City of Jacksonville, FL



District 1 - Town Hall Meeting

Francis Padgett Arlington Senior Center

November 27, 2017

6:00 P.M.

Meeting Convened: 6:00 P.M.

Council Member Morgan called the meeting to order and stated the purpose of the meeting was to provide the district with updates regarding Hurricane Irma and upcoming projects. Public Works Department, Neighborhoods Department, and Parks, Recreation, & Community Services Department directors were present to provide status reports. Council Member Morgan announced that Francis Padgett Arlington Senior Center was celebrating its 30th Anniversary.

Departmental Reports

Public Works

Mr. Pappas stated he participates in a monthly ride-a-long in the community with Council Member Morgan. He shared that approximately $60,000 has been allocated for new sidewalks in the Lansdowne area; $115,000 for sidewalk repair, and $760,000 for road resurfacing on Red Oak Drive from Pine Summit Drive to Rogero Road. To date, the department has collected over 1.4 million cubic yards of debris as a result of Hurricane Irma. In 2016, the debris collection was 800,000 cubic yards. A cubic yard is comparable to the size of a washing machine. Mr. Pappas stated that additional funding was available for hardscape repair, storm water & drainage system rehabilitation, drainage repair, pavement markings, golf course drive, and a football court.

Mr. Will Williams, Chief of Solid Waste Division, stated that the 1.4 million cubic yards of debris were collected within less than 45 days. He shared that debris is still being collected and encouraged residents to contact the division of any concerns.

FEMA

Captain Steve McManus, Jacksonville Fire & Rescue, provided statistics on the number of registered applications for federal assistance after the hurricane. Currently, there are 112,000 registered applications in Duval County. Capt. McManus shared information about next steps for FEMA assistance. Residents should expect to have a home inspection within 30 days. Also, they should be aware fraudulent contractors. If an application is denied, the applicant has 60 days to appeal. Applications that are approved have a requirement to obtain flood zone insurance.

Neighborhood

Ms. Stephanie Burch stated there was 1.2 million available for disaster assistance. The funds are for applicants that have been denied by their homeowner’s insurance and FEMA. The link to apply is on the City’s Housing Division website. Matching grants are now available. Out of the 30 applications approved citywide, two organizations within District 1 received the grant. A survey will be sent out in the next few weeks to inquire about housing & community development. Residents were encouraged to complete the survey so that data can be collected regarding what services and issues are important to them. The application for housing funds for non-profit organizations is expected to be ready in January with a March deadline. Ms. Burch announced that the First Coast No More Homeless Pets adoption event will be December 7th -9th at the fairgrounds. She stated that systematic inspections of the district would begin in January. However, the department will continue to respond to service requests.

Council Member Morgan commented that Mr. Tony Hill has been walking the district with her the past couple of months. She is actively working with the owner of Eagle Pointe apartments. Although there has been some progress, Council Member Morgan will continue to monitor the situation until all concerns are addressed.

Parks, Recreation, & Community Services

Mr. Daryl Joseph update included:

• Mercedes Benz Corporation made a $95,000 donation for improvements to the park closet to their business.

• Blue Cypress is on schedule to receive a pool and golf course upgrades. The city is currently looking for a new vendor for the golf course.

• Justina Road is expected to receive field improvements along with several ADA upgrades.

• Arlington Senior Center recently received lightening improvements and expected to get other upgrades this year.

Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office

Zone Commander Derrick Mitchell briefed the residents on crime statistics in the area. Property and violent crimes are down 2%. Due to the holidays, there will be additional officers at the mall. He suggested everyone pick up a copy of the holiday safety tips.  He stated that JSO would be hosting the Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) course which is designed to provide strategies, guidance and a proven plan for surviving an active shooter event. The Sheriff will walk the Cobblestone subdivision (Monument Rd and McCormick Rd) near the Police Athletic League on Saturday, December 2nd. JSO and Neighborhoods Division are partnering to host a citywide landlord training program. More information is forthcoming.

JEA

Renee provided helpful tips for saving energy costs. If traveling for more than two days, cut off your water heater. The thermostat should be on 68 degrees during the winter. It was also suggested to switch to LED light bulbs for cost savings.

Public Comments

Ms. SiIbbe McCany stated she had made several calls regarding code violations and animal cruelty. She suggested that the city maintain new sidewalks better to avoid so many repairs. Over a week ago, Ms. McCany had an issue with a gentleman at the Exxon at Arlington Expressway and Arlington Road. She was concerned that two calls were made to JSO and assistance was not rendered. Ms. McCany shared a positive experience with waste management staff.

Tamara Branum highlighted the December activities that are going on at the University Park Library.

Gregory Pierce highlighted the December activities that are going on at the Regency Library.

Dennis Hughes expressed concerns regarding trash pickup on Timber Lane in the Alderman Park area.

Delores Smith and family are concerned about flooding on Rogero Road near Ft. Caroline Road. The ditch in the backyard needs cleaning out which would minimize street flooding during heavy rains or hurricanes. Additionally, they were concerned about the excessive speeding on Rogero Road between Merrill Road and Ft. Caroline. The request is to add a four-way stop sign to assist with traffic control. The last concern was related to a neighbor running a mechanic shop in the front yard. Several calls have been made to Code Enforcement; however, after a few days, the neighbor goes back to business as usual.

Lad Hawkins

Mr. Lad Hawkins inquired about the proposed roundabout at Arlington Road and Rogero Road and the pending legislation regarding sea level. The Arlington and Beach CPAC is drafting a letter of support of the Planning & Development Department recommendation. The Senate is currently vetting Bill 527 in committee. Mr. Hawkins explained that this legislation would diminish local ordinances on tree protection. He stated that his comments about the JU roundabout were misinterpreted by the reported which resulted in him sending Council Member Morgan a full explanation.

Council Member Morgan stated that there would continue to be a lot of attention regarding the turbo roundabout. One of the important facts to remember is that traffic will continue but just a slower rate. There are still a lot of discussions forthcoming, and Council Member Morgan is committed to understanding all aspects of the roundabout.

Kathy Murano

Ms. Murano shared several concerns about potholes near Herlong Manor, continuous gunshots near the baseball field on Ft. Caroline, and potential drug exchange near University Club Boulevard.

Steven Coleman

Mr. Coleman stated that is issues with Eagle Pointe Apartments management have not been resolved.

Dennis Hughes

Mr. Hughes commented that the Justina Road community is moving toward positive change. He stated that the residents have the drive to improve individually and collectively. He stated many of the residents need assistance with education and employment.

Council Member Morgan invited the residents to the Council meeting on November 28th, the City Council Christmas Party on December 6th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and the next Town Hall Meeting on January 22nd in Regency Square Mall. She made announcements about events throughout the District.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:42 p.m.

Minutes: Yvonne P. Mitchell, Council Research Division

Posted 12.06.17 5:30 p.m.

Tapes: District 1 Town Hall Meeting – LSD

11.27.17

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