Jacksonville City Council Rules Committee Meeting – August 3, 2026

The Jacksonville City Council Rules Committee met on Monday, August 3, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 10:08 AM in the Council Chamber. Chair Mike Gay presided with all seven members present. The committee considered a full agenda of legislative items, including deferrals, approvals, emergency actions, and second readings, covering topics such as budget transfers, homelessness initiatives, public safety, and board appointments.

Public Comments & Testimony

• John Nooney (self-identified as John Philanthropic Jelly Roll Nooney, 8356 Baskum Road) spoke to a variety of agenda items, referencing manatee postage stamps, the Trump Doge Club, and his intent to make donations. He also mentioned missing a ribbon-cutting ceremony and requested pardons from President Trump and Governor DeSantis. His comments were not directly tied to a specific bill under consideration.
• Brenda Boydston appeared for questions only regarding the Salvation Army bill (2026-0571) but did not speak.
• Gary Monahan (TECO/People’s Gas, 40 Phillips Highway) spoke on item 52 (2026-0614) supporting the recognition of August 11, 2026, as “Sunshine 811 Day.” He emphasized that Florida leads the nation in underground utility damages and urged residents and contractors to call 811 before digging. He answered questions about marketing campaigns and contractor education.

Discussion Items

• Two-Year Rule for Pending Bills: Discussion arose on item 1 (2024-0627) regarding the Council rule that bills older than two years from introduction (here, August 13, 2024) are administratively withdrawn. Council President Freeman and others expressed a desire to clear aged items rather than let them linger. The committee noted that a two-thirds vote of the full Council could postpone a bill for an additional 60 days.
• Homelessness Funding and Strategy: Item 14 (2026-0542) appropriated $413,900 from the Homelessness Initiatives Special Revenue Fund for a direct contract with I.M. Sulzbacher Center to provide 32 female shelter beds. Council Member Salem praised the city’s progress on homelessness but expressed concern about maintaining funding under budget constraints. Council Member Boylan noted a migration of homeless individuals from downtown to suburbs. Council Member Lahnen confirmed that after this and another pending bill, approximately $690,000 would remain in the fund. Council Member Freeman queried how the bill originated given the absence of a mayoral liaison to the Homelessness Initiatives Commission.
• Public Purpose of CBA Dollars: On item 15 (2026-0543), which appropriated $150,000 from Council District 5 CBA funds to Zawyer Sports Foundation for the Duval County Community Impact Initiative, Council Member Amaro raised questions about whether the expenditure met the public purpose requirements of the community benefits agreement. Finance Chair Lahnen responded that district CBA dollars are at the discretion of the district council member and do not require the same countywide workforce or homelessness criteria.
• E-Bike Regulation: Council Member Boylan introduced an ordinance (2026-0570) on electric bicycles. He announced he would hold a noticed meeting to discuss the bill and provide a comparison to the vetoed state Senate Bill 382. Council Member Salem requested a side-by-side chart.
• Excavation Safety Awareness: On item 52, Council Members Pittman and Gay discussed the importance of public education on calling 811 before digging, particularly for small businesses and homeowners. Gay noted that contractors receive this training during continuing education.

Key Outcomes

• Deferrals: Items 1–9 (2024-0627 through 2026-0376) were deferred at the request of the respective sponsoring council members. Item 10 (2026-0517, appointment of Julio Alayo) was deferred due to the appointee’s absence. Item 16 (2026-0545) was deferred at administration’s request.
• Withdrawal: Item 19 (2026-0548, appointment of Joshua Taylor) was withdrawn unanimously (7-0).
• Appointments Approved:
  • Item 17 (2026-0546): Alicia Somers to the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville (7-0).
  • Item 18 (2026-0547): Arlene Lloyd to the Cultural Council (7-0).
• Budget and Contract Approvals:
  • Item 11 (2026-0535): Amendment and approval (7-0) of $390,000 for Trout River Blvd intersection improvements and sidewalk/ADA ramps.
  • Item 12 (2026-0539): Approval (7-0) of $115,000 for Tax Collector postage costs.
  • Item 14 (2026-0542): Amendment and approval (7-0) of $413,900 for Sulzbacher homeless shelter beds.
  • Item 15 (2026-0543): Amendment and approval (6-0) of $150,000 for Zawyer Sports Foundation.
• Emergency Approvals:
  • Item 22 (2026-0571): Emergency passage (7-0) of $150,000 to the Salvation Army for the Homeless to Work program.
  • Item 25 (2026-0577): Emergency passage (7-0) of $50,000 to First Coast Crime Stoppers for Operation Community Shield.
  • Items 41, 42, 45 (2026-0602, 0603, 0606): Emergency approvals (7-0 each) to appoint CP Nick Howland, CVP Joe Carlucci, and CM Kevin Carrico to the Duval County Tourist Development Council.
• Resolutions Approved:
  • Item 51 (2026-0613): Honoring Duval County Public Schools for an “A” grade from the Florida Department of Education (7-0).
  • Item 52 (2026-0614): Recognizing August 11, 2026, as “Sunshine 811 Day” (7-0).
  • Item 55 (2026-0617): Honoring former Council Member Harry S. Reagan (7-0).
• Second Readings: Items 20, 21, 23, 24, 26–40, 43, 44, 46–50, 53, and 54 were read a second time and rereferred to appropriate committees for further hearing.