Jacksonville City Council members said items 9 and 10, which the agenda identifies as relating to a live animal processing plant, will likely be taken first at the next meeting because of applicant and public interest. Staff said there could be up to 10 public speakers, and the council indicated it will accommodate those speakers before proceeding with the rest of the agenda.

Why it matters: a live animal processing plant typically draws public attention over neighborhood impacts, permitting and regulation; taking the items first signals the council’s intent to hear public comment while managing a potentially large turnout.

During the agenda review, the chair said the council would likely take items 9 and 10 first because several applicants and members of the public had expressed interest. A council member confirmed that speakers had submitted comment cards. Staff and the chair said there is no additional action recorded at the agenda meeting beyond the plan to take the items early and to accept up to 10 public speakers at the hearing.

No final decision on the processing plant applications was made at the agenda meeting. Council members and staff limited their action to scheduling and order-of-business decisions; any permits, conditions or votes would take place during the formal public hearing cycle.

Next steps: items 9 and 10 will appear at the next council meeting as the first items for consideration; public speakers who submitted cards should expect to be called first.