures over $100,000; PSG categories for FY 26-27 include a new microgrant program at 3% of total funding. - Appointments Confirmed: Cultural Service Grant Program Committee members (Kaci Barnes, Dr. Darren Brownlee, Alanna Luksha, Chrys Yates), Duval County Election Advisory Panel (Raymond Pringle Jr., Edward Williams), Five Points Special District Board (Alonzo Walton, David Wingard, Cody Mashni as alternate), Sex Trafficking Survivors Leadership Council (Taneeisha Hammett), and others. - Deferrals: Several land use cases continued to April 14, 2026 for additional public hearings. - Introduction of New Bills: Multiple new resolutions and ordinances introduced, including a resolution supporting protected bicycle lanes downtown (2026-0231), an appeal of a historic preservation decision (2026-0232), a prohibition on city funds for abortion services (2026-0227), and expansion of the Downtown Entertainment District boundary to include Brooklyn (2026-0223).
The Special Committee on the Future of Downtown met on March 23, 2026, at 10:00 AM. The meeting covered two main agenda items: an update from the Downtown Investment Authority (DIA) and a presentation on focus area one regarding public realm coordination. Key discussions focused on aligning governance, funding, and operations for downtown public spaces, as well as updates on development projects and planning initiatives. Discussion Items DIA Update (Colin Tarbert, CEO) - Financial Consultant & Incentive Study: DIA received JPAC approval for three financial consultants—CHM Warnick (hospitality), BJH Advisors/Foresight Street Advisors (mixed-use), and PFM (municipal finance)—to support underwriting and incentive evaluation. Contracts are being finalized, and the consultants will be available within 30-45 days. A full incentive study is expected by year-end. - Planning Initiatives: Three RFPs are being drafted: a digital twin (3D GIS model), updated downtown design guidelines, and an overall master plan update (five-year cycle). The digital twin and design guidelines are expected to go out in 30-60 days. - Development Updates: The N7 project (740 apartment units, $28 million incentive request) is expected to go to City Council in May. Riverfront Plaza restaurant solicitation closes March 28; Riverfront Plaza Phase II (beer garden) aims for completion by end of 2027. Riverfront Music Garden opens in spring 2026. Shipyards office building (One Tower Court) is opening soon. On the South Bank, Friendship Fountain restaurant solicitation closes March 31; MOSH demolition timeline finalized (notice to proceed expected soon, taking 5 months); Related Group to begin pile work soon. - Disposition Activity: 330 East Bay Street received one proposal; evaluation committee meets April 1, board consideration in April. - Other Projects: 44 West Monroe Street and 231 North Laura Street (Mags Cafe) legislation filed; Baptist Health Hotel redevelopment (eight million dollar completion grant) moving forward; La Villa Heritage Trail markers installation beginning. - Good News: Green Leaf Building (JWB office) and The Hub (food and beverage) ribbon cuttings celebrated. Councilmember Questions/Comments - Councilmember Pelusa expressed opposition to the riverfront plaza restaurant, suggesting it may be too much activation alongside the beer garden and gateway project. He requested a timetable to space out developments and noted lack of an operator for the cafe. - Councilmember Matt Carlucci emphasized that DIA has vetted these projects and the committee should respect their authority. - The Chair asked about the cafe operator update (deferred to Parks). - Councilmember Pelusa inquired about Hans Tanzler Marina timeline (Parks to provide schedule) and management (in-house via Docemaster). - Councilmember Matt Carlucci requested the marina be referred to as Hans Tanzler Jr. Public Realm Coordination (Laura Edgecombe) - Charge: Focus Area 1—map public space stakeholders, agencies, ownership, operations, maintenance, and programming; identify redundancies and gaps; recommend changes. - Key Gaps Identified: Lack of clear role definition, sustainable funding/capacity, consistent vibrancy/density, and overarching downtown marketing/positioning strategy. - Recommendations: 1. Expand Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) boundaries to match the Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) boundaries to align services and reduce confusion. 2. Transfer operations and management of James Weldon Johnson Park from Friends of the Park to Downtown Vision Inc. (DVI), with oversight under DIA. This requires legislative amendments. 3. (Forthcoming) Office of Sports and Entertainment to propose updates to Chapter 191 of the Jacksonville Ordinance Code regarding special event permitting. - Request: Support from the Mayor’s Office to convene facilitated interagency working sessions (including DIA, Parks, Public Works, Sports & Entertainment, DVI, committee chair, and OGC) to establish unified public realm operating agreements, funding strategies, and performance metrics. Councilmember Questions/Comments - Councilmember Pelusa strongly supported the expansion of BID to include Brooklyn, especially for ambassador services and cleanliness. He advocated for DVI to clean DOT-owned rights-of-way. He confirmed Friends of James Weldon Johnson Park (Liz) is on board. - Councilmember Matt Carlucci asked about planters and beautification (addressed in future streetscape work). He suggested a small millage increase for litter cleanup. - Councilmember Pelusa raised the need for streamlined reporting of maintenance issues (potholes, missing bricks, lights) and advocated for DVI to handle beautification. - Councilmember Salem urged minimizing outside legal counsel and relying on OGC for legislative drafting. - Councilmember Boylan inquired about including the Jacksonville Riverfront Alliance (JRA) in working sessions; Ms. Edgecombe agreed to invite them as contract negotiations progress. Key Outcomes - Consensus to proceed with legislative actions for BID boundary expansion and James Weldon Johnson Park management transfer. OGC (Michelle) will coordinate with DVI and stakeholders to draft ordinances. - Support for convening interagency working sessions, facilitated by a third party, with participation from the Mayor’s Office, OGC, and relevant agencies. The Chair will serve as committee representative. JRA will be invited pending contract status. - Office of Sports and Entertainment to bring Chapter 191 ordinance update to the committee in April. - No formal votes were taken; the meeting concluded with directives to move forward on these items and report back in April.