OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Jacksonville Neighborhoods Committee Meeting – May 4, 2026: Apprenticeship Funding, CRA Board Changes, and Grant Approvals

City CouncilMonday, May 4, 2026
BodyJacksonville, Florida
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, May 4, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record

STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE

Transcript — Verbatim
0:09

Well good morning.

0:10

It is now 9 30, and I'll go ahead and call to order the Monday, May 4th neighborhoods meeting, and we'll start with introductions to my left with Mr.

0:21

Delaney.

0:22

Good morning, y'all.

0:23

Bill Delaney with the mayor's office.

0:25

Brandon Russell, Council Research.

0:27

Mary Stefopoulos, Office of General Counsel.

0:30

Philip Peterson, Council Auditor's Office.

0:32

Good morning, Michael Buen District Six.

0:36

Good morning, Kenamara, City Council District 1.

0:39

Randy White, District 12.

0:41

Mike Gay, District 2.

0:43

Ron Salem, group two at large.

0:46

Good morning, Tabernacle Murray, District 9.

0:50

Terrence Freeman at large group one.

0:52

Good morning, Rockmont Johnson, District 14.

0:55

I'm visiting.

0:56

All right.

0:56

Welcome, visiting council members.

1:00

We'll go ahead and go to public comment.

1:03

We have our first speaker, Mr.

1:05

John J.

1:06

Nooney.

1:07

Come on forward, sir.

1:08

Give your name and address or say it's on the record.

1:14

And you'll be given three minutes to speak to an item on the agenda, sir.

1:21

All right.

1:21

Hello.

1:24

I am John Philanthropic, Jelly Roll.

1:27

Good boy, resiliency Nooney.

1:30

Ocho Trace, Cinco Says, Baskum Road, Jacksonville, Florida, 32216.

1:34

I'm in City Council District 4, CPAC 3, School Board District 3.

1:39

Yeah, as far as the agenda.

1:41

Yeah, I'll be touching on agenda items.

1:43

Let's see, we got five, six, seven, eight, fifteen, sixteen, eighteen, twenty-one, twenty-four, twenty-six.

1:50

RD, real doge, Ron Davis, 600 WBOB.

1:55

Let's see.

1:56

Yeah, the agenda.

1:57

Let's see.

1:58

I jotted down to agenda item five, 2026 0259.

2:02

You know, uh boy, they're calling in on that one already.

2:06

Okay, that's uh Jacksonville Waterways Commission.

2:09

That's the hotline.

2:11

Uh 2026 0260, another direct contract.

2:15

Remember, 2024 0107 JU, 2024 0325, Urban Core CPAC.

2:22

In fact, they're meeting tonight, 530.

2:26

So are you gonna defer on this and wait to see what happens with the CPAC?

2:30

Let me just say this too.

2:31

I went to uh an ethics commission meeting and I asked, you know, and Dylan Reingold was there, Kirby Oberdorfer.

2:38

You know, we have six CPACs representing the entire city of Jacksonville.

2:43

We have the mayor's disability council, you know, they're meeting tomorrow.

2:47

The wheelchair gang.

2:49

The council on elder affairs, the senior citizen gang.

2:53

I'm in it, you know, fishing with centurions.

2:59

Uh down to a minute 22.

3:01

But why is OGC not represented at these meetings?

3:08

It's the wild west.

3:10

Okay, agenda item.

3:12

We got 20 number 8, 2026 0265.

3:16

That's JCB stuff, 200 grand.

3:19

You know, that's you know, that should be just the biggest, you know, lottery thing in the world.

3:24

25,000, eight of them.

3:26

You know, uh, let's see, we got down to 50 seconds.

3:30

You know, uh this you know will be a handout for the permanent record, but uh 2026 0315, another uh should be in waterways, 2026 0316 should be in waterways, 2026 0318.

3:45

Uh $10 filing fee.

3:48

Uh Councilmember Johnson.

3:50

Wow.

3:51

Uh 2026 0521 park stuff, 2026 0327, Emerald Trail stuff.

3:59

We're paying the tax.

4:01

The wonderful, wonderful tax.

4:07

All right, and then we have uh 2026 0332.

4:11

It's JU stuff.

4:13

Uh remember uh Cherry Pollock, Michael Fackler.

4:17

You know, uh, is that gonna be is there gonna be uh uh a board?

4:22

All right, thank you, Mr.

4:23

Nooney.

4:24

All right, thank you for listening.

4:25

And this is for all right.

4:27

So I have no other uh speaker cards, so we'll go ahead and move into our agenda.

4:33

I want to skip uh we're gonna skip around a couple items to go ahead first for visiting council members.

4:40

Uh the first item will uh we'll go to will be item number eight, 2026 0265.

4:47

Can I get a motion?

4:50

I've got a motion and a second on the bill.

4:54

Councilmember Freeman, you're recognized.

4:58

Uh thank you, Mr.

5:00

Chair, and thank you so much for taking this up uh early.

5:02

Um this is a pretty straightforward bill.

5:04

Want to thank the the co-sponsors on it.

5:07

This was birthed out of uh the workforce initiative that council member Arias had put forward.

5:13

Um, and the the local unions um were not a part of that, so that's this funding.

5:19

Um and speaking with the auditors uh Friday over the weekend, uh we addressed their one concern.

5:26

Um and if it's the pleasure of the chair through the chair to Mr.

5:29

Peterson, um, can you share with this body the amendment that I would like to add uh to this bill?

5:36

Thank you.

5:37

Through the chair to uh the committee and to council member Freeman, um, as noted on your agenda auto recommended recommended amendment that uh worked with Mr.

5:47

Freeman on is to extend the term of this contract an additional year.

5:52

So instead of ending on 9 30 27, it would go to 9 30 28.

5:56

It would also require reporting by the Jacksonville General Apprenticeship Association uh each year, um, and that if there are apprentices that drop out of the program within a that first year of being paid for their enrollment or enroll um that JGAA would reimburse the city for that $2,500 per enrollee that fell out of the program.

6:20

So it's it's acting as a callback to ensure that these participants stay in the program for at least a minimum of a yeah.

6:29

I've got a motion and a second on the auditors recommended amendment.

6:35

So any discussion on that, all in favors say yay.

6:43

Yes, yay.

6:44

Any opposed, likewise, none.

6:46

The motion carry, so I can get a motion and a second on the bill as amended.

6:55

On the amendment, okay, go ahead, Ms.

6:58

Murray.

7:01

Good morning again to everybody.

7:02

Thank you, Chair.

7:03

So just one question in regards to the uh frequency of the um the number of enrollees.

7:12

Is it it's it's annually?

7:15

Do they um through the through the chair to council member Freeman?

7:19

Why is it only annually?

7:21

Because it that means they they have like the whole year before we know who actually is enrolled.

7:26

Could they do the um enrollee portion more frequently, or is there like only a yearly do they only take it take in or allow the program enrollees to enter the program on an annual basis?

7:43

Go ahead.

7:45

Uh thank you, Mr.

7:46

Chair.

7:46

Through the chair to Miss Clark Murray.

7:48

Uh I can speak for the electrical side.

7:50

We have two intakes a year, one in the fall, one in the spring.

7:54

Um the window stays open for applicants to apply.

7:57

Uh, and I believe then in November or so they are selected to start that spring cohort, and then the one in the spring ends in May, uh, and then they're selected to start in the fall.

8:09

That's just on the electrical side.

8:10

This is a a consortium of several of different ones, so there may vary from one to the other, and I think Mr.

8:16

Peterson has more to add to that.

8:18

Through the chair to councilmember Clark Murray and working with uh JGAA, they express that this this program is a single annual enroll um program enrollment.

8:29

So it starts on September 1st of each year, and so the city that they will the enrollees will get into the program.

8:37

It starts on September 1st.

8:38

They'll submit documentation to the city uh after the program begins.

8:43

The city will uh write them a check of $2,500 per qualified enrollee upon them submitting the required documentation, and then the the program wouldn't have another class, if you will, until this following September 1st.

8:58

Thank you, Chair.

8:58

Thank you.

8:59

That answers my question.

9:00

All right.

9:01

So we're on the bill as amended.

9:05

So let me go to the speakers in the queue.

9:08

I'll go to Dr.

9:09

Salem first.

9:14

Thank you, Chair.

9:14

I was just in there to move the motion of uh councilmember Freeman, as he's not a member.

9:21

I I should have taken myself off.

9:23

Thank you.

9:25

All right, thank you.

9:26

Let me go to Chief White.

9:28

Yes, sir.

9:29

Please add me as a co-sponsor.

9:30

Very good.

9:31

Councilmember Morrow.

9:35

Thank you, Mr.

9:36

Chair.

9:36

Uh two actions.

9:38

Uh uh add me as a co-sponsor and uh quick commentary on uh the amendment we just approve.

9:45

I I see tremendous merits in it.

9:47

It not only protects the uh the taxpayers' money, but it also is motivational for those who are applying that if they know up front that you're gonna have the paid back if you don't complete the course.

10:00

Uh I think it would give them uh pause to give serious consideration upon enrollment.

10:05

So I I think it's a very good amendment.

10:08

All right, thank you.

10:09

Let's go to Councilmember Bowling.

10:12

Thank you, Mr.

10:13

Chair.

10:13

Through the chair, uh Councilmember Freeman, perhaps Mr.

10:16

Peterson.

10:17

Qualified individuals.

10:18

Uh you mentioned application.

10:19

Could you help me understand something in the grant agreement that defines what a qualified applicant is, please?

10:32

Through the chair to councilmember Boylan, uh qualified enrollee is defined as a program eligible Duval County resident who is enrolled to participate in one of the JGAA apprenticeship programs referenced here.

10:47

And so that's electrical, sheet metal, plumbers and pipe fitters, operating engineers, and carpenters.

10:57

All right, thank you.

10:58

Let me go to Councilmember Freeman.

11:02

Uh thank you, Mr.

11:02

Chair, and thank you all for the great questions.

11:04

And just one last thing, this is two-thirds votes, obviously to pass, but um now I'm no longer going to take anything for granted.

11:11

So I want to ask through the chair to Mr.

11:14

Delaney, is this something that falls within the priorities of the administration?

11:19

Do apprenticeship programs.

11:21

Um I know she was on Mayor Mondays with the mayor this morning and they talked about JCEBs and bragging about JCBs and how great they are and how proud we are of it, but yet last cycle, J subs were not moved forward.

11:33

So I just want to make sure that there are no surprises as I move forward with this.

11:37

Where does the administration stand on apprenticeships in this program?

11:42

Through the chair, I'll let you know and get back with you.

11:47

And thank you.

11:48

So through the chair to uh Mr.

11:50

Delaney, this bill has been out for several weeks now.

11:53

Is there any reason why we're not prepared to discuss it during committee as an administration?

12:01

And I mean we have representatives from the JGAA here in the office in the room, they took time out of their day to be here.

12:07

Is there any reason why they now have to wait to know if you all are going to object to this later?

12:13

I mean, it's going to be back up again in rules, so they can take time out of their day to come the rules, it will be back up in finance.

12:19

But we have citizens here that are representing numerous individuals.

12:24

Through the chair, um, I don't see any objections here.

12:27

We haven't raised any thus far.

12:31

And thank you.

12:31

That's all I want to make sure that they understood.

12:33

Because they'll end up calling you, they'll call me.

12:35

So with the confidence of moving forward, thank you all for that.

12:38

All right, thank you.

12:39

Uh yeah, Mr.

12:40

Delaney, uh if you could in in rules, just kind of give us a confirmation that that uh y'all are on board with this.

12:48

We'd appreciate it.

12:49

Uh to the chair, absolutely we will.

12:52

All right, thank you.

12:53

And uh I fully support this, and I think it's uh definitely needed for our construction industry.

12:59

Uh we we can't do enough uh to get our uh our young people trained in a skilled uh trade in their possession.

13:09

So with that, let's open wait.

13:13

Let me let me go to Mr.

13:15

Delaney.

13:19

Uh thank you, and I apologize.

13:21

Um I wasn't in the loop on this one, but we do support this.

13:26

I just got in word.

13:27

Thank you.

13:27

All right.

13:28

Well, thank you.

13:29

Councilmember Clark Murray.

13:31

Thank you, Chair.

13:32

It's just to be added as a co-sponsor.

13:34

All right.

13:35

So with that, let's open the ballot and record your vote.

13:45

Six years, zero and all right, thank you.

13:50

By your action, you approve 2026, 0265.

13:54

And I'd like to recognize council member Peluso has joined us.

14:01

All right, the next item that we'll be taking up will be item number six.

14:11

20 26, 0 0260.

14:15

I've got a motion.

14:16

Can you get a second?

14:18

I've got a motion and a second.

14:21

Dr.

14:21

Salem, you're recognized.

14:26

Thank you, Chair.

14:27

And uh through the chair to Mr.

14:29

Peterson, I just want to verify because I see we're using general fund operating reserves, but it's my understanding that these dollars were allocated a year or two ago, fell into the reserves, and now we're simply reappropriating them.

14:47

So in the big picture, there's really not a change to the reserves.

14:51

Is that correct?

14:52

Through the chair to council member Salem, uh that is correct.

15:00

These uh exact dollars were appropriated uh in September of 2024, and the uh contract allowed for it to carry over through September 30th of 25.

15:06

At that point, they were unspent, so they fell to reserves.

15:10

But the the 392 million dollar number that we have referenced being the reserve limit at 930 24 would not have taken these dollars into account.

15:19

Okay, so and a second question through the chair to uh to Dr.

15:24

Johnson.

15:25

I I I guess uh you are now hopeful that this process will move forward and what is changed to believe that the that the Stanton group is ready to go.

15:37

One word, leadership.

15:39

Um, through the chair to Dr.

15:40

Salem, and thank you for that.

15:41

Uh Judge James Ruth is now the chair of the board.

15:44

Uh Judge Ruth and I have sat down, he's explained the plan.

15:47

One of the reasons why they could not realize and use those funds at the time was the fact that it's such an old historic building, and they had to have the right contractors doing the right work, so the building didn't fall down.

15:57

But Judge Ruth has come and sat with me, and that's why I was willing to sponsor this to get those funds back, even though they lapsed.

16:03

Unfortunately, the group before him, I would have done a carryover bill at that time.

16:08

I just didn't know.

16:08

And so when he came and now he's the new chair, I believe that they're working toward not just getting the building short up, but to getting it open so it not only generates revenue, but gives people a chance to walk through history in Jacksonville.

16:20

Thank you, Chair.

16:21

Thank you, Dr.

16:22

Johnson.

16:23

All right, thank you.

16:24

All right, let me go to Councilmember Bowlin.

16:28

Thank you, Mr.

16:29

Chair.

16:29

Uh, appreciating the history of this, I have no problem in supporting this whatsoever.

16:32

Just one quick question, perhaps for Mr.

16:34

Peterson.

16:35

Uh uh based upon the grant agreement.

16:37

Is this a reimbur on the reimbursement basis?

16:40

They have to demonstrate expense and then uh uh get paid thereafter.

16:44

Through the chair to council member Boylan.

16:47

So um yes and no.

16:49

This agreement authorizes a 25% advance, uh, which is $36,000.

16:56

Um they have to subide support that they spent the third that $36,000 uh in order to qualify for future reimbursements.

17:06

So the first 36 is in advance, thereafter it's all reimbursement.

17:10

That's fair.

17:10

Thank you.

17:11

Thank you, Mr.

17:11

Chair.

17:11

All right, thank you.

17:12

Chief White.

17:13

Yes, sir.

17:14

Add me as a co-sponsor, please.

17:16

Very good.

17:17

Councilmember Clark Murray.

17:20

Thank you, Chair.

17:20

Please add me as a co-sponsor as well.

17:23

All right, thank you.

17:26

Councilmember Omaro.

17:31

Thank you, Mr.

17:32

Chair.

17:32

Um, add me as a co-sponsor as well.

17:34

Question through the chair to uh Mr.

17:36

Johnson.

17:37

So do they already have folks signed up to get the work done?

17:41

And and as far as uh turning that property over into a revenue generating stream, what what what are the plans and is this going to be sufficient to get to that opportunity?

17:56

Thank you for the question and uh through the chair to Councilman Amorrow.

17:59

This is not the full extent of what they're doing and talking to Judge Ruth, uh, what they're planning to do.

18:05

This was just to share up the roof so it doesn't go through what is it, demolition by neglect, I think is what they call it because the building needs this done, but it is a painstaking process.

18:15

Um they're gonna be working or they are working with DIA to hopefully find ways to move it forward.

18:20

But right now that this is a dire need situation, but they had to find the right contractor because this was supposed to be spent a couple of years ago.

18:27

I know when I came on the council in 23, uh this the initial legislation was carried by that time, Councilman Gaffney Sr.

18:36

And when I got on the board at that time asked if I would carry uh sponsor the carryover uh legislation, which I did, they weren't able to get, and there was some change in leadership with them, movement with the board.

18:50

So they do have a plan.

18:52

He and again, Judge Ruth is a new leader.

18:54

I trust him, I know him, he's done a lot of stuff in the community, and that's something else that made me say um we can move from just keeping the building up to actually getting the building up and running.

19:06

Through the chair, just a quick follow-up.

19:07

Uh I trust uh Judge Ruth as well.

19:10

So that's that's not an issue with me.

19:12

And and I was a little bit surprised that since you and I have been here that the money was never used, that it's been sitting there.

19:19

Um through the chair to uh council member Johnson.

19:23

Um this church is oh, this church, this school has a uh uh a relationship with the AME church.

19:33

Is that still a part of this or what or is it just being operated by this nonprofit?

19:39

They did have a relationship with the AME church.

19:41

They have nothing to do with the church as a functioning body, so no, it's its own separate his historic Stanton 501c3 nonprofit.

19:52

All right, thank you.

19:54

Let me go to uh council visiting council member Peluso.

19:58

Thank you, Chair.

20:00

Uh, seeing as how this is in my district, I'd also like to be a co-sponsor.

20:04

All right, no other speakers in the queue.

20:06

I've got a motion and a second.

20:07

Let's open the ballot and record your vote.

20:16

Six Yay's here and A's.

20:18

All right.

20:18

By your action, you've approved 2026 0260.

20:22

Let's turn the page to item number seven, 2026 0264.

20:27

Can I get a motion on the bill?

20:30

Okay.

20:31

I got a motion and a second.

20:36

I don't see any speakers in the queue.

20:40

Let's open a ballot and record your vote.

20:49

6A zero and a news.

20:51

By your action, you approved 2026 0264.

20:58

So let's that takes us back to the beginning of our agenda.

21:05

Item number one, 2024 0966 has been deferred at the request of Council President Carico.

21:12

Item two, 2025 0361 is deferred at request of Councilmember White.

21:19

Item number three, 2026 0227 is deferred at the request of Councilmember Diamond.

21:25

That takes us to item number four, 2026 0258.

21:29

Get a motion on the bill.

21:31

I've got a motion and a second on the bill.

21:35

You're recognized.

21:37

Thank you, Mr.

21:38

Chair.

21:38

I would like to offer floor amendment and have Ms.

21:42

LePaire um, if I can get a uh uh motion on the amendment and have her explain what the amendment is.

21:51

All right, I've got a motion and a second on the amendment.

21:57

Carlos Shell, Office of General Counsel through the Chair.

22:00

So Councilmember Morrow intends to offer an amendment to change uh category two and category five of the renew Arlington Advisory Board Member qualifications.

22:11

Instead of having a geographic boundary of one mile and three mile miles respectively, it would be within council district one.

22:20

And I'm here for any questions.

22:24

All right, Miss Ms.

22:26

Murray on the amendment.

22:35

Thank you, Chair.

22:36

So why why are the boundary changes being requested?

22:45

Through the chair to uh council member.

22:47

I apologize.

22:48

I thought Ms.

22:48

Nazarella was speaking, but it may have been like the unfamiliar voice.

22:53

You okay.

22:54

I know it sounds somewhat a voice that was unfamiliar.

22:56

I apologize.

22:57

I was multitasking.

23:00

Good morning, Karen Nasrella, OED staff.

23:03

Um it's green.

23:05

Let's see.

23:06

Is this one better?

23:06

That one.

23:07

Okay.

23:08

Let's go with this one.

23:09

Let's try again.

23:10

Karen Nasrella, OED staff.

23:13

Um, for the past couple of years, we have struggled um with new uh obtaining new advisory board members for both King Soutel and Renew Arlington.

23:23

Um the the um as it's written, it's just too constricting.

23:27

Um because of these vacancies, many times we don't get quorum, and we can't take action on items that need to be voted on.

23:35

Uh the proposed ordinance will expand the boundaries into the community, adding um and a broader consideration of candidates, and we think a better uh representation of the community.

23:47

Thank you for that.

23:48

Thank you, Chair.

23:49

All right, thank you.

23:51

Uh Councilmember Bowling on the amendment.

23:55

Ms.

23:56

Natarella, uh, and I appreciate actually that applies to the bill as well, but the amendment speaks to it.

24:00

Um my concern is their familiarity with the work of the CRA, their interest.

24:05

Have you identified individuals that would fill the categories that you need in order to do that?

24:10

And is there some kind of transitioning to get them up to speed as to it's not it's not just about having a warm body in the chair, it's a meet quorum, and it's really people who are engaged and see a value in being a part of the CRA.

24:23

Can you speak to that?

24:25

Yes, sir, through the chair.

24:27

The um members in both areas, both King Southel and Renew Arlington are very active in the community.

24:34

They're they come to meetings, they um they attend the town hall meetings that the council members um conduct.

24:41

They're pretty well, they're very well informed.

24:44

We do um an initiation when they do come in.

24:47

I go through the the um redevelopment plan, I explain the rules of Florida Statute 163 Part 3, what their roles are.

24:54

We do have a PowerPoint that we we conduct during our advisory board meetings.

25:00

Most of them are very familiar and and want to be a part of the advisory board.

25:04

The rules as they're written are so constricting that they just don't expand to where they live.

25:11

All right, thank you.

25:13

Uh let's go to uh Dr.

25:14

Salem.

25:18

Thank you, Chair.

25:19

Um having been on the original board, I think that started in 2017, and there was a desire obviously to to keep people close to where the CRA is that would have more buy-in to the process.

25:35

Clearly, that was um I guess nine years ago.

25:39

It's amazing that it's been that long.

25:42

But I can understand expanding it to three miles and still having people fairly close, but uh but I'll I'll go along with Ms.

25:52

Nasrolla through the chair.

25:54

You believe we need to go completely into district one to find people through the chair.

26:02

I do.

26:02

One reason is because you have a river, so if you do a mileage, it crosses the river and goes into Talleyrand.

26:08

I understand.

26:09

As you understand.

26:10

Um secondly, the commercial corridors of University Boulevard, Merrill Road, Arlington Road, and Fort Caroline, they're commercial corridors that once they're redeveloped and they're moving in that direction.

26:22

I think we're making good progress.

26:24

Um it will have a ripple effect into that community that will expand all the way down um through district one.

26:31

That's the goal of a of a CRA if it's redeveloped correctly.

26:35

Okay.

26:36

I will support it then.

26:37

Thank you.

26:38

All right, thank you.

26:39

Let's go to Councilman Amoro.

26:44

Thank you, Mr.

26:44

Chair.

26:45

I I just wanted to expand on what Karen just said a second ago.

26:48

And uh that was one of the issues we discovered, for example, uh because of the prescriptive description of the boundaries, we found that it extended into uh district seven and and talle and and those guys really don't have as much of a vested interest as much as the rest of the folks in in district one.

27:13

And so it just seemed like a common sense approach to make the uh uh the boundaries be the district that way you have a wider pool that you can search for folks who have uh a vested interest in Arlington.

27:25

And so I just wanted to expound just a little bit more on what she was saying.

27:30

All right, thank you.

27:31

Let's go to Councilmember Bowlin.

27:35

Thank you, uh Chair.

27:36

Um to follow up on that point with respect to uh Kingstotel area, why not apply the same rule there as well?

27:43

Does it make a difference?

27:44

I mean, uh good for the goose, good for the gander in terms of that.

27:48

So I don't know if we would want to take a look at uh making that consistent for both CRAs.

27:55

Your thoughts on that?

27:56

Through the chair, I have would have no objection to that.

27:58

I think that would be an outstanding idea.

28:01

So with that, I think we should move on, Councilmember Amaro's amendment, but I think it might make sense to offer a second amendment to put the apply the same rules or every uh for the King Sutell as well.

28:15

All right.

28:16

Um Councilmember Clark Murray.

28:19

Thank you.

28:20

Uh through the chair in consideration, I don't know if the chair to Councilmember Boylan, are you making an amendment to um the amendment or because I was going to speak to what you're going to say?

28:32

Actually, I made a separate.

28:33

I I think we should go ahead and move on to Mr.

28:35

Amaro's amendment, and then I will make a second amendment that we also apply the same uh criterion for King Sutel.

28:42

Okay.

28:42

So um I'll go ahead and say that I do want to be a co-sponsor for this bill, and then we'll vote and then I'll make my other comments.

28:49

All right.

28:50

Uh Dr.

28:50

Salem.

28:52

On the boiling.

28:54

Okay.

28:55

All right.

28:55

So let's let's on the amendment on the floor right now.

29:01

Um all in favor say yay.

29:04

Yes.

29:04

Yay.

29:04

Any opposed likewise, none of the amendment carries.

29:08

Now let's go to uh council member bowling.

29:14

Thank you, Mr.

29:14

Chair.

29:15

I'd like to go ahead and make a a second floor amendment that we apply the same criteria making it the district wide for the uh to serve on the Kingstotel CRA.

29:27

All right, I've got a motion and a second on that uh amendment.

29:31

So let me go to Mr.

29:33

Peterson first.

29:35

Through the chair.

29:36

Um I don't know if Ms.

29:37

Nasralla knows I don't I'm not sure what council district that falls in, and is it it's 10?

29:42

Okay.

29:45

All right, Dr.

29:46

Salem.

29:50

Thank you, Chair.

29:51

I I'm not comfortable moving on this.

29:53

Uh the the district councilman's not here.

29:56

Um and had no idea this was going to come up.

30:00

I I would value the input of councilmember Pittman on this and and see if there's the same type of need and that kind of thing.

30:10

Um are there other committees this is in is Ms.

30:14

Pittman is it in finance?

30:17

No.

30:18

Just in rules and Ms.

30:19

Pittman's not a member in rules.

30:23

Uh I don't know how we handle that other than uh uh coming back at a future committee meeting and and briefing her.

30:34

Mr.

30:34

Naswella through the chair, have you had this discussion with her?

30:38

Through the chair, this just came up today.

30:41

I'm happy to have that conversation with her and be prepared, it rules I I would prefer that personally.

30:49

I I I won't support it today without her knowing where she stands.

30:53

Thank you.

30:54

Oh all right.

30:55

Let me go to uh councilmember Clark Murray.

30:59

Thank you.

30:59

So, in a sense, uh Councilmember Salem stole my thunder.

31:03

That was my concern as well.

31:04

The fact that the council representative is not here, and then to see what that distance, what it would actually look like on the CRA map for for Kings Road in that SUTEL area.

31:14

I think it's the Kings Road Suitel area CRA.

31:17

So to see what that that additional distance would look like actually in comparison to the actual the current boundaries of the CRA.

31:25

So I too would feel more comfortable uh as Ms.

31:28

Nazarella said that she will be able to speak with Ms.

31:31

Councilmember Pittman by the time rules meets later on today, then I would feel much more comfortable with that.

31:37

But I think it's a through the chair to Councilmember Boylan.

31:40

I think it's an excellent suggestion, uh, depending upon whether or not they have the same issues, such as the quorum and the participation.

31:47

Thank you, Chair.

31:48

Thank you.

31:49

Let me go to a council member.

31:52

Thank you, Mr.

31:53

Chair.

31:53

Just a quick commentary and Miss uh Nas Ralla can refresh our memory on this.

31:58

Uh in the uh King Soutel uh CRA, we this body had to amend uh waive the uh the the distance and resident requirement uh because uh they were having issues as well uh finding individuals uh who live within the prescribed area.

32:19

So I think the uh district councilman I I concur if the district councilperson is not here, we probably should not move forward.

32:27

But I I would not be surprised if the district council person finds this amendment uh somewhat amenable.

32:36

So I'm just adding commentary.

32:37

That's all.

32:38

All right, thank you.

32:38

Let me go to Mr.

32:39

Peterson.

32:41

Through the chair, um I think y'all are going to defer or not move on the amendment, but just wanted to add um did find a map.

32:49

It also touches council district twelve and council district eight.

32:53

It's kind of right where the three of those come together.

32:56

So I don't know that you would want to choose a singular council district.

33:04

All right, let me go to council member bowl and thank you, Mr.

33:07

Chair.

33:08

I will go ahead and withdraw my amendment at this point.

33:10

I mean it makes sense to give her the latitude to be to reach further out, but the fact that it intersects with two other districts makes it pretty complicated.

33:17

So I'll just withdraw the motion.

33:19

And if she wants to address it in a different fashion, I'll leave it to the council member.

33:24

All right.

33:25

So uh I've got a motion I I need yeah, move I need a motion second on the bill as amended.

33:33

So I've got a motion and a second as amended, and I have no speakers in the queue.

33:40

Let's open a ballot and record your vote.

33:46

6A 0 nays.

33:48

By your action you approve 2026 0258.

33:53

That takes us to item number five, 2026 0259.

33:58

Okay, get a motion.

34:00

I've got I've got a motion and a second on the bill.

34:08

Councilmember Bowlin, you recognized.

34:11

Thank you, Mr.

34:12

Chair.

34:12

I I appreciate this coming through, and I want to make a comment with respect to the model here.

34:18

Uh it looks like it's gonna be remarkably similar to actually uh Hog Pen Creek and the situation there, making a determination of that.

34:26

Some of you may know that it we have in my district, Deep Bottom Creek, where we have an arrangement with the administration.

34:33

Well, actually, through now the CBA, I'll be using funds to do that.

34:37

But what we did there was to create a special taxing district that requires the neighbors to maintain uh the uh basin once it gets dredged.

34:48

So I'm just tossing it out there for conversation as a model for council member um Diamond or others to pick up and and run with after they do, and I think which is appropriate we're hearing about is the uh study to make sure that the uh what what it what is warranted.

35:04

Thank you.

35:05

All right, thank you.

35:06

No other speakers in the queue.

35:07

Let's open the ballot and record your vote.

35:15

Six years, zero nays.

35:16

By your action, you approve 2026 zero two five nine.

35:20

Uh item number six.

35:22

We don't take act we've already taken action.

35:24

Seven, we've taken action.

35:25

Eight, we've taken action.

35:27

Takes us to item number nine, twenty twenty-six zero two six seven.

35:31

Can I get a motion on the amendment?

35:34

I've got a motion second on the amendment.

35:37

Mr.

35:37

Peterson.

35:39

The chair of the committee.

35:40

The amendment removes a waiver of section seven forty-five one oh five J Ten related to noticing requirements.

35:46

There are no affected property owners on this stretch of land, so there is no reason to waive that code section.

35:52

And then there's also uh scripters that need to be corrected.

35:55

All right.

35:56

No speakers on the amendment.

35:58

All in favor, say yay.

36:00

Yay.

36:02

Any like why oppose likewise, none.

36:05

The amendment carries.

36:07

Second on the bill as amended.

36:13

Okay.

36:17

No speakers on the queue, open a ballot and record your vote.

36:25

Six years, zero nays.

36:27

By your action, you approve 2026 zero two six seven.

36:30

That takes the item number ten, twenty twenty-six zero two eight six.

36:34

I'm gonna motion on the bill.

36:37

I got a motion and a second on the bill.

36:39

Those speakers in the queue open the ballot and record your vote.

36:48

Six yay, zero nays.

36:49

By your action, you approve twenty twenty-six zero two eight six.

36:54

Takes us item number eleven, twenty twenty-six zero two eight seven.

36:58

Get a motion on I've got a motion and a second on the bill.

37:03

Councilmember Bowland, you recognized about to talk in my coffee cup.

37:10

Miss Long, you are here.

37:12

Don't come down.

37:13

Say that I just want to meet with you after this if we can.

37:15

This is our last item.

37:16

Thank you.

37:17

That's it.

37:18

All right.

37:19

Thank you.

37:20

So I've got a motion and a second on the bill.

37:23

Let's open a ballot and record your vote.

37:29

Six Yay, zero and by your action you've approved 2026 0287.

37:35

That takes us to item number 12.

37:37

And these items are on second reading.

37:40

2026 032 312 0313 0314 0315s, 0316, 0317, 0318, 0319, 0320, 0321, 0323, 0324, 0327, 0331, 0332, 0333, 0334, 0335, 0336, 0337, 0353, 0354, 0356, 0358, 0362, and zero three six four.

38:41

So as you can see, we will have a full agenda at the next meeting.

38:47

So with that, no other comments or questions, we are adjourned.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural████████████████████████████28%
Workforce Development██████████████████████████26%
Zoning And Land Use██████████████████18%
Historic Preservation███████████11%
Community Engagement████████8%
Economic Development██████6%
Water And Wastewater Management███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Jacksonville Neighborhoods, Community Services, Public Health and Safety Committee Meeting – May 4, 2026

The Neighborhoods, Community Services, Public Health and Safety Committee of the Jacksonville City Council met on May 4, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 10:08 AM in the Council Chamber. Chair Mike Gay presided. Present: Randy White (Vice Chair), Ron Salem, Ken Amaro, Michael Boylan, Tyrona Clark-Murray. Excused: Chris Miller. Also attending: visiting Councilmembers Terrence Freeman, Rockmont Johnson, and later Jimmy Peluso. The committee acted on several ordinances and resolutions, including approval of apprenticeship funding with a strengthened clawback provision, amendments to CRA advisory board boundaries, and multiple grant agreements.

Deferred Items

  • 2024-0966: Settlement of fines with Live Oak Ancient City Living, LLC – deferred at request of Council President Carrico.
  • 2025-0361: Retiree adjustment payments – deferred at request of Councilmember White.
  • 2026-0227: Prohibition on city funds for abortions – deferred at request of Councilmember Diamond.

Approved Items

  • 2026-0258 (Amend/Approve 6-0): Ordinance amending membership qualifications for the Renew Arlington and KingSoutel Crossing CRA Advisory Boards. An amendment adopted on the floor narrowed the geographic boundary for Renew Arlington board members to Council District 1 (instead of a mileage radius). A proposed second amendment to similarly expand the KingSoutel board to District 10 was withdrawn after concerns that the district councilmember (Pittman) was not present and that the CRA spans multiple districts.
  • 2026-0259 (Approve 6-0): Approval of the Isle of Palms Dependent Special District FY 26-27 budget, with a total assessment of $499,000 from 499 parcels (no change in the $1,000 maximum per parcel).
  • 2026-0260 (Approve 6-0): Appropriation of $143,710 from General Fund Operating Reserves for improvements to the historic Stanton School (electrical, exterior, interior remediation). The grant includes a 25% advance ($35,927.50) and waives competitive bidding. Councilmember Johnson noted new board leadership under Judge James Ruth as key to progress.
  • 2026-0264 (Approve 6-0): Amendment to the Riverside-Avondale Preservation, Inc. grant budget, reallocating funds to printing/advertising, professional fees, and equipment.
  • 2026-0265 (Amend/Approve 6-0): Appropriation of $675,000 from the Jacksonville General Apprenticeship Association contingency account to support apprenticeship programs (electrical, sheet metal, plumbing, operating engineering, carpentry). The committee adopted the auditor's recommended amendment extending the contract term to September 30, 2028, and adding a clawback: if an enrollee leaves within one year, JGAA must repay the city $2,500 per enrollee. The administration confirmed support.
  • 2026-0267 (Amend/Approve 6-0): Renaming of Fingerlake Street to Fairfield Way in District 12. An amendment removed a waiver of noticing requirements (unnecessary since no property owners were affected).
  • 2026-0286 (Approve 6-0): Continuation of a contract with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for petroleum contamination cleanup in Duval, Nassau, Baker, and St. Johns Counties (term through June 30, 2031, with renewal option).
  • 2026-0287 (Approve 6-0): Interlocal agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation for NPDES requirements (term through May 31, 2031, with renewal option).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • John Nooney (address: Ocho Trace, Jacksonville, FL 32216) commented on multiple agenda items (2026-0259, 0260, 0264, 0265, 0315, 0316, 0318, 0321, 0327, 0332), raising concerns about direct contracts and the absence of OGC representation at CPAC meetings. He also noted the Jacksonville Waterways Commission and urged deferral pending CPAC input.

Discussion Items

  • CRA Board Boundaries: Extensive discussion on expanding Renew Arlington board eligibility to Council District 1. Karen Nasrallah (OED) explained that current narrow boundaries caused vacancies and quorum issues. Councilmembers debated the rationale and later introduced a similar proposal for KingSoutel, which was withdrawn to allow consultation with Councilmember Pittman.
  • Apprenticeship Program: Councilmember Freeman introduced the JGAA bill, noting it originated from a workforce initiative. The amendment adding a clawback was praised by Councilmember Amaro as protecting taxpayer investment and motivating student completion. Qualified enrollee defined as a Duval County resident enrolled in one of five apprenticeship trades.
  • Stanton School Grant: Councilmember Johnson explained that new board leadership (Judge Ruth) and a clear plan justified re-appropriating lapsed funds. Councilmember Amaro asked about the property's relation to an AME church; Johnson clarified the nonprofit is independent.

Key Outcomes

  • Approved (all 6-0): Items 2026-0258, 0259, 0260, 0264, 0265, 0267, 0286, 0287.
  • Deferred: Items 2024-0966, 2025-0361, 2026-0227.
  • Read 2nd & Re-referred (no vote taken): Items 2026-0312 through 2026-0364 (second reading items) were read into the record and referred to appropriate committees.
  • Next meeting: Scheduled for May 18, 2026.

Meeting Transcript

Well good morning. It is now 9 30, and I'll go ahead and call to order the Monday, May 4th neighborhoods meeting, and we'll start with introductions to my left with Mr. Delaney. Good morning, y'all. Bill Delaney with the mayor's office. Brandon Russell, Council Research. Mary Stefopoulos, Office of General Counsel. Philip Peterson, Council Auditor's Office. Good morning, Michael Buen District Six. Good morning, Kenamara, City Council District 1. Randy White, District 12. Mike Gay, District 2. Ron Salem, group two at large. Good morning, Tabernacle Murray, District 9. Terrence Freeman at large group one. Good morning, Rockmont Johnson, District 14. I'm visiting. All right. Welcome, visiting council members. We'll go ahead and go to public comment. We have our first speaker, Mr. John J. Nooney. Come on forward, sir. Give your name and address or say it's on the record. And you'll be given three minutes to speak to an item on the agenda, sir. All right. Hello. I am John Philanthropic, Jelly Roll. Good boy, resiliency Nooney. Ocho Trace, Cinco Says, Baskum Road, Jacksonville, Florida, 32216. I'm in City Council District 4, CPAC 3, School Board District 3. Yeah, as far as the agenda. Yeah, I'll be touching on agenda items. Let's see, we got five, six, seven, eight, fifteen, sixteen, eighteen, twenty-one, twenty-four, twenty-six. RD, real doge, Ron Davis, 600 WBOB. Let's see. Yeah, the agenda. Let's see. I jotted down to agenda item five, 2026 0259. You know, uh boy, they're calling in on that one already. Okay, that's uh Jacksonville Waterways Commission. That's the hotline. Uh 2026 0260, another direct contract. Remember, 2024 0107 JU, 2024 0325, Urban Core CPAC. In fact, they're meeting tonight, 530. So are you gonna defer on this and wait to see what happens with the CPAC? Let me just say this too. I went to uh an ethics commission meeting and I asked, you know, and Dylan Reingold was there, Kirby Oberdorfer. You know, we have six CPACs representing the entire city of Jacksonville.

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