Nancy Barry shares the notes from the June 27th CPAC meeting

Here are some of the topics discussed in the June CPAC meeting. To see the complete meeting summary click the link at the bottom of the page.

Elected Officials Report:

The Honorable Danny Becton, City Council District 11 – Provided the following updates: • Council Member Terrance Freeman will serve as City Council President and City Council Member Ron Salem will serve as City Council Vice President starting July 1, 2022 through June 20, 2023.

• Construction of the e-Town fire station is underway.

• The 630-CITY Tree Planting Program is set up by the City of Jacksonville’s Urban Forestry Team in order to use the City’s Tree Mitigation Fund. If a resident is interested in having trees planted, they should first call 630-CITY or fill out an application at COJ.net – Tree Commission. The tree must be planted in a city Right-of-Way in front of the resident’s or business owner’s own property.

• FDOT stated that they will resurface Southside Boulevard in the near future.

• For additional information about happening in City Council District 11, please visit Council Member Becton’s website: https://dannybecton.org/ Council Member Becton – dbecton@coj.net or 904-255-5211

Staff Reports:

• Neighborhoods Department – Bryan Mosier, Director informed the CPAC that Municipal Code Compliance, 630-CITY Call Center and the Neighborhood Services Office are all part of the Neighborhoods Department.

• Animal Care and Protective Services (ACPS) is also part of the Neighborhoods Department and they can use your help. Currently, the ACPS animal shelter is over capacity. If you can adopt, volunteer at the shelter or foster one of the young puppies or kitties, that would be greatly appreciated.

• JSO (Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office) – Lieutenant Randi Glossman – informed the CPAC that violent crimes are up 2.4% and property crimes are up 7.6% in Zone 3 in the past 30 days. Lieutenant Glossman encouraged everyone to practice the 9 pm Routine; do not leave money, valuables, car keys, garage door openers, wallets/purses, and guns in vehicles unattended, unlocked or overnight.

• Zone 3 substation – 8875 Liberty Ridge Drive, Suite 110, 32256 – 904-828-5463 pg. 3

• Duval County Public Schools – Paul Soares discussed the purpose of the 1-mill increase in ad valorem taxes. The 1-mill increase is primarily designed to retain experienced teachers, compensate other staff (such as security personnel and maintenance workers) and meet other operational needs, particularly in art, music and athletics. Voter approval is needed to increase funding. JPL – Jackie Spiritas, East Regional Manager, substituted for Eric Soriano and provided the following updates:

• The 2022 Summer Learning Program has returned. From June 1 to July 30, students will be able to participate at in-branch programs, numerous interactive virtual events, complete fun activities, participate in challenges, see magicians, and go on scavenger hunts. Participants can win prizes. All the Summer Learning Program events are free and open to everyone. To learn more visit: https://jaxpubliclibrary.org/summer-learning

• Drop-in Tech Tutoring is offered every Wednesday from 11:00am - 12:00pm at the Mandarin Branch Library. This weekly event offers 1-on-1 tech tutoring where you can learn how to stream and download eBooks, audiobooks, music, and video using digital media services such as Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy, and LinkedIn Learning. Please bring your library card and device.

• Free Summer Lunch Program provides free meals to children 18 years of age and younger. This program is funded by the US Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Call to see if you branch library is participating.

Municipal Code Compliance Division Report:

In the past 30 days, 989 inspections were completed. The systematic inspection that was scheduled for Pine Forest was postponed. A systematic inspection will begin on July 11, 2022, in the Englewood community. The Jacksonville Assistance and Relief or JAR program was reviewed. The purpose of the Jacksonville Assistance and Relief Program is to facilitate a means of compliance to those who would otherwise be unable to achieve it due to disability or economic disadvantages. The program’s objective is to provide the abatement services required at no cost to those citizens who qualify, thereby achieving compliance and beautification of the city while not unduly burdening its most vulnerable citizens. If you cannot comply with the violations on your property due to a disability or economic hardship, please feel free to visit: https://www.coj.net/departments/neighborhoods/municipal-codecompliance/jacksonville-assistance-and-relief-program

Derek Dixon provided the following updates:

• Work on the Buckman Bridge is expected to be completed in the fall of this year depending on the weather conditions. The project included enhanced signage and electronic overhead messaging to alert motorist of different traffic conditions. pg. 4

• Landscaping is underway on I-295 from the Buckman Bridge to I -95.

• One southbound I-295 lane onto the express lanes will remain closed due to supply shortages.

• Landscaping on San Jose Boulevard from Julington Creek to I-295 is expected to begin in the fall.

• The intersection of Kernan Boulevard and J. Turner Butler Boulevard (S.R. 202) will receive a $17 million interchange improvement. This project began on June 8, 2022.

• The converging diamond interchange at S.R. 202 and San Pablo Road should be completed in the next month.

Public Comment – Visitor John Nooney expressed his concern regarding land that was cleared cut from the 3000 block of Parental Home Road to Pottsburg Creek. Mr. Nooney has reached out to several local, state, and federal agencies to express his concern about the land that was cleared as well as the health of Pottsburg Creek.

Click here to see complete copy of CPAC Meeting Summary