Jacksonville



September 25, 2014

(1:00 P.M.)

Minutes of Ad Hoc Neighborhood Blight Subcommittee meeting of September 22, 2014

Topic: Neighborhood Organizations

Location: Conference Room A 4th Floor, 117 West Duval St., City Hall, Jacksonville, FL

City Attendees: Council Member Bill Gulliford, Council Member John Crescimbeni, Council Member Jim Love, Council Member Warren Jones, Council Member Lori Boyer, Council Member Reginald Brown, Daphne Colbert (Planning & Development), Elaine Spencer (Chief, Housing & Community Development), Kenny Logsdon (Housing & Community Development), Rosemary Wesolowski (Housing & Community Development), Mary Beth Ridderman (Housing & Community Development), Stacey Burch (Housing & Community Development), Margretta Haywood (Housing & Community Development), Darrell Griffin (Housing & Community Development), Yvonne Mitchell (Council Research), Carnell Oliver, Kevin Kuzel (ECA), and Stan Johnson

See attached sign-in sheet for additional attendees.

Meeting convened: 2:35 p.m.

Council Member Gulliford opened the meeting and introductions were made. He stated the purpose of the meeting was to discuss neighborhood organizations. Specifically, 1) how do we build a cookie cutter neighborhood organizational structure that would benefit others; 2) how do we encourage neighborhoods throughout the City to follow that organizational structure example when trying to get organized; and 3) define what constitutes a successful neighborhood organization?

Roberta Thomas discussed the changing demographics of her neighborhood, which has resulted in increased rentals and less homeownership. Also, she discussed the negative effects of investor home purchases within her neighborhood, the dwindling interest of residents to participate in neighborhood associations and the need for some type of legislation that regulates rental property. She mentioned New Jersey as a State having such legislation.

Council Member Crescimbeni reminded the group that most associations were developed as a means to challenge controversial issues and as that controversy decreased sometimes so does the community’s interest in the association. Gerrie Ford-Hardin informed the group of her efforts to get associations organized and to assist unresponsive associations to become energized.

The group suggested that all neighborhood organizations should: (1) Meet regularly, (2) Be structured, i.e., have officers and bylaws, (3) Have established crime watch programs, (4) Fight blight, (5) Conduct community engagement activities, (6) Ensure an awards/recognitions program is in place to reward achievements, and (7) Maintain an ongoing Educational program.

Elaine Spencer explained the challenge of managing six CPACs, which was previously managed with six employees, now with three employees; and the possibility of meeting some of the challenges through the use of college student volunteers.

The group was unsure if the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) conducted background screenings on potential renters but discussed the need for HUD to do so. Also, they discussed the home inspection process of the Jacksonville Housing Authority (JHA) as it relates to Section 8 housing.

Council Member Gulliford requested Council Research conduct a search for ordinances within the State of Florida that provide requirements for rental property owners (i.e. background checks, inspections, etc.).

Council Member Boyer informed the group that with respect to multi-family housing, the Jacksonville Journey’s Multi-Family Housing Task Force Report has put forth a lot of good recommendations, some of which have not been implemented. Additionally, the Consolidated Government Task Force, Neighborhoods Task Force has recommendations. She discussed the inaccuracy of the neighborhood associations’ boundary map and the need to adjust those boundaries.

Darrell Griffin confirmed for Council Member Crescimbeni that JHA does conducts criminal background checks but not background checks for credit or payment history.

Council Member Crescimbeni suggested notifying Northeast Florida Association of Realtors (NEFAR) and others organizations that may be affected if a version of the New Jersey legislation is to be considered.

Council Member Gulliford recapped the action steps to be completed before the next meeting 1) Council Research will conduct a search of ordinances within the State of Florida that outline requirements for owners of rental property (i.e. background checks, inspections, etc.), and (2) Improve the accuracy of the neighborhood associations boundary map. The next meeting will be held in mid-October.

Darrell Griffin asked whether the homeowner is notified when the Jacksonville Sheriff Office is repeatedly called to rental property to quail a disturbance? An answer will be provided at the next meeting. Council Member Gulliford adjourned the meeting.

Meeting adjourned: 3:45 p.m.

Minutes: Stan Johnson

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