Rules committee confirms several appointees, questions attendance on two reappointments

The Rules Committee on Feb. 17 approved a slate of appointments and reappointments across several city boards and commissions, including survivor‑support roles, planning and historic preservation posts and administrative leadership within the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department.

Dawn Thomas was approved to the survivor leadership council after describing her work as a survivor advocate with the Dolores Barr Weaver Policy Center. Stephanie Patton and Nicole McCall, both reappointments to survivor-related bodies, explained earlier attendance shortfalls as start‑up and scheduling issues; both told the committee they have calendar availability for the coming year. "We were given the entire year's meeting ahead of time, so I do have them blocked on my calendar already," Patton said.

Sean Hall was confirmed to the Planning Commission; members cited his strategic focus and local ties. Lorice Bannister, a 20‑plus‑year city employee with transportation planning experience, was approved despite a planning‑degree waiver requirement, with the committee citing institutional knowledge. Scott Miller, nominated as administrative services chief for JFRD, described 19 years of JFRD service and experience managing contracts and budgets; his appointment was approved.

Votes on these items were mostly unanimous or near‑unanimous: Dawn Thomas (7–0), Stephanie Patton (7–0), Nicole McCall (6–0), Sean Hall (6–0), Lorice Bannister (6–0), Scott Miller (6–0), James Hobson (6–0) and Elias Siroca (6–0). Several council members asked nominees to meet with them or respond to pre-submitted questions before full‑council recognition.

The chair noted that appointees will be recognized at the full council meeting the following Tuesday.