JACKSONVILLE CITY COUNCIL

RESEARCH DIVISION

 

 

PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE MINUTES

 

AUGUST 18, 2008

4:00 P.M.

 

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER

1st floor, City Hall

117 W. Duval Street

 

Attendance: Chairman Clay Yarborough, Committee Members Glorious Johnson, Bill Bishop, Ray Holt, Kevin Hyde

Absent: Mia Jones, E. Denise Lee

Guests: Council Members Jack Webb, Stephen Joost and Michael Corrigan

 

The meeting was called to order at 4:03 p.m.

 

Undersheriff Frank Mackesy introduced numerous members of the Sheriff’s leadership team in attendance and gave an overview of the highlights of the audit of the JSO’s operations compiled by Matrix consulting.  Notable points included:

  • Matrix recommends that the JSO reach 40% proactive patrol time (time devoted to meeting the community and engaging in crime prevention activities instead of responding to calls; the Sheriff would prefer to reach 45-50%).
  • The call diversion rate (calls handled over the telephone instead of by an officer on the scene) needs to be increased from 9% to 20% of calls.
  • Matrix recommends hiring an additional 40 sworn officers in the Patrol Division, but the Sheriff feels that doesn’t adequately reflect the department’s real needs and promotion patterns.  Vacancies in other divisions (Detective, Homeland Security, etc.) are typically filled by promotion from Patrol, perpetuating the shortage of officers there.
  • Matrix recommended shifting the staffing pattern on the overnight shift but the Sheriff does not believe that will work with the JSO’s current practice of overlapping shifts to deal with high intensity needs at particular times of day.
  • The School Board has already agreed to pay 100% of the cost of the school resource officers, but it’s doubtful they’ll agree to pay for the JSO’s 3 additional school safety officers (Officer Friendly).
  • The JSO has decommissioned its KingAir airplane but can’t sell it because it needs a $300,000 engine overhaul pursuant to FAA regulations.  With the increased cost and reduced availability of airline flights it may make fiscal sense to pay for the engine overhaul and put the plane back in service to bring back prisoners from other states.
  • Several of the Matrix recommendations will require extra money for double-staffing some positions temporarily while transitioning from sworn officer to civilian staffing.
  • The Corrections Division and the police academy are both very much understaffed.
  • The JSO plans to implement 90-95% of the Matrix recommendations.
  • In response to a question from the committee, the number of officers needed to staff the JSO for a 45% proactivity rate is 101.  The police academy can accommodate 130 trainees at a time; currently there are 73 trainees.  The JSO has a 5-year plan to get to what they consider to be full staffing (adding 225 police officers, 124 corrections officers, 84 civilians).

 

Consideration of the regular agenda commenced at 5:03 p.m.

 

Item #7, 2008-594, was taken up out of order.

 

7.  2008-594

ORD Amend Part 2 (Don Brewer Early Learning & Dev Ctr), Chapt 51 (Jax Children's Comm) to Provide for Contracting for Srvcs Performed at Ctr, Apv & Authorizing Operatn & License Agreemt with FCCJ for Operatn of Early Learning & Professional Dev Ctr at Brewer Ctr on Jax Childrens Commission Campus on A. Philip Randolph Blvd. (Rohan) (Req of Mayor & C/M Gaffney, Lee)

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166, F.S. & CR 3.601 - 8/12/08 addnl 8/26/08

 

1. 7/22/2008 CO  Introduced: F,PHS

 

    8/4/2008 PHS Read 2nd & Rerefer;    8/4/2008 F Read 2nd & Rerefer

 

2. 8/12/2008 CO PH SUBSTITUTED/Read 2nd & Rereferred; F, PHS

 

 

The committee engaged in considerable discussion of the mission and cost of the Brewer Center and of the necessity or advisability of the City being involved in the child care business.  In answer to a question, Lisa Rinaman of the Mayor’s Office indicated that the mayor is proposing a City commitment of $200,000 per year for 5 years to subsidize the cost of day care at the center for families who cannot afford the market rate to be charged by Chappell Child Development Centers, FCCJ’s contract operator for the center.

 

AMEND to place on file new license agreement to include Exhibit A

 

RECOMMEND APPROVAL AS AMENDED (FAILED) 1-4 (Hyde in favor)

 

 

 

Item/File No.

Title/History

 

 

1.  2008-340

ORD Amend Chapt 120 (Gen Employees & Corrections Officers Pension Plans), Part 3 (Corrections Officers Retiremt Plan), Sec 120.304(f) (Credited Svc; Time Connections; Prior Svc) to Include Fla Dept of Corrections (Certified Officers Only) as an Addnl Govt Agcy for Time Svc Connections within the Corrections Officers Retiremt Plan. (Germany) (C/M Webb)

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166, F.S. & CR 3.601 - 5/13/08

 

1. 4/22/2008 CO  Introduced: R,F,PHS

 

    5/5/2008 PHS Read 2nd & Rerefer;   5/5/2008 F Read 2nd & Rerefer;    5/5/2008 R Read 2nd & Rerefer

 

2. 5/13/2008 CO PH Read 2nd & Rereferred; R,F,PHS

 

 

AMEND to include current language regarding the Agricultural Department; remove extra parentheses on pg 1, line 7.

 

RECOMMEND APPROVAL AS AMENDED 5-0

 

 

2.  2008-372

ORD Declaring Surplus & Auth Conveyance to Operation New Hope Inc. for Constrn of Affordable Housing; Waiving Sec 122.424 (Appraisal/Assessed Value Over $25,000), Ord Code. (Dist 7-Gaffney) (McCain) (Req of Mayor)

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166, F.S. & CR 3.601 - 5/27/08

 

1. 5/13/2008 CO  Introduced: R,F,PHS

 

    5/19/2008 PHS Read 2nd & Rerefer;          5/19/2008 F Read 2nd & Rerefer;

    5/19/2008 R Read 2nd & Rerefer

 

2. 5/27/2008 CO PH Read 2nd & Rereferred; R, F, PHS

 

 

DEFER

 

3.  2008-559

ORD Approp $725,000 from Spec Law Enforcemt Trust Fund for 500 Tasers for Corrections & Bailiffs ($550,000), Crimestoppers ($50,000), the Justice Coalition, UNF - the Jax Commitment ($75,000) & Metro Kids Konnection ($25,000). (BT 08-150) (McCain) (Req of Mayor)

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166, F.S. & CR 3.601 - 8/12/08

 

1. 7/22/2008 CO  Introduced: F, PHS

 

    8/4/2008 PHS Read 2nd & Rerefer;    8/4/2008 F Read 2nd & Rerefer

 

2. 8/12/2008 CO PH Read 2nd & Rereferred; F,PHS

 

 

Former Sheriff Nat Glover discussed the intention behind the appropriation of $75,000 to the Jacksonville Commitment for a college readiness guidance counselor.  The School Board originally planned to hire 5 counselors as part of its commitment to the Jacksonville Commitment to assist students from families with no history of higher education navigate the college entrance and financial aid process, but the school system’s finances don’t permit the contribution. Private funding is being raised for the counselors and the Sheriff felt that contributing $75,000 from his forfeitures trust fund was a legitimate crime prevention use.

 

AMEND to add “enhanced equipment” to describe the taser purchase for police and corrections officers – approved 5-0

 

AMEND to delete the $75,000 appropriation to the Jacksonville Commitment  counselor hiring – approved 3-2 (Hyde and Holt opposed)

 

 

RECOMMEND APPROVAL AS TWICE AMENDED 5-0

 

 

4.  2008-573

ORD Approp $104,963.62 ($88,249.62 Continuation Grant from Fla Dept of Elder Affairs & $16,714 City Match to Continue the Fla Alzheimer's Offering Respite for Elders Living in Everyday Families Companion Prog Proj of the Independent Living Prog for 7/1/08 - 6/30/09; Approp Addnl Grant of 10% if Rcvd; Apv Temp Hrs & Positions. (BT 08-139) (RC 08-765) (McCain) (Req of Mayor)

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166, F.S. & CR 3.601 - 8/12/08

 

1. 7/22/2008 CO  Introduced: F,PHS

 

    8/4/2008 PHS Read 2nd & Rerefer;    8/4/2008 F Emerg/Amend/Approve 7-0

 

2. 8/12/2008 CO PH Read 2nd & Rereferred; F,PHS

 

 

APPROVE 5-0

 

 

5.  2008-574

ORD Approp $33,206 Continuation Grant for Fla Dept of Elder Affairs to Continue the Fla Alzheimer's Offering Respite Senior Companion Prog Proj of the Independent Living Prog for 7/1/08 - 6/30/09; Approp Addnl Grant of 10% if Rcvd. (BT 08-140) (McCain) (Req of Mayor)

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166, F.S. & CR 3.601 - 8/12/08

 

1. 7/22/2008 CO  Introduced: F,PHS

 

    8/4/2008 PHS Read 2nd & Rerefer;    8/4/2008 F Emerg/Amend/Approve 7-0

 

2. 8/12/2008 CO PH Read 2nd & Rereferred; F,PHS

 

 

APPROVE 5-0

 

 

6.  2008-580

ORD Auth 1st Amend to Lease Agreemt with Mandarin Emporium, Inc for 10501 San Jose Blvd, for use as a Pet Adoption Ctr, to Extend Term & Increase Rent. (McCain) (Req of Mayor)

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166, F.S. & CR 3.601 - 8/12/08

 

1. 7/22/2008 CO  Introduced: F,PHS

 

    8/4/2008 PHS Read 2nd & Rerefer;    8/4/2008 F Read 2nd & Rerefer

 

2. 8/12/2008 CO PH Read 2nd & Rereferred; F,PHS

 

 

APPROVE 5-0

 

 

 

 

8.  2008-595

ORD Auth a Land Trade Agreemt with Beach Blvd Venture, LLC to Exchange City Parcel RE# 167065-5000 (0.92 Acre with 2-Bay Fire Station at Intersec of Beach & Tamaya Blvds) for Portion of RE# 165285-0000 (1.78 Acres with a new 4-Bay Fire Station to be Built at No Cost to City) to allow an Entrance into a new Housing Dev. (Dist 3-Clark) (McCain) (Req of Mayor)

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166, F.S. & CR 3.601 - 8/12/08

 

1. 7/22/2008 CO  Introduced: R,F,PHS

 

    8/4/2008 PHS Read 2nd & Rerefer;   8/4/2008 F Read 2nd & Rerefer;    8/4/2008 R Read 2nd & Rerefer

 

2. 8/12/2008 CO PH Read 2nd & Rereferred; R,F,PHS

 

 

APPROVE 5-0

 

 

 

9.  2008-629

ORD Transferring Rev & Expenditures of $437,582.83 (Orig Approp in Ords 2005-1062-E & 2006-935-E) from Jax Network for Strengthening Families to the Jax Children's Comm to Administer the Prog; Auth Funds Carryover to FY 2008-2009. (BT 08-146) (McCain)

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166, F.S. & CR 3.601 - 8/12/08

 

1. 7/22/2008 CO  Introduced: F,PHS

 

    8/4/2008 PHS Read 2nd & Rerefer;    8/4/2008 F Read 2nd & Rerefer

 

2. 8/12/2008 CO PH Read 2nd & Rereferred; F,PHS

 

 

DEFER

 

10.  2008-636

ORD Transferring/Realigning $68,273 of Jax Children's Comm Spec Rev/Network for Strengthening Families Acct for more Effective Use; Auth Funds Carryover to FY 2008-2009; Extend Exp Date of Grant from 9/30/08 to 9/30/09. (BT 08-147) (RC 09-002) (McCain) (Req of Mayor)

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166, F.S. & CR 3.601 - 8/26/08

 

1. 8/12/2008 CO  Introduced: F,PHS

 

 

READ 2ND & REREFER

 

 

11.  2008-637

ORD Approp $10,000 Donated by BP Corp to Jax Fire & Rescue Dept to Purchase Alcohol Foam to Fight Ethanol Fuel Fires. (BT 08-151) (McCain) (Req of Mayor)

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166, F.S. & CR 3.601 - 8/26/08

 

1. 8/12/2008 CO  Introduced: F,PHS

 

 

READ 2ND & REREFER

 

 

12.  2008-642

ORD Estab Rev Fund Acct for Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Funds; Approp $2,048,693.32 in HOPWA Prog Funds to Jax Housing Comm to Execute Fed Prog Contracts for (1) $500,000 to Catholic Charities Bureau, Inc; (2) $65,000 to Gateway Community Svcs, Inc; (3) $140,000 to I.M. Sulzbacher Ctr for the Homeless, Inc; (4) $263,360 to Lutheran Social Svcs of Northeast Fla, Inc; (5) $560,000 to Northeast Fla AIDS Network, Inc & (7) $120,333.32 to City's Housing & Neighborhoods Dept for Admin Costs; Auth Funds Carryover to FY 2009-2010; Apv Positions. (BT 09-001) (RC 09-003) (Chastain) (Req of Jax Housing Comm)

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166, F.S. & CR 3.601 - 8/26/08

 

1. 8/12/2008 CO  Introduced: F,PHS,RCD

 

 

READ 2ND & REREFER

 

 

13.  2008-656

RESO Adopting Jax Fire & Rescue Dept's List of Improvements Detailed in their Study Report dtd 7/14/08 & Designating the 1st 5 yrs of Appendix "C" as the Fire & Rescue Station Capital Prog. (Alderson) (Req of Mayor)

 

1. 8/12/2008 CO  Introduced: F,PHS

 

 

READ 2ND & REREFER

 

 

14.  2008-682

ORD re Public Distribution of Goods & Svcs on Public & Private Propty; Amend Chapt 250 (Misc Business Regulations), Ord Code, as Amended in Ord 2007-611-E, by Amend Secs 250.101(g) (Definitions, 250.121 (Food Distributors; Trash Receptacles & Access to Restroom Facilities Required) & Creating New Sec 250.123 (Feeding of the Homeless for Bona Fide Religious Motivations), re Persons or Organizations Motivated by Bona Fide Religious Beliefs who Feed the Homeless; Provide Exemptions for such Persons or Organizations from Requiremts of Chapt 250; Provide for other Exemptions & Exceptions; Provide an Appellate Procedure re 1st Amend Issues; Apv Settlemt of Pending Litigation in Herkov v. City, re Feeding of the Homeless; Req Emerg Apv. (Wedner) (Req of Mayor)

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166, F.S. & CR 3.601 - 8/26/08

 

1. 8/12/2008 CO  Introduced: F,PHS,RCD

 

 

READ 2ND & REREFER

 

15.  2008-698

ORD Auth 2nd Renewal & 3rd Amend to Cooperative Agreemt bet City (For & On Behalf of JSO) with Duval County School Bd for the School Resource Officer Prog to Increase Max Indebtedness of DCSB for 2008-2009 School FY to $3,900,000. (McCain) (Req of Sheriff)

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166, F.S. & CR 3.601 - 8/26/08

 

1. 8/12/2008 CO  Introduced: F,PHS,RCD

 

READ 2ND & REREFER

 

Chairman Yarborough announced that the PHS Committee would be holding 3 community meetings to hear from the public on the subjects of crime and public safety and the Jacksonville Journey proposals.  The meetings will be held at the following times and locations:

 

Thursday, August 21st, 6:30 p.m., Clanzel Brown Community Center

Thursday, August 28th, 6:30 p.m., Webb Wesconnett Regional Library

Thursday, September 11th, 6:30 p.m., Twin Lakes Academy Middle School

 

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:47 p.m.

 

Jeff Clements, City Council Research

630-1405

 

Posted 8-25-08

11:30 a.m.

 

 

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