The Rules Committee of the Jacksonville City Council met on Monday, August 17, 2026, at 9:00 AM in the Council Chamber. The meeting was called to order by Chair Mike Gay and adjourned at 10:30 AM. Six members were present (Gay, Amaro, Boylan, Freeman, Pittman, Salem) and one (Lahnen) was excused. Council President Howland and Council Member White also attended. The committee addressed a large agenda, approving several funding measures, appointments, and rule changes, while deferring numerous items for future consideration.
2026-0578 – Trinity Rescue Mission Day Center (Amended and Approved 6-0): The ordinance appropriates $479,997 from the Homelessness Initiatives Special Revenue Fund for a direct contract with Trinity Rescue Mission to operate a day center with peak capacity for 55 individuals (term Oct 1, 2026 – Sept 30, 2027). Reimbursement: up to $359,997 for operations ($545.45/month/person) and up to $120,000 for one-time capital. An amendment removed extension language, corrected scrivener’s errors, and revised Exhibit 1.
2026-0579 – Made a Way Foundation Forgiveness (Deferred): This ordinance would forgive non-compliance for commingling grant funds. Discussion revealed that the foundation received a $9,000 advance grant from the Safety and Crime Reduction Commission in FY22-23 and deposited it with private funds, violating Chapter 118’s separate account requirement. The city recovered full reporting and $35 returned. Several council members expressed unease about setting a precedent without clear criteria. Boylan requested a full list of non-compliant organizations and criteria for forgiveness. Salem voted against, citing seriousness of commingling. Pittman urged fairness and noted many grassroots organizations were first-time grantees. The committee deferred the bill for more information.
2026-0587 – Chaffee Rd Widening Eminent Domain (Amended and Approved 6-0): The ordinance authorizes acquisition of property for widening Chaffee Road from Normandy Blvd to I-10. The amendment attached a legal description and purchase agreement. Allows offers up to 25% above appraised value and $100,000 in business damages. Construction expected to be completed in 2030.
2026-0589 – Council Rules on Excused Absences (Approved 5-1): This amendment adds a limited exception for excused absences due to obligations from a council member’s non-city employer (up to 4 per year for committee meetings, 3 per year for full council meetings).
2026-0574 – Stand for Service Act (Approved 6-0): Requires companies receiving a Recapture Enhanced Value Grant to make a good faith effort to hire active-duty military spouses/veterans for at least 10% of new jobs created. Also adds Cecil Airport to the Public Investment Policy alongside the port for additional consideration. Council President Howland championed the bill, noting it aligns with the city’s support for veterans.
2026-0575 – Operation New Uniform Grant (Approved 6-0): Appropriates $94,080 for a career-readiness coaching program using AI role-play software (Oct 1, 2026 – Sept 30, 2027). Waives competitive procurement.
2026-0569 – Rescheduling Committee Meetings (Approved 7-0): Moves the Finance, TEU, and LUZ meetings from Tuesday, May 18, 2027 to Wednesday, May 19, 2027 due to the 2027 General Election. Also adjusts the first March 2027 council meeting to Wednesday, March 10.
Board Appointments with brief statements from appointees:
Well, good morning. Welcome to Monday, August 17th rules meeting. I call to order, and we'll start with introductions to my left with Mr. Dennis. Good morning, Garrett Dennis Administration. Office of General Counsel. Trista Kerriher, Council Auditor's Office. Jacoby Pittman, District 10. Ron Salem, group two at large. Kenamar, City Council, District 1. Mike Gay, District 2. Terrence Freeman at large, group one. Good morning, Michael Boylan, District 6. Good morning, Nick Howland at large, group three. Randy White, District 12, Dr. President. All right. Welcome our visiting Council President and Council Member White. Do we have any public comment cards? All right, Mr. Nooney. As you come forward, give your name and address for the record and speak specifically to an item on our agenda. Hello. I am John Evil Kinevel Nooney, 8356, Baskum Row, Jacksonville, Florida, 32216. I'm in City Council District 4. Scott Wilson, CPAC 3, Raymond Day, Jose Gonzalez, Rosemary Wiselowski, Brett James, School Board District 3, Cindy Pearson, Charter School, Public School, Boys and Girls Club, KHA Field Trip Park on Pottsburgh Creek. That is brilliant. Rules Committee. Pardon Nooney. Now I'll be addressing 2026 0574, 2026 0575. That's ethics. Anyone go into the ethics commission meeting tomorrow? 2024 0107, 2024 0325, 2026, 0024. That's CIP. 2024 0601, the Northeast Florida. That's the NEFRC, Chris Miller, Northeast Florida Regional Colonel. 2024 0601. Ron Salem, JEA, Doge, Northeast Florida Regional Conservative, just down to a minute 50. 2026 0604 donating three trust funds. They're right here. Okay, we've got 2026 004. Okay, that is the parks trust fund. And uh just so everyone isn't that that'll be check number 126, down to a minute 27. We got 2026 0396. That's the movie trust fund. You know, uh Stand for Service Act Park. Gonna be making a movie on that. Agenda you got 2025. Agenda, please, Mr. Ganooney.