Duval County Rules Committee considered public comments on a proposed historic-property disposition bill, heard an annual report from Kids Hope Alliance, vetted several board and department appointments, debated and rejected an emergency utility-assistance appropriation, and approved multiple other ordinances and appointments.

Discussion Points

•A resident urged code-enforcement escalation and licensing review for an HVAC contractor.
•Darity cited specific summer outreach numbers and wrote about partnership activities to prevent teen takeovers.
•Fallback public bid process with $10,000 starting bid; COA training required for bidders.
•JEA presented write-off data (net $3.5M; residential ~$3.2M; 25,164 residential accounts written off FY26).
•KHA described competitive procurement and liaison relationships with Parks & Recreation, Neighborhoods, Duval County Public Schools and the Early Learning Coalition.
•Nominees described background and qualifications.
•Priority donations to nonprofit preservation organizations, with qualifying criteria (financial capacity, preservation experience).
•Public concerns that library materials are inappropriate for minors and calls to reject two library board reappointments.
•Request for deferral of 2026-0806 to pursue a holistic housing/preservation package.
•Reverter covenant of two years (with possible one-year extension) to ensure rehabilitation.
•Several council members offered co-sponsorships and invited nominees to the full council meeting.
•Supporters cited rising energy costs, federal funding gaps for EHEAP and the immediacy of winter needs; opponents cited budget process timing and long-term cost concerns.

Decisions

•Committee approved listed nominations by voice or ballot votes.
•Emergency appropriation failed 3–4; no immediate appropriation approved.
•Ordinance adopted by committee 7–0.

Directions

•Committee requested follow-up information about fundraising vehicles and revenue diversification.
•Sponsors to explore alternative funding (reprioritization of budget or JEA contributions) and to consult United Way/Catholic Charities about capacity and admin-costs.
•Staff to allow additions to the nonexclusive list of preservation organizations and provide further implementation details.

Nov

TEU 11.4.26

Transportation, Energy & Utilities Committee met Nov. 4; it approved several routine bills and deferred a street-closure/easement bill after staff reported that the applicant had outstanding property taxes and liens; the committee also continued a quasi-judicial sidewalk-deferral appeal for a 19-house infill project and scheduled a site visit and continuation to Dec. 1, 2026.

Discussion Points

•Applicant argued sidewalks would "connect to nowhere" on private roads created in 1953 and asked to use deferral program.
•Applicant offered to pay the property taxes immediately and provide proof; liens may require lien-reduction program participation.
•Auditor reported property taxes of about $114,585 and staff found an additional $24,000 in liens (total ~$138,000).
•Committee members requested a site visit by the district councilmember and more information before ruling.
•Item 2026-0801 deferred due to taxes/liens; applicant pledged payment and staff will verify.
•Public Works presented maps and permitting trends supporting immediate sidewalk installation.
•Sidewalk-deferral appeal continued to Dec. 1 for site visit and further evidence.
•Staff said city code requires liens and taxes satisfied prior to conveyance; committee debated deferral vs stipulation.
•Two consent bills approved by recorded ballot.

Decisions

•Hearing continued; no final decision made.
•Item 2026-0801 deferred to next TEU meeting/committee cycle (continued).
•See action items above.

Directions

•Administration to work with applicant on lien‑reduction program and to verify payment prior to recording.
•Continue the quasi-judicial hearing to Dec. 1, 2026; district member to visit site; any ex parte contacts to be disclosed at the continued hearing.
•Real Estate to confirm zero balance before conveyance and report back to committee.
•Staff to verify payment and work with applicant on lien reduction; district member to visit sidewalk site; matters continued to specified dates.

Nov

Planning Commission Meeting (11/09/2026)

City Planning Commission on Nov. 9, 2026, voted 3-2 to approve a motion to reconsider a conditional use permit decision from Oct. 12 after the city attorney said the original vote was procedurally ambiguous; the rehearing was set for Dec. 14, 2026, to allow required public notice.

Discussion Points

•City Attorney believes a rehearing would likely be de novo, allowing competent, substantial evidence to be considered.
•City Attorney said the Oct. 12 initial motion was not seconded and the subsequent phrasing created legal ambiguity.
•Commissioners debated whether the rehearing would be de novo and whether discussion should be framed by the comp plan and land development code.
•Commissioners expressed concern about over-reliance on staff summaries and requested procedural training.
•Mail notices must be sent at least 15 days prior to a rehearing.
•Motion to reconsider must be timely and is limited by Robert's Rules timeframe.
•Only a member of the prevailing side may move to reconsider; anyone may second.
•Possible special-meeting dates included Dec. 3, Dec. 8, Dec. 9, or the regular Dec. 14 meeting.

Decisions

•Motion to reconsider approved (3–2); rehearing scheduled for Dec. 14, 2026; item placed in pending status.
•Rehearing scheduled for Dec. 14, 2026; item placed in pending status.

Directions

•City Attorney to research rehearing scope further.
•Planning Department to prepare a full staff packet for the rehearing and confirm advertisement timeline.
•Staff to plan Robert's Rules training for commissioners.
•Staff to prepare public notices and advertise rehearing to meet 15-day mail-notice requirement; target rehearing date Dec. 14, 2026.
•Staff to send notices to meet the 15-day requirement and prepare the rehearing packet for Dec. 14, 2026.

Nov

Finance 11.4.26

Duval County Finance Committee met Nov. 4 to take votes on multiple budget and capital items, hear public comment urging downtown investment (including support for a new Publix), and debate next steps after passage of Amendment Three. Committee approved several bills and deferred others after tie votes.

Discussion Points

•$28,000 shortfall for Gator Bowl game-day expenses identified; staff confirmed sports-and-entertainment budget will cover it.
•Chair and Dr. Johnson praised Supervisor Holland and elections staff for responsiveness and competency during election day and canvassing.
•Council split on appropriating contingency funds this early in year; 3–3 tie => deferral.
•Diamond announced proposed bills to eliminate CRAs, institute a hiring freeze via budget cuts to open positions, and cut salaries for high earners.
•Dr. Johnson and others disputed the approach and emphasized reviewing programs carefully.
•Furniture replacement request covers chairs/tables for conference rooms and council offices; cost ~ $70,000 from council contingency (~$100,000).
•Mold identified in several council offices (Johnson, Miller, Arias) was attributed to HVAC issues; remediation steps and humidity sensors installed.
•Public commenters argued a downtown grocery would support local economic growth and residential sustainability.

Decisions

•Committee approved the agreement; vote recorded six yeas, zero nays.
•Furniture appropriation deferred after 3–3 tie.

Directions

•Mayor's office to transfer funds from sports-and-entertainment budget to cover expenses.
•Staff to provide follow-up on whether other council offices were checked, who pays for furniture replacements and whether costs are billed back to departments.

Nov

LUZ 11.4.26

Lane-Houston Zoning Committee met Nov. 4 to consider a slate of rezonings, land-use amendments and alcohol exceptions. Members approved several rezonings and local alcohol exceptions, approved a redevelopment PUD for Gateway Shopping Center with added conditions, and deferred a contentious request to allow beer-and-wine sales at a longtime batting-cage/recreation site after sustained neighborhood opposition.

Discussion Points

•Committee sought assurances on buffering, drainage and visibility from I‑95.
•Planning staff recommended denial at Planning Commission; applicant presented revised site plan and $150,000 refurbishment; neighbors cited parking and safety concerns near Harvest Community School.
•Residents requested traffic study and drainage solutions; applicant asserted much of the storage use is permitted by existing entitlement.
•This item was largely housekeeping—resolving a 2004 PUD/land‑use inconsistency.

Decisions

•Approved by committee
•Committee adopted a lighting/photometrics amendment; committee did not approve the beer-and-wine exception and left the item in committee
•PUD approved with amendments; committee requested continued neighborhood outreach

Directions

•Applicant encouraged to hold a community meeting and work with district council member; staff lighting amendment adopted and rolled into conditions.
•Developer to produce traffic study during 10‑set review; firm fence and setback conditions added to PUD.

Nov

City Council 10.27.26

Jacksonville City Council met Oct. 27, 2026. Business included a proclamation honoring Duval County Public Schools' A rating, multiple quasi-judicial zoning votes, the confirmed reappointment of JEA board member Joe DeSalvo after contested remarks, and an extended public comment period focused on an affordable housing trust fund and a contested rezoning at Gateway Shopping Center.

Discussion Points

•City planning conditioned approvals on traffic engineering evaluation.
•Finance Chair argued the substitute was intended to identify a funding source and avoid unfunded commitments years ahead.
•Garden advocates asked for three amendments: clarify the definition separating educational programming from retail rules, increase community access days, and expand market-garden definitions for Duval County farmers.
•Neighbors argued the proposed RV/boat storage use raises public-safety and traffic concerns and that community notice was insufficient.
•Opponents said DeSalvo\u0002s prior conduct on the JEA board suggested he would repeat past actions and that council confirmation affords oversight.
•Recognition of district\u0002wide A grade and cited graduation and program statistics.
•Speakers said the trust fund was intended for multiple programs (down-payment assistance, utility hookups, construction financing) and warned that redirecting the funds would be "robbing Peter to pay Paul."
•Supporters argued that independent authorities must be able to make difficult, technical decisions and that the board\u0002s independence protected long-term solvency.

Decisions

•Adopted Resolution 2026-613.
•Finance substitute failed on council floor vote; original trust fund allocation remains in effect pending future budget work.
•Public hearing record closed for this meeting; additional public hearings were scheduled where required.
•Reappointment confirmed (12-7).

Directions

•Continue oversight through rules and committee inquiries; schedule any requested follow-up as necessary.
•Council may require traffic-impact studies or defer action to subsequent hearings.
•Council staff to consider amendment language; committee review to follow.
•Substitute failed; administration and council to identify future funding options through the budget process if needed.

Nov

LUZ Agenda 11.4.26

Duval County Land Use & Zoning agenda meeting on Nov. 4, 2026 convened by the chair; most items were deferred or withdrawn, one action item (PUD amendment) included a lighting condition forwarded from the existing PUD, several items were accommodated for an applicant's schedule, and the meeting adjourned with no votes.

Discussion Points

•Chair announced withdrawal and deferral status for several items.
•Chair asked about conditions; staff reported a single lighting condition from the current PUD.
•Chair explained scheduling conflict and intent to accommodate applicant.
•Chair listed ordinances on second reading.
•Committee reviewed agenda status and deferred many items to a future meeting.

Decisions

•Administrative acceptance of withdrawals and deferrals; no merits discussed.
•No formal decision; information only at agenda meeting.
•No formal votes taken; multiple items postponed or withdrawn.
•No substantive decision; procedural scheduling only.
•No votes or debate at the agenda meeting.

Directions

•Applicants instructed to coordinate with ECA for withdrawn/deferral paperwork.
•Applicants told to contact ECA to process withdrawals/deferrals.
•Clerk/agenda staff to adjust sequencing for item 18 and related companion item.
•Staff will file a proposed revised Exhibit 4 for committee review.

Nov

Today's Pages, Tomorrow's Leaders | Jacksonville City Council

A brief program marked the 50th anniversary of Jacksonville's City Council Page Program, describing the program's history and featuring a former page’s recollections and encouragement for students to apply.

Discussion Points

•A former page described duties and the program’s impact on their public service orientation.
•Program history and benefits for student civic education were discussed.

Nov

City Council Meeting (11/02/2026)

Regular City Council meeting in Jacksonville Beach featuring public comments on RV storage rules, approval of a sole-source purchase for substation communications, selection of 12 engineering firms, a Beaches Energy rate restructure and several right-of-way/easement ordinances.

Discussion Points

•A resident claimed ordinance complaints are being used as a neighborhood 'weapon'.
•Council asked about the ability to run project-specific RFQs under CCNA if none are technically adequate.
•Council requested statutory references and additional context for CCNA and CIP ties.
•Funding available from electric operating reserves.
•Manufacturer discontinuation prompted proposal to move project earlier.
•Most entries are previously approved or cost neutral; transfers to savings for projects.
•New SEL-based modular parts reduce repair time but have long lead times.
•No departmental objections; adjoining owners notified and raised questions but no formal objections.
•No formal direction or staff assignment recorded.
•Presentation of a 10-year plan, rate rebalance, and 3-year stepped increase.
•Public Works confirmed an east–west stormwater drain will remain in a retained easement and the city can access it for maintenance.
•Rationale for selecting 12 firms from 33 respondents to balance coverage and manageability.
•Residents said storage lots are expensive and unsafe.
•Staff described negotiation process for scope and fee at project level.
•Statutory format requirement for amendments.

Decisions

•Council adopted the rate-resolution.
•Council adopted the year-end amendment by roll call.
•Council approved sole-source purchase; staff to proceed with procurement.
•Ordinance passed first reading; second reading scheduled for Nov. 16, 2026.
•RFQ 03-2526 awarded to the recommended slate; motion carried with one No vote.

Directions

•Authorize mayor or city manager to execute resulting contracts.
•Finance to record transfers and update budget files.
•Proceed with contract negotiations; distribute sample contract and request staffing/rate information.
•Record ordinance and retain the recorded easement for the drainage line.
•Staff to distribute supporting statute/plan documents and updated rate tables.

Nov

NCSPHS 11.2.26

Duval County Neighborhoods Community Services, Public Health & Safety Committee considered public comments opposing a park redevelopment, approved an auditor amendment and a county purchase of Clear Ballot post‑election audit equipment, voted to advance a downtown business improvement district initial assessment (drawing opposition from the Jacksonville Jaguars and developers), approved streaming requirements for airport/port authorities, and approved an emergency utility‑assistance allocation to United Way.

Discussion Points

•Airport and port authorities indicated support; committee framed the bill around transparency.
•Amendment requires livestreaming/posting with narrow statutory and federal exemptions.
•Clear Ballot images every oval on every ballot, enabling full post‑election audit.
•Council members disagreed on using operating reserves vs. budget reprioritization or JEA contributions.
•DVI explained the ordinance is a statutorily required initial assessment step and that final decisions will be made at the Aug. 10, 2027 hearing.
•Jaguars and developers objected to inclusion of sports entertainment district and shipyards; expressed concerns about timing and notice.
•One commenter supported housing on the parcel only with lineage‑based priority and additional wraparound supports.
•Public commenters urged preservation of park amenities and questioned health impacts of removal.
•System is post‑certification and not currently certified for recounts; images are anonymous.
•United Way reported increased demand since July and significant unanswered calls due to funding constraints.

Decisions

•Amendment to name Clear Ballot Group passed; bill as amended approved.
•Committee approved amendment and bill as amended.
•Committee approved initial assessment ordinance to start the process; this does not enact assessments.
•Emergency allocation approved after reconsideration; funding to be distributed through United Way and partners.

Directions

•DVI to continue stakeholder engagement, notify property owners and prepare assessment roll.
•Notify county procurement and state per funding plan
•OGC to coordinate with authorities on implementation details.
•Procure Clear Ballot Group under direct‑contract exemption
•United Way and partner agencies to manage eligibility screening and payments; partners to retain documentation for audit.

Oct

Special Magistrate Hearing (10/28/2026)

Special Magistrate hearing in Jacksonville Beach on Oct. 28, 2026 resolved three code-enforcement cases: a temporary storage container fine was reduced, a long-unsecured vacant property’s accumulated fines were cut and settled, and a backyard accessory-structure case was continued with permit and inspection deadlines.

Discussion Points

•Building permit for container approved Oct. 13 but final approval requires inspection and anchoring.
•City explained timeline, notices and that the pod was removed Sept. 21, 2026.
•Costs and practicality of demolition (building official estimate $25k–$40k).
•Electrical permit denied due to poles exceeding 15-foot height limit and incomplete site plan; lighting plan requested to measure glare/foot-candle levels.
•Extent and duration of violation since 2023; city’s recent process changes for liens.
•Magistrate weighed notice compliance, corrective action, and hardship.
•Owner claims poles primarily hold a net to prevent balls entering neighbors’ yards and says use is private, noncommercial.
•Property representative cited medical hardship, relocation and missed notices.
•Whether the $5,000 cap for 'irreparable' violations applies when a violation has been cured.

Decisions

•Deadlines set; continuation to Dec. 16.
•Fine reduced to $100 and payable within 30 days.
•Magistrate ordered $20,000 fine, payable in 30 days; demolition recommendation withdrawn from immediate action.

Directions

•City requested to document receipt and return to hearing calendar for closure once payment is made.
•Hearing continued to Dec. 16 for compliance check.
•Magistrate to issue written order within about one week.
•Owner must provide receipt of payment to code enforcement.
•Owner to request building-permit inspection by Dec. 1; inspection to occur by Dec. 4.
•Owner to submit amended electrical permit by Nov. 25.

Oct

Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting (10/26/2026)

Community Redevelopment Agency meeting of Jacksonville Beach on Oct. 26, 2026: board approved downtown and South End FY2026 capital budget amendments, approved a one-year extension/piggyback for the Southern Group contract, discussed ownership of a walkway near Beach & 1st and several CIP project funding questions, and set future meeting dates.

Discussion Points

•$2.7M increase in a South End utility redevelopment project; public works is studying necessity and scope.
•Appropriation made to avoid returning funds to taxing authorities until study completes.
•Board discussed contingency plans if JTA or master contract changes (RFQ options).
•Board prefers not to begin improvements until ownership is verified.
•Clarification that low-speed vehicle lot construction has not been included in the 5-year CIP and will require further appropriation when cost estimates are available.
•Design funded; construction not included in 5-year CIP and needs statement of probable cost.
•Possible past ownership suggested by paving and a utility box; staff to check records.
•Project adjustments column reflects releases from completed projects, not new appropriations.
•Southern Group provides state-level monitoring, RFP drafting, P3 support, and meeting attendance.
•Taylor awaiting legal interpretation of 'cone of silence' before presenting scoring results publicly.
•Taylor to email remaining meeting dates for 2026 (noted Nov. 16 meeting).
•Whether to return year-end balances to taxing authorities (CFO said downtown will not return funds because projects and expected revenues will consume balances).

Decisions

•Adopt Resolution 2027-01 to appropriate downtown CRA FY2026 year-end fund balances to CIP projects.
•Adopt Resolution 2027-02 to appropriate the South End estimated ending fund balance.
•Extend Southern Group contract via piggyback for FY2027.

Directions

•Public works to complete study and report recommendations; staff to return funds if project not needed.
•Staff to circulate schedule and legal guidance when available.
•Staff to complete piggyback paperwork and monitor master contract; prepare RFQ if procurement is needed.
•Staff to determine ownership via survey/record search and report results back to the board.
•Staff to provide a statement of probable cost for the low-speed vehicle parking lot and, if needed, seek a council budget amendment.
•Staff to provide statement of probable cost and return with recommendation or an amendment request.

Oct

Board of Adjustment Meeting (10/20/2026)

A Jacksonville Beach board of adjustments hearing considered multiple variance requests for single-family homes, commercial parking, and additions; the board approved all presented variances, often attaching approvals to the existing structures. Public comment was limited and generally supportive on the items where neighbors spoke.

Discussion Points

•Applicant described building as 1947 construction with deferred maintenance (repipe, rewire, termite issues) and argued for preserving the footprint.
•Applicant described limited access and existing fenced rear area; staff noted the proposal formalizes existing parking use.
•Applicant described lot width (approximately 48.5 feet) and nonconforming conditions; neighbors voiced support.
•Applicant explained constrained site and use of right-of-way; staff noted precedent for similar parking arrangements.
•Applicant explained lot size (~2,300 sq ft) and that extension will not add impervious surface.
•Applicant said architects discovered schematic errors and that the footprint is unchanged since January.
•Board discussed criteria for hardship and agreed conditions were unique to the parcel.
•Board noted lot undersized and neighbors supportive.
•Neighbors supported the request; board referenced prior similar variances nearby.
•One board member recused due to a professional relationship.
•Staff and applicant described lot as undersized; applicant argued 36.5% coverage is minimal and that the site meets aggregate permeability requirements.

Decisions

•Variance approved.
•Variance approved and attached to structure.
•Variance approved as amended.
•Variance approved as amended; clerk recorded vote.

Directions

•Approval attached to the structure to avoid automatic transfer with redevelopment.
•None: approval with amendment attaching variance to the structure.
•Variance approval attached to the existing structure to prevent automatic transfer to future redevelopment.

Oct

Rules 10.19.26

The Duval County (Jacksonville) Rules Committee met Oct. 19 and advanced multiple appointments and municipal code changes, debated a contentious reappointment to the JEA board and a proposal over education requirements for department directors, and moved several housing and budget items forward.

Discussion Points

•Auditor recommended reducing maximum annual affiliate distributions to $280,000 to align with past agreements.
•Critics alleged poor handling of employee concerns and a problematic press conference; recommended confidential employee survey.
•DeSalvo defended his independence and record on governance.
•Nominees described qualifications and community ties; council members sought clarification on roles (e.g., definition of 'patron' for library trustees).
•Numerous items were processed via consent with minimal debate; several contested items required recorded ballots.
•Proposal to fund a rental project with $2.8M taken from capital stack and utility tap programs would reduce funds for single-family homeownership and down-payment assistance.
•Statutory authority (Fla. Stat. 112.219) authorizes consideration of related work experience.
•Whether director-level positions should require college degrees or allow life experience in lieu.

Decisions

•Approved 4–3 with auditor amendment.
•Multiple appointments approved by committee with unanimous votes.
•Multiple motions carried, including 20260722 (6–1) and 20260752 (4–3).
•Reappointment approved by committee 6–1
•Salem amendment failed; bill approved 6–1.

Directions

•Bill passed as amended and will go to full council for consideration.
•Chair invited confirmed nominees to full council for recognition.
•Items with substitutes or amendments may be re-referred before final council action.
•Nominees invited to full council for public recognition.
•Substitute failed; bill advanced as amended with auditor cap.

Oct

City Council 10.13.26

Jacksonville City Council on Oct. 13, 2026 opened with an invocation and two ceremonial resolutions, approved multiple land-use and budget items on the consent agenda, passed a PUD amendment that removed a proposed concrete batch plant while adding operational safeguards, heard extensive public comment supporting Pathways to Urban Agriculture, and approved emergency funding to stabilize Jacksonville Transportation Authority services.

Discussion Points

•Council members asked whether the developer could still store materials on site by right and whether the amendment constituted a meaningful protection for residents.
•Council remarks honoring service and volunteerism.
•LUZ staff explained the amendment removed concrete batch plant references and added mitigation conditions (water roads, sprinklers, sweeping, traffic study).
•Members noted JTA had cut routes and lost employees and that the emergency allocation was necessary to restore essential services.
•Presentation of two ceremonial resolutions.
•Residents highlighted stormwater and drainage shortcomings and animal control response times; speakers requested departmental outreach and better communication.
•Some members called for auditing past decisions and reconsidering projects like autonomous vehicle pilots and high‑cost capital expenditures.
•Speakers asked for specific amendments: increase allowed market days, allow cross‑sales, remove rezoning fee, and clarify definitions for community/educational activities.

Decisions

•Council approved ordinance 20‑26‑5‑32 as amended (14‑1).
•Emergency funding ordinance approved 15‑0; council requested audits and staff follow‑up.
•No final council vote on the ordinance at this meeting; public hearings and committee review remain open.
•No formal policy action taken; staff follow‑up requested.
•Resolutions presented and adopted as ceremonial items.

Directions

•Auditors and committees to review JTA budget history and identify management changes; JTA to produce a route restoration plan.
•Council members or staff invited affected residents to green room conversations and noted departments (Environmental Quality Division, animal control) for follow‑up.
•Planning staff to require amended site plan and traffic study as part of PUD compliance.
•Speakers to file proposed amendments in the public record; council and planning staff to review amendments in committee.

Oct

LUZ 10.20.26

City council Land Use and Zoning Committee met October 20, 2026. Major actions: a sign setback waiver for Saint Peter's Catholic Church was approved; a Planned Unit Development (PUD) rezoning for 1905 Walnut Street (former Duval Laundry) was approved as amended after a debate over parking and amplified-sound hours; multiple rezoning and land-use items were approved or continued to November 4, 2026.

Discussion Points

•Applicant described conceptual two-story medical office up to ~9,000 sq ft.
•Applicant noted visibility and safety concerns related to the cemetery expansion.
•Applicant presented on shared parking (70 off-site spaces with Rethreaded) and said typical uses would include daytime commercial uses as well as events.
•Applicants were asked to finalize parking agreements and to follow up with staff on design and verification.
•Neighbors and speakers raised concerns about parking adequacy, noise, and historic PUD covenants.
•No speakers opposed at committee.
•Staff explained CO district limits uses to medical/professional categories and noted wetlands proximity.
•Staff presented PUD for 1905 Walnut Street recommending approval with 3 conditions (traffic study; vehicular access review; limits on amplified sound).
•Staff presented rezoning rationale and consistency with comp plan.
•Staff recommended approval citing tree buffering and compatibility.
•Traffic, parking and amplified-sound hours were recurring concerns across multiple items.

Decisions

•Approved 6–0.
•Approved waiver 6–0.
•Approve PUD rezoning as amended (7–0) with the above conditions.
•Land-use amendment and companion rezoning approved at committee.
•List of approvals and continuances reflected above.

Directions

•Require traffic study at PUD verification; require documentation of shared-parking agreement during verification; attach revised Exhibit 3 (Sept. 15) to the ordinance.
•Several items continued to Nov. 4 and Nov. 17 to allow applicants and neighborhoods to meet and for additional materials to be filed.
•Staff to coordinate further site design and wetlands review; applicant to refine parking and tenant plans.

Oct

TEU 10.20.26

University of Florida researchers presented the JAX Twin digital model to the TEU committee; the committee approved two ordinance items (2026-07-48 and 2026-07-55 as amended), deferred two items, heard council discussion about utility rates and potential emergency utility assistance legislation, and received one public comment.

Discussion Points

•AI agents aim to reconcile equity (riders without cars) with operational on-time performance.
•Anonymized tap data can be used to visualize individual rider trips and assess wait times and stop-level usage.
•Committee members requested deeper coordination with the Office of Resilience and JTA to tailor analyses for critical infrastructure and transit usage.
•E. coli model uses proxy variables (temperature, pH, salinity) to predict concentration as an early warning.
•Heat-island and sunlight/shadow tools can model microclimate effects of trees, buildings and sidewalks.
•Members urged inviting JEA to explain rate increases so the public can understand the authority's rationale.
•Oliver urged moving large council seats, reducing district sizes, and assigning specific duties for accountability.
•Paluso and Gaffney announced plans to file emergency legislation to provide utility assistance funded from reserves.
•Staff explained the amendment ties prior traffic-calming appropriations to the expanded allowed uses in the ordinance.
•UF described the JAX Twin as a platform that ingests multi-sector data to support resilience and planning.

Decisions

•Amendment adopted; ordinance 20 26 0 7 55 approved as amended.
•Ordinance 20 26 0 7 48 approved by vote

Directions

•Consider scheduling a JEA briefing for the committee; staff to assist with drafting emergency ordinance language.
•Staff will provide members additional detail on the amendment and referenced appropriation on request.
•UF/JTA to continue coordination and refine models to include critical infrastructure access and equity measures.
•UF to coordinate with JTA and resilience staff on specific use cases.
•UF to provide continued engagement, including possible access credentials for council staff.
•UF to provide validation details and data-input documentation to city staff on request.

Oct

NCSPHS 10.19.26

Neighborhoods, Community Services, Public Health and Safety Committee meeting on Oct. 19, 2026 covered a public comment opposing a large housing bond, a detailed discussion and amendment to a Jacksonville Zoo funding bill about a $12,000,000 match and $4,000,000 tranche, several rules and appropriation amendments, and unanimous committee approval of multiple bills as amended.

Discussion Points

•Auditor concern that disbursing $4,000,000 before phase-specific match documentation limits recourse to suing for specific performance.
•Commenter argued a proposed large housing bond is politically motivated and too large.
•Commenter proposed a $25,000,000 capital figure targeted to beneficiaries under the '1866 Civil Rights Act.'
•Councilmembers sought clarity on AMI targets; staff said the funding will be included in the budget year when completion is expected (FY 28–29).
•Public Works said documentation exists but does not match the expanded scope; recommended expanding match definition to include all phases.
•Rules amendment aligns contract extension language and corrects distribution cap.
•Zoo said it has spent funds on the finished phase, raised ~ $2.2M into restricted funds, and will meet the $12M match over five years.

Decisions

•Adopt amendment broadening match definition; approve bill 20260749 as amended (7–0).
•Adopt rules amendment and proceed with bill; future appropriation required.

Directions

•Administration to incorporate anticipated funding into the appropriate budget cycle for the fiscal year of substantial completion.
•Public Works to validate match documentation under the revised definition; zoo required to continue quarterly reporting.

Oct

Finance 10/20/2026

Duval County finance committee met Oct. 20, 2026. Members took public comment, approved a series of amendments and bills including affordable-housing funding adjustments, heard a quarterly single-source procurement report, and voted to issue a subpoena for former JTA CEO Nat Ford with a special finance meeting set for Oct. 23 to take testimony.

Discussion Points

•Approximate per-sign cost ($50–$75) and available district allocations ($45,000).
•Multiple bill amendments and votes carried; some items deferred; follow-up tasks for notices and substitute filings.
•Offer to provide backup justification documents.
•Procedural advice from general counsel to file a finance substitute for transparency.
•Report of single‑source awards and specific notable items (JSO support services).
•Subpoena issuance and scheduling for Nat Ford testimony.
•Timing and urgency to secure testimony before Nat Ford leaves Jacksonville; whether to start with CFOs and board members or go directly to CEO; whether to allow voluntary appearance or issue subpoena immediately.
•Whether district funds are restricted to specific districts and the process required to share funds across districts.
•Whether the amendment changes the original advertised appropriation and whether re-referral is required for public notice; impact on down payment assistance dollars (2M remained untouched).

Decisions

•Amendment passed; bill approved as amended.
•Diamond amendment adopted; bill passed as substitute 7–1.
•No action; report accepted for committee review.
•Several bills and amendments approved; subpoena issued for Oct. 23 special meeting.
•Subpoena issued for Nat Ford to appear Oct. 23 at 11:15 a.m.; committee will include auditor questions in subpoena; staff to proceed with notice and service.

Directions

•Procurement to provide backup justification materials if requested.
•Staff to file the bill as a finance substitute and confirm appropriation language; coordinate with legislative services and auditors.
•Staff to finalize filings and notices; coordinate meeting turnover with FAO select committee and legislative services.
•Staff to prepare guidance; councilmembers must file legislation to move funds between districts.
•Staff to update the draft subpoena to include three items from the council auditors' report; set special meeting notice for 11:15 a.m. on Oct. 23; coordinate service with JSO; designate liaison (Council Member Diamond) as point of contact for communications with Nat Ford.

Oct

City Council Meeting (10/19/2026)

Jacksonville Beach City Council met Oct. 19, 2026. Council heard multiple public comments about RV/boat parking, a contested city lot and e-bikes, and South Beach trail safety; adopted updated special-events policy and event-fee changes; approved an HR comp-time cap increase; and approved on first reading an ordinance to allow the council to suspend/reactivate pilot programs (second reading Nov. 2).

Discussion Points

•City Manager explained the ordinance gives the council faster authority to suspend or reactivate pilots.
•Council approved the recommendation without further discussion.
•Councilmember Golding moved an amendment to name the extension-of-premises pilot in the whereas clause; the council passed the amendment and then the ordinance on first reading.
•Councilmember Golding moved to spell out 'coastal construction control line' (CCCL) in the whereas clause; council approved the amendment and then approved the resolution.
•Council members asked about potential unfunded liabilities; finance staff explained annual liability booking practices and said comp balances are typically de minimis.
•HR proposed raising comp-time cap to 100 hours for eligible employees.
•Resident asked for council/staff to revisit width and separation to reduce liability risk.
•Resident described design and safety concerns for South Beach multi-use trail, including loss of a grass buffer and proximity to high-speed lanes.
•Resident provided a written letter summarizing desired measures.
•Resident reported unsafe and uncontrolled activity at Constitution Cove Park and asked for fencing/security.
•Residents requested review of Section 34-728 regarding RV/boat parking in front yards.
•Speakers said enforcement appears complaint-driven and uneven; requested either code change or more consistent enforcement.
•Staff recommended removing two fees (printed bike rack; parking-lot rental outside paid parking) while keeping security deposits.
•Staff reviewed multiple targeted updates to the Special Events Policy, including alcohol definitions and sea-turtle protections.

Decisions

•Adopt Resolution 2225-2026 as amended
•Adopt Resolution 2227-2026
•Adopt Resolution 2229-2026
•Ordinance 2026-8242 approved on first reading; second reading scheduled for Nov. 2, 2026.

Directions

•City Attorney to prepare final ordinance with amendment for second reading.
•HR and Finance to implement updated pay plan and reflect liabilities in year-end reporting.
•Parks & Recreation to update event application materials and public guidance
•Parks & Recreation to update fee schedule

Loading meetings…