RESEARCH DIVISION
TRANSPORTATION, ENERGY & UTILITIES SPECIAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
October 3, 2016
Lynwood Roberts Room
Ground Floor, City Hall
117 W. Duval Street
Attendance: Council Members: Al Ferraro (Chair), Doyle Carter (Vice Chair), Greg Anderson, Anna Lopez Brosche, Reggie Brown, John Crescimbeni, Reggie Gaffney; Assistant General Counsel Paige Johnston; Kim Taylor, Council Auditor’s Office; Jordan Elsbury, Administration, Yvonne Mitchell, John J. Jackson, Council Research Division; Legislative Assistant Philip Zamarron.
The Chairman called the special committee meeting to order at 2:35 p.m.
The focus of the Special Committee Meeting was how the School Board & City Council work together regarding sidewalks near schools.
Don Nelson, Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Duval County Public Schools, made the presentation on hazardous walking conditions. He explained that Florida Statute 1006.23 defined what constituted a hazardous walking area. The Florida Department of Education has a Hazardous Walking Site Review Checklist that is used to determine a location’s eligibility to be considered as a Hazardous Walking Area for students. Student is defined as any public school student whose grade level does not exceed grade 6. DOE’s checklist is submitted to the City’s School Safety Committee for review and evaluation. The City’s School Safety Committee consists of representatives from the School Board, the City, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and others.
If an area is considered hazardous for walking because of traffic, the School Board provides transportation for students who walk to and from an area public school.
In Duval County there have been 83 locations that have been identified as hazardous walking locations. There are an additional 44 locations that are under re-evaluation. There are 39 locations that meet the criteria as hazardous and are awaiting determination by the governmental agency holding jurisdiction regarding corrections.
John Pappas, Director, Public Works Department, explained the City’s policy regarding signage and the placement of flashing lights at elementary schools.
Council Member Reggie Brown questioned why charter schools were not in the consideration for hazardous walking areas. Mr. Nelson explained that the School Board focuses its concerns and policy on public schools. Mr. Brown had a number of questions about charter schools located in his Council District.
Laurie Santana, Planning & Development Department, explained legislation being crafted by the Florida Legislature that would require developers to consider cross walking safety planning before any development plans are approved or permitted.
There were numerous questions about particular locations and schools within respective Council Districts.
There being no further business, the special meeting was adjourned at 3:13 p.m.
John J. Jackson, Council Research Division (904) 630-1729
Posted: 10.25.16 11:00 a.m.