OFFICE OF THE CITY COUNCIL

 

117 WEST DUVAL STREET, SUITE 425

4TH FLOOR, CITY HALL

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA 32202

904-630-1377

 

 

 Neighborhoods, Community Investments and Services Committee

Special Meeting Minutes

 December 5, 2016

 

 

Location:  City Council Chamber, 1st floor, City Hall – St. James Building; 117 West Duval Street

 

In attendance: Council Members Scott Wilson (Chair), Reggie Brown (Vice Chair), Anna Lopez Brosche, Doyle Carter, Garrett Dennis, Bill Gulliford.

 

Also: Kyle Billy – Council Auditor’s Office; Peggy Sidman  – Office of General Counsel; Jeff Clements and John J. Jackson – Council Research Division; Juliette Williams – Legislative Services Division; Jessica Baker – Mayor’s Office

 

Meeting Convened: 10:25 a.m.

 

The first topic for the Special Meeting was the Jacksonville Public Library.  Library Director Barbara Gubbin was joined by Luis Flores, Director, Public Buildings Division, Public Works Department.

 

Ms. Gubbin began with statistics that attest to the library’s significance and popularity to the citizens of Jacksonville, young and old, student and non-student.  Last year, alone, she reported that the Jacksonville Public Library loaned 5.7 million items. 

 

She explained that there was a declining demand for physical items (i.e. books) being borrowed and an increased demand for on-line items.  There was a decrease in the use of the library’s computer access and an increase demand for Wi-Fi in the libraries.

 

Ms. Gubbin reported that JPL was creating technology labs in the downtown library anchor that provide visitors with hands-on experiences.  Previously, the library was viewed as only a venue for the passive consumption of information.

 

She reported that the library is committed to upgrading children’s rooms in the branch libraries to make the rooms more inviting and attractive.  There is less demand for storytelling for children that amount to mere entertaining and an increased demand for entertaining story times that build early literacy skills and parenting skills.

Ms. Gubbin lauded the Duval County Public Schools and its initiatives to infuse the library downtown with young students who are having library cards and borrowing books for the first time at an early age

 

Ms. Gubbins explained how more and more people and organizations are using the library as gathering places.  There are demands for meeting rooms.

 

Both Ms. Gubbins and Mr. Flores explained and fielded questions on the library and maintenance issues. 

Ms. Gubbin acknowledged that some of the branch libraries are exceedingly small in size and capacity for the growing neighborhoods where they are located.  Currently, a top priority is to provide Oceanway with a library.

 

She explained that the Jacksonville Public Library is constrained from making needed improvements because of the lack of funding.  Prioritizing was key.  Examples of the library’s maintenance needs include painting, carpet cleaning, landscaping, pressure washing and furniture reupholstering.  

 

Ms. Gubbin cited improvements that are being made at the Beaches library, improvements that included roof replacement, upgrading landscaping and other physical improvements.

 

Ms. Gubbins indicated that the State of Florida is poised to allocate $200,000 less in the library grant  assistance to the library in the coming year.  It is all about prioritizing maintenance projects with the identification of funding sources.

 

 

Council President Lori Boyer had suggested that Mr. John Zona make a presentation to the Committee on recommendations for the waterways activation initiative.  Formerly with the Haskell Company, Mr. Zona meets regularly with fellow architects to discuss the creation of a long-term for a vision for Jacksonville.

 

Mr. Zona’s presentation underscored connectivity and the City’s embrace of the river in its design planning.  He said that projects in and of themselves are not a vision.

 

He compared San Antonio, Texas a city that created a thriving river and riverfront activities in what was previously characterized as a ditch,  and Jacksonville that already has an expansive river with lackluster riverfront activity.

 

Mr. Zona recommended the creation of gateways on both sides of the river.  Gateway activity plazas were imperative.  The gateway plazas provide people gathering opportunities.

 

Mr. Zona will return to future Special Meetings to make further recommendations.

 

There being no further business, the Special Meeting was adjourned at 11:44 a.m.

 

 

John J. Jackson, Council Research Division   (904) 630-1729

 

12.07.16

Posted: 4:00 p.m.