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Record of Proceedings

Jacksonville Neighborhoods, Community Services, Public Health and Safety Committee Meeting - August 17, 2026

City Council — Monday, August 17, 2026
BodyJacksonville, Florida
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, August 17, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 43:01

Original source
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0:06

Hello, everyone.

0:07

Welcome to the August 17th, 2026, 1 p.m.

0:12

Neighborhoods Community Services, Public Health and Safety Committee meeting.

0:17

If we could start with introductions with Mr.

0:20

Delaney, I would appreciate it.

0:24

Good afternoon, y'all.

0:25

Bill Delaney with the mayor's office.

0:27

Brandon Russell, Council Research.

0:32

Heather Riever, Council Auditor's Office.

0:34

Matt Carlucci at large group four.

0:37

Michael Boylan, District Six.

0:40

Good afternoon, Tyrone O'Clack Murray, District 9.

0:43

Good afternoon, Chris Miller at large group five.

0:46

Greetings from Council District 4, Kevin Carico.

0:49

Ron Salem, group two at large.

0:51

Greetings from Council District 7.

0:53

Jimmy Palooza.

0:54

Nick Howland at large, group three.

0:59

Thanks everyone.

1:00

We're going to start with public comments.

1:03

We have two cards as of right now.

1:06

And the first is Dr.

1:08

Linda, I believe it's Grooms, and followed by Carnell Oliver.

1:14

Is Dr.

1:15

Grooms here, please?

1:28

Yes, if you would state your name and address for the record, please.

1:39

There it is.

1:42

Okay.

1:42

Dr.

1:42

Linda Grooms with the Unity Football Classic from Tallahassee, 224, North Martin Luther King Boulevard.

1:51

And thank you.

1:52

Please go ahead.

1:54

Okay.

1:54

I just made myself available because I noticed that this particular issue is being withdrawn, and I didn't know if I needed to respond in any appropriate way.

2:07

Okay.

2:08

Thank you.

2:09

Yes, thank you.

2:10

Okay, next is Mr.

2:12

Carnell Oliver.

2:16

Uh yes, my name is Carnell Oliver.

2:19

Address is on file.

2:20

I'm glad that 2026 0541 was deferred.

2:29

Because for me to there's no incorporation of the 1866 Civil Rights Act, including a lot of money has been dished out to people who don't own the land in the South.

2:47

Everything in the South belongs to black Americans.

2:50

You want to know why I say that?

2:52

The Southern Homestead Act.

2:54

A lot of immigrants who come from Ellis Island, they gave you a land allotment up there in the great Midwest.

3:05

And most of them still live there.

3:07

And the problem is that in this city, I want to ask some fundamental questions.

3:14

My first question ever since 1969 or 68, when it consolidated this city, how much money touched the hands of foundational black Americans.

3:36

Because we own the real estate.

3:40

And number two, I filed a lawsuit against the city.

3:46

Dealing with the 1866 Civil Rights Act.

3:50

And the biggest problem for me is that I'm your landlord.

4:01

Every dollar that comes into this city, especially associated with projects like this, has got to go to the land owners.

4:13

Most of y'all are immigrants in a region you don't belong in.

4:31

His civil service summons.

4:34

But the mayor did, and the general counts.

4:37

And the one thing I'm going to say, if she books me, she takes me through an extension.

4:45

20 days, the match you get is 120 days.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural█████████████████████████████████33%
Veterans Affairs█████████████████████████25%
Budget██████████10%
Zoning And Land Use███████7%
Procurement██████6%
Public Engagement█████5%
Economic Development████4%
Public Service Grants████4%
Pending Litigation███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Jacksonville Neighborhoods, Community Services, Public Health and Safety Committee Meeting - August 17, 2026

The Neighborhoods, Community Services, Public Health and Safety Committee of the Jacksonville City Council met on Monday, August 17, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 1:42 PM in the Council Chamber at City Hall. The committee considered a 35-item agenda, including deferrals, withdrawals, appropriations, and policy ordinances. Notable actions included unanimous approval of the "Stand for Service Act," a $33.96 million appropriation to a contingency fund for unfunded incentive obligations, and grants supporting veterans and homelessness services.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Dr. Linda Groomes, with the Unity Football Classic from Tallahassee, appeared to speak on a bill (2026-0643) but noted it had been withdrawn and did not give substantive testimony.
  • Carnell Oliver expressed support for the deferral of 2026-0541 (a Downtown Northbank redevelopment agreement) and made broader statements regarding land ownership, the 1866 Civil Rights Act, and the Southern Homestead Act, asserting that "everything in the South belongs to black Americans" and questioning city spending.
  • Chair Miller made a general comment requesting that committee members, staff, and stakeholders maintain respectful interactions during the budget season.

Deferrals and Withdrawals

  • 2024-0966 – Deferred at the request of CM Carrico.
  • 2025-0361 – Deferred at the request of CM White.
  • 2026-0227 – Deferred at the request of CM Diamond.
  • 2026-0318 – Withdrawn 8-0 at the request of CM Johnson, who cited nuances to correct and planned to bring it back later.
  • 2026-0320 – Deferred at the request of CM White.
  • 2026-0377 – Deferred at the request of CM Johnson.
  • 2026-0541 – Deferred at the request of the Downtown Investment Authority (DIA).
  • 2026-0570 – Deferred at the request of CM Boylan.
  • 2026-0588 – Deferred at the request of the developer.
  • 2026-0590 – Deferred due to a pending LUZ public hearing.
  • 2026-0643 – Withdrawn 7-0 at the request of CM Peluso (Unity Classic sponsorship).

Discussion Items

  • 2026-0574 – "Stand for Service Act" (Approve 8-0): Council President Howland presented the bill, which amends the Public Investment Policy to require companies receiving REV grants to make a good faith effort to hire qualified active-duty military spouses and/or veterans for at least 10% of new jobs created, and adds Cecil Airport alongside Jaxport as a preferred location for economic development incentives. Howland expressed strong support, stating it "ensures that 10% of all new jobs created in part by a city REV grant will go to veterans, guard, reserves, and active duty spouses." CM Carrico, Vice Chair Clark-Murray, and others added as co-sponsors. Chair Miller noted that many existing Jacksonville companies already meet the hiring standard.
  • 2026-0572 – General Fund contingency appropriation (Amend/Approve 8-0): The ordinance appropriates $33,958,000 from the General Fund/GSD unassigned fund balance to a contingency account for unfunded non-recurring future obligations (JXSF Completion Grant). Anna Brosche of the Finance Department explained that the amount is the calculated excess above the floor established by Ordinance 2026-213-E (17% of the operating budget or $392,138,000). CM Salem asked clarifying questions; CP Howland asked whether the transfer would jeopardize a planned $26 million replenishment of the Public Safety Protection Fund. Philip Peterson, Council Research, clarified the two are unrelated. The amendment attached a revised exhibit correcting account information.
  • 2026-0575 – Operation New Uniform grant (Approve 8-0): The ordinance appropriates $94,080 from Council District 4 contingency funds to Operation New Uniform, Inc. for a career-readiness coaching program using AI role-play software. CM Carrico provided an overview, describing the program as a transitionary service for veterans. Multiple members added as co-sponsors; CP Howland noted he consulted Ethics and found no conflict of interest regarding a board member. Chair Miller shared he is a program graduate.
  • 2026-0578 – Trinity Rescue Mission day center funding (Amend/Approve 7-0): The ordinance approves $479,997 from the Homelessness Initiatives Special Revenue Fund for a direct contract with Trinity Rescue Mission to operate a day center with a peak capacity of 55 individuals. The amendment removed extension language, corrected scrivener's errors, and revised the term sheet/budget. CM Salem expressed support, stating it is "a step in the right direction" for individuals experiencing homelessness. CM Peluso added as co-sponsor.
  • 2026-0579 – Made a Way Foundation non-compliance forgiveness (Approve 7-0): The ordinance grants forgiveness for non-compliance with grant fund separate bank account requirements. CM Salem reported that the Inspector General indicated the organization resolved its issues. CM Boylan suggested reviewing the non-compliance process. CM Johnson thanked supporters, including representatives from the foundation and the Inspector General's office.
  • 2026-0583 – Downtown Northbank CRA clean-up (Amend/Approve 7-0): The amendment added an additional $235,000 clean-up item, increasing the total appropriation to $1,976,527. Approved as amended.
  • 2026-0585 – Shipyards RDA amendment (Amend/Approve 7-0): Amendments clarified that Cost Disbursement Agreements are between the City and an affiliate of the developer and that defaults under those agreements do not constitute an Event of Default under the RDA. Approved as amended.
  • 2026-0587 – Chaffee Road eminent domain (Amend/Approve 7-0): The ordinance authorizes acquisition of a property interest for the Chaffee Road widening project through negotiation or eminent domain. The amendment attached a legal description and placed the purchase agreement on file. Chair Miller raised a question about whether the Council should be consulted before exercising eminent domain, referencing a prior bill. CM Salem relayed that CM White preferred to move the bill as written. Ms. Staffopoulos provided context that this concerns one additional parcel and the project was previously approved.

Key Outcomes

  • Approved unanimously:
    • 2026-0574 (Stand for Service Act) – 8-0
    • 2026-0572 (General Fund contingency) – 8-0 as amended
    • 2026-0573 (Atlantic Beach disaster debris MOU) – 8-0
    • 2026-0575 (Operation New Uniform grant) – 8-0
    • 2026-0578 (Trinity Rescue Mission) – 7-0 as amended
    • 2026-0579 (Made a Way Foundation forgiveness) – 7-0
    • 2026-0583 (Northbank CRA clean-up) – 7-0 as amended
    • 2026-0584 (Sax Seafood demolition) – 7-0
    • 2026-0585 (Shipyards RDA amendment) – 7-0 as amended
    • 2026-0587 (Chaffee Road eminent domain) – 7-0 as amended
  • Withdrawals: 2026-0318 (8-0) and 2026-0643 (7-0).
  • Deferred items: 2024-0966, 2025-0361, 2026-0227, 2026-0320, 2026-0377, 2026-0541, 2026-0570, 2026-0588, 2026-0590.
  • Read 2nd & Rerefer (second readings): 2026-0624, 2026-0625, 2026-0626, 2026-0628, 2026-0629, 2026-0633, 2026-0634, 2026-0635, 2026-0636, 2026-0637, 2026-0638, 2026-0639, 2026-0644, 2026-0645.
  • The next regular committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 31, 2026.

Meeting Transcript

Hello, everyone. Welcome to the August 17th, 2026, 1 p.m. Neighborhoods Community Services, Public Health and Safety Committee meeting. If we could start with introductions with Mr. Delaney, I would appreciate it. Good afternoon, y'all. Bill Delaney with the mayor's office. Brandon Russell, Council Research. Heather Riever, Council Auditor's Office. Matt Carlucci at large group four. Michael Boylan, District Six. Good afternoon, Tyrone O'Clack Murray, District 9. Good afternoon, Chris Miller at large group five. Greetings from Council District 4, Kevin Carico. Ron Salem, group two at large. Greetings from Council District 7. Jimmy Palooza. Nick Howland at large, group three. Thanks everyone. We're going to start with public comments. We have two cards as of right now. And the first is Dr. Linda, I believe it's Grooms, and followed by Carnell Oliver. Is Dr. Grooms here, please? Yes, if you would state your name and address for the record, please. There it is. Okay. Dr. Linda Grooms with the Unity Football Classic from Tallahassee, 224, North Martin Luther King Boulevard. And thank you. Please go ahead. Okay. I just made myself available because I noticed that this particular issue is being withdrawn, and I didn't know if I needed to respond in any appropriate way. Okay. Thank you. Yes, thank you. Okay, next is Mr. Carnell Oliver. Uh yes, my name is Carnell Oliver. Address is on file. I'm glad that 2026 0541 was deferred. Because for me to there's no incorporation of the 1866 Civil Rights Act, including a lot of money has been dished out to people who don't own the land in the South. Everything in the South belongs to black Americans. You want to know why I say that? The Southern Homestead Act. A lot of immigrants who come from Ellis Island, they gave you a land allotment up there in the great Midwest. And most of them still live there. And the problem is that in this city, I want to ask some fundamental questions. My first question ever since 1969 or 68, when it consolidated this city, how much money touched the hands of foundational black Americans.

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