Rules committee approves multiple bills, amends charter language, and appoints local restaurateur to Kids Hope Alliance

The Jacksonville City Council Rules Committee on July 14, 2025 approved a series of bills and amendments, took a resolution requesting state signage for Durkeeville, and confirmed an appointment to the Kids Hope Alliance board. Most motions passed unanimously by recorded tallies in committee.

Committee action highlights:

• Item 20250435: The committee approved bill 20250435 by voice vote (recorded as 8 yeas, 0 nays). The committee had taken up this bill at the start of the session and opened the ballot before public comment.

• Item 20250188 (as amended): Members approved technical corrections and scrivener’s edits to the bill; the amended bill passed on a recorded vote of 7 yeas, 0 nays. Former Council President Ron Salem and Vice Chair Terrence Freeman said they would support the bill but raised concerns about a separate $40,000,000 appropriation and the movement of JEA-related funds; Freeman said auditors have outstanding information requests and intends to review the issue in Finance.

• Item 20250410 (as amended): The committee approved an amendment to codify a November 30 term end date for the Subdivision Standards and Policy Advisory Committee and corrected scrivener’s errors; the bill as amended passed 7–0.

• Item 20250430 (as amended): The amendment corrected scrivener’s errors, authorized carryover of funding through fiscal 2025–26 to align with an extended contract term, added an oversight department, and corrected an exhibit with budget detail. The bill as amended passed 7–0.

• Item 20250432 (as amended): The amendment attached code section 36104 as required (the section is being repealed by the legislation) and fixed scrivener’s errors. The bill as amended passed 7–0.

• Item 20250438 (appointment): The committee approved the mayoral appointment of Josh Martino to fill a vacancy on the Kids Hope Alliance board, voting 7–0. The legislation included a waiver of the Duval County residency requirement; Martino, who lives in St. Johns County, described his “substantial business interest” operating Bono’s Barbecue and Home Team Restaurant Group with 18 Jacksonville locations and said he regularly does philanthropic and board work across Duval County.

• Item 20250442 (resolution requesting FDOT sign): The committee approved a resolution requesting the Florida Department of Transportation install a marker or signage at Exit 353D on I‑95 designating the entrance to the historic Durkeeville neighborhood; vote 7–0. Committee members noted the decision and final installation remain within FDOT’s discretion. Public Works staff member Nina Sickler offered to follow up with FDOT and coordinate updates.

• Second-reading bills and batch approvals: The committee recorded approval of a group of second-reading bills (listed on the record) including 20250465, 20250466, 20250467, 20250468, 20250469, 20250471, 20250472, 20250473, 20250475, 20250476, 20250477, 20250478, 20250482 and 20250479; those items recorded votes of 7 yeas, 0 nays as shown at the end of the agenda.

Committee members generally approved the amendments and bills as presented, but several members asked staff and auditors to follow up on funding movement tied to JEA and to provide more detailed budget information at Finance. The committee adjourned after completing the agenda.