OFFICE OF THE CITY COUNCIL

117 WEST DUVAL STREET, SUITE 425

4^TH FLOOR, CITY HALL

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA 32202

904-630-1377

Neighborhoods, Community Investments and Services Committee

Special Meeting Minutes

November 1, 2016

Location: City Council Chamber, 1^st 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, Joyce Morgan.

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: 10:40 a.m.

The Chair announced that the topic for the Special Committee was FEMA assistance for Jacksonville in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew.

Steve Woodward, Director, Emergency Preparedness, Jacksonville Fire & Rescue Department, reported on Hurricane Matthew’s impact on Jacksonville and disaster recovery assistance that was available for citizens.

Director Woodard reported that 3,000+ Jacksonville residents and property owners had registered with FEMA for assistance. He indicated that a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) had opened and is operating at the Prime Osborne Center. The DRC is where citizens are directed to go to register for hurricane damage assistance.

Director Woodard introduced Major General W. Montague Winfield (ret) of FEMA and Gwen Robertson of the Small Business Administration.

Mr. Winfield explained the numerous criteria that would make residents and property owners eligible for the various emergency recovery funds that FEMA administers. He cited what kind of damages incurred that would make a property owner eligible for assistance such as flooding, homes that had been damaged by falling trees and food spoilage. He noted that if the homeowner had homeowner insurance that covered damage caused by the storm, the homeowner would be ineligible for FEMA assistance.

Mr. Winfield fielded numerous questions. He explained that registration for hurricane relief assistance would close on December 16^th. FEMA staff is still in the process of surveying and assessing hurricane damage.

The Chair announced at the next NCIS Special Meeting, the Jacksonville Journey would review crime statistics that determine where Journey resources are allocated. The presentation is in response to questions that the Chair had previously raised concerning Journey’s use of zip codes in its formula for allocating resources.

Other future topics for special meetings include libraries and the Tourist Development Plan. Council Member Joyce Morgan indicated that she will be conferring with library staff to arrange a presentation.

There being no further business, the special meeting was adjourned at 11:04 a.m.

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

11.02.16

Posted: 4:00 p.m.