Jacksonville City Council Rules Committee Meeting - June 15, 2026

The Jacksonville City Council Rules Committee convened on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 2:00 PM in the Council Chamber, City Hall, to consider a revised marked agenda. The meeting was chaired by Chris Miller, with Vice Chair Terrance Freeman excused. Six members were present: Ken Amaro, Ron Salem, Randy White, Mike Gay, and Michael Boylan. The meeting adjourned at 2:33 PM, lasting 33 minutes.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Marshall Adkison spoke regarding Item 10 (2026-0358), the towing and storage ordinance. His specific position was not recorded in the minutes or transcript.

Discussion Items

• Item 10 (2026-0358): Towing and Storage of Vehicles and Vessels - The committee considered amendments to the towing ordinance, including insurance requirements aligned with the Florida Highway Patrol model ($300,000 garage keeper's liability, $50,000 off hook, $100,000 on hook), expanded non-business hours (6 PM – 8 AM from 8 PM – 7 AM), and updated definitions. The Neighborhoods, Community Services, Public Health and Safety (NCSPHS) Committee had previously recommended the amendment. Trista Carraher from the Auditor’s Office explained the amendment. The bill was approved 6-0 in the Rules Committee.
• Item 14 (2026-0446): Polling Place and Precinct Boundary Changes - Jerry Holland, Duval County Supervisor of Elections, explained changes for the August 18, 2026 primary: 8 permanent and 2 temporary polling location changes, boundary adjustments for 5 precincts, and reduction of total precincts from 160 to 159. Affected voters will receive new voter information cards and signs at old locations. The committee amended the bill to correct addresses and add Precinct 1110, then approved 6-0.
• Item 15 (2026-0447): Risk Management Information System - Appropriated $500,000 from the Self Insurance Fund retained earnings (per auditor recommendation) for a new system. The funding source was changed from liability case reserves due to volatility. Approved 6-0.
• Item 17 (2026-0454): Special Revenue and Refunding Bonds - Authorized issuance of up to $400,000,000 in bonds to fund capital projects and refinance existing debt, with a waiver allowing negotiated sale. Attached revised project list. Approved 6-0.
• Item 19 (2026-0457): Loan to Jacksonville Housing Authority - Authorized a $1,000,000 loan (2% interest, 3-year term) from General Fund Operating Reserves for demolition and environmental remediation of Downtown East Apartments (formerly Franklin Arms). The NCSPHS Committee amendment changed funding source from commercial paper. JHA plans to redevelop into 130 senior housing units. Approved 6-0.
• Item 20 (2026-0458): Affordable Housing Surplus Property Inventory - Adopted an inventory of 15 city-owned parcels (11 in District 10, 4 in District 7) for affordable housing disposition. Waived requirement for 4 educational workshops to 2. Properties first offered to non-profits for 30 days, then any entity for 60 days. Approved 6-0.
• Item 21 (2026-0459): Litigation Settlement – David Washington - Approved $180,000 settlement from General Fund Operating Reserves for pending litigation. Funding source clarified. Approved 6-0.
• Item 22 (2026-0460): JFRD Regional Preparedness Grant - Accepted $4,360,470 in federal grant funds (no city match) for equipment and training across Duval, Clay, Nassau, St. Johns, and Baker counties. Authorized an additional Emergency Preparedness Planner position. Approved 6-0.
• Item 23 (2026-0463): Baseball Grounds Improvements - Appropriated $703,183.22 for MLB-required improvements (from Baseball Park and Sports Complex accounts). The city is not obligated for cost overruns per the cost disbursement agreement. Amended to correct account information. Vote: 5-1 in favor (Councilmember Gay opposed). In the subsequent Finance Committee, the vote was 4-3.
• Appointments and Resolutions (Items 24-26, 36-39): Approved reappointment of Steven W. McMikle to the Council on Elder Affairs (87% attendance), appointment of David Monk to the Building Code Adjustment Board, confirmation of Dr. Truitte L. Moreland to the Jacksonville Journey Forward Board, and resolutions honoring Officer Willie Perry, two baseball state champions, and America’s 250th anniversary. All passed 6-0.

Deferrals

• Eleven items were deferred at the request of council members or the administration, including legislation on mayor's transfer authority, code enforcement fines, lobbying restrictions, JEA appointments, abortion funding, code enforcement fees, naming of Warren A. Jones Baseball Complex, police and fire pension governance, home occupations, and funding for Springfield Preservation and Revitalization.

Key Outcomes

• Approved 6-0: Towing ordinance (Item 10), polling place changes (Item 14), risk management system (Item 15), bond issuance (Item 17), JHA loan (Item 19), affordable housing inventory (Item 20), litigation settlement (Item 21), JFRD grant (Item 22), and all appointments and resolutions.
• Approved 5-1: Baseball Grounds improvements (Item 23), with Councilmember Gay voting nay.
• Withdrawn 6-0: Zoning code amendment on nonconforming use administrative deviations (Item 11).
• Second Readings: Nine items (27-35) were read a second time and rereferred to other committees; no final vote taken.
• Next Meeting: The next regular Rules Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 20, 2026.