JACKSONVILLE CITY COUNCIL

RESEARCH DIVISION

 

 

PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE MINUTES

 

MARCH 3, 2008

4:00 P.M.

 

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER

1st floor, City Hall

117 W. Duval Street

 

Attendance: Chairman Hyde, Committee Members M. Jones, Gaffney, Holt Joost, Redman and Yarborough

 

The meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m.

 

Item/File No.

Title/History

 

 

1.  2007-1348

ORD Amend Sec 191.114 (Attendance & Participant Standards for Public Safety Emerg Med Personnel at Special Events), Ord Code, to Remove Requiremts at Specified Indoor Events within 1 Mile of Jax Fire & Rescue Stations. (Wedner) (Req of Mayor)

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166, F.S. & CR 3.601 - 1/8/08

 

1. 12/11/2007 CO  Introduced: PHS,RCD

 

    1/2/2008 PHS Read 2nd & Rerefer    1/3/2008 RCD Read 2nd & Rerefer

 

2. 1/8/2008 CO PH Read 2nd & Rereferred; PHS, RCD

 

 

DEFER

 

2.  2008-27

ORD Implementing Sec 509.203, F.S.; Amend Sec 656.401 (Performance Standards & Development Criteria) Ord Code, & Creating new Chapt 165 (Public Food Service Establishments), to Auth Permitting Dogs within Designated Outdoor Portions of Public Food Svc Establishmts; Establishmt of Procedures by Municipal Code Compliance Div, & Enforcement; Amend Chapt 123 (Public Fees) Sec 123.102 (Fees Established) to Provide $250 Permit Fee, Non-Transferable, & Expire on 7/1/09. (Rohan) (C/M Shad) (PC Deny & PD Apv)

LUZ PH - 2/5/08, 2/20/08, 3/4/08

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166.041(3)(c)(2) F.S. & CR 3.601 - 1/22/08 & 2/12/08

 

1. 1/8/2008 CO  Introduced: R,F,LUZ, PHS (Per CP 2-14-08)

 

    1/14/2008 F Read 2nd & Rerefer;    1/14/2008 R Read 2nd & Rerefer

 

    1/15/2008 LUZ Read 2nd & Rerefer

 

2. 1/22/2008 CO PH Addnl 2/12/08/ Read 2nd & Rerefer; R, F, LUZ

 

 

DEFER

 

3.  2008-28

ORD Amend Chapt 366 (Groundwater Resource Mgmt), Ord Code, to Expand Regulatory Authority of Environmental & Compliance Dept & Environmental Protection Bd Over Surface Waters of the County; Amend Sec 366.209, to include Ticketing Authority; Create New Pt 6 for Mgmt & Regulation of Lawn & Specialized Turf Fertilization Including Lawns on Residential & Commercial Proptys & Public & Private Golf Courses; Ord to be Applicable Countywide; Education, Training & Record Keeping Requiremts for Commercial Landscapers & Fertilizer Applicators; Persons for Hire to Apply Fertilizer to Subject Propty must Successfully Complete Specified Training; Provide Guidelines for FL Friendly Landscaping; Provide Public Nuisance Declaration & Enforcemt; Provide Fertilizer Storage & Maint Requiremts & Inspection Prog. (Teal) (Req of Mayor)

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166, F.S. & CR 3.601 - 1/22/08

 

1. 1/8/2008 CO  Introduced: PHS,TEU,RCD,JWW

 

    1/14/2008 PHS Read 2nd & Rerefer    1/15/2008 TEU Read 2nd & Rerefer

 

2. 1/22/2008 CO PH Read 2nd & Rereferred; PHS, TEU, RCD

 

 

DEFER

 

4.  2008-30

ORD Amend Chapt 366 (Groundwater Resource Management), Ord Code, Create New Pt 5 for Local Implementation of Water Conservation Rule for Landscape Irrigation of St. Johns River Water Mgmt Dist; Provide: Jurisdiction (USD-1); Definitions; Landscape Irrigation Schedule & Exceptions; Variances from Specific Days of Week; Applicability of Ord; Enforcement; Penalties for Violation. (Radlinski) (Req of Mayor)

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166, F.S. & CR 3.601 - 1/22/08

 

1. 1/8/2008 CO  Introduced: PHS,TEU

 

    1/14/2008 PHS Read 2nd & Rerefer    1/15/2008 TEU Read 2nd & Rerefer

 

2. 1/22/2008 CO PH Read 2nd & Rereferred; PHS, TEU

 

 

DEFER

 

5.  2008-87

ORD Amend Sec 118.203 (Public Service Grant Criteria), Ord Code, to Estab the Priority Populations for Public Svc Grant Approp of (1) Homeless & Low-Income Persons & Families; (2) Victims of Abuse & Neglect; (3) Adults with Physical, Mental & Behavioral Disabilities & (4) Residents of Neighborhoods at High Risk of Crime. (Rohan) (C/M Hyde)

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166, F.S. & CR 3.601 - 2/26/08

 

1. 2/12/2008 CO  Introduced: F,PHS

 

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

 

2. 2/26/2008 CO PH Read 2nd & Rereferred; F,PHS

 

 

AMEND to include ”improvements to the Quality of life through Cultural activities” as priority #5

 

RECOMMEND APPROVAL AS AMENDED 4-0

 

 

6.  2008-88

ORD Amend var Secs of Chapt 118 (Public Svc Approp), Ord Code, to Clarify & Expand upon Definitions & Time Frames set by Ord 2007-105-E. (Rohan) (C/M Hyde)

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166, F.S. & CR 3.601 - 2/26/08

 

1. 2/12/2008 CO  Introduced: F,PHS

 

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

 

2. 2/26/2008 CO PH Read 2nd & Rereferred; F,PHS

 

 

SUBSTITUTE to add public agencies to those who can receive funding (pg3); strike lines 18-21, p.4 for duplication; reflect modifications in other Ordinance Code sections; remove underlining for current section; indicate this doesn’t apply to JEDC grants; remove reference to Human Services Council

 

RECOMMEND APPROVAL AS SUBSTITUTED 4-0

 

 

7.  2008-93

ORD Approp $8,916.66 from Recording Fees Technology Acct to the State Atty's Technology Fund to Purchase Computer Equipmt; Auth Funds Carryover to FY 2008-2009; Provide Oversight by State Atty's Ofc. (BT 08-75) (McCain) (Req of State Atty)

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166, F.S. & CR 3.601 - 2/26/08

 

1. 2/12/2008 CO  Introduced: F,PHS

 

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

 

2. 2/26/2008 CO PH Read 2nd & Rereferred; F,PHS

 

 

APPROVE 4-0

 

COUNCIL MEMBERS JONES AND YARBOROUGH ARRIVE

 

8.  2008-94

ORD Approp $10,000 from Fireman's Fund Insurance Co for Thermal Imaging Cameras & Equipmt; Auth a Grant Compliance Agreemt with said Co. (BT 08-78) (McArthur) (Req of Mayor)

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166, F.S. & CR 3.601 - 2/26/08

 

1. 2/12/2008 CO  Introduced: F,PHS

 

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

 

2. 2/26/2008 CO PH Read 2nd & Rereferred; F,PHS

 

 

RECOMMEND APPROVAL 6-0

 

9.  2008-98

ORD Declaring Surplus var Airplanes, Boats & Trailers & auth Sale; Waiving Sec 106.415, Ord Code, that Sale Proceeds go in Gen Fund and allow Credit to Unappropriated Revs to Fund Constrn &/or Renovation of a Zone 5 Substation & a Match for a Homeland Security Grant for a Marine Waterborne Facility. (McCain) (Req of Sheriff)

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166, F.S. & CR 3.601 - 2/26/08

 

1. 2/12/2008 CO  Introduced: R,F,PHS

 

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

    2/19/2008 R Read 2nd & Rerefer

 

2. 2/26/2008 CO PH Read 2nd & Rereferred; R,F,PHS

 

 

AMEND to place proceeds in a Special Council Contingency account to be appropriated in the future; to cite Ord. 2007-185-E as the source of the Homeland Security grant appropriation; to give JSO the ability to sell surplus items to other cities and counties at appraised value before taking bids.

 

RECOMMEND APPROVAL AS AMENDED 6-0

 

 

10.  2008-123

ORD Approp $4,178,213 from Banking Fund Loan Proceeds to the Gen Capital Projs Sub-Fund for Completion of Fire Stations 5, 32, 40 & 59 Prev Apvd by Ord 2006-1318; Amend Ord 2007-814-E (CIP) to Auth said Station Projs; Correct var Fund & Sub-Fund Errors made; Req Emerg Apv. (McCain) (Req of Mayor)

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166, F.S. & CR 3.601 - 2/26/08

 

1. 2/12/2008 CO  Introduced: F,PHS

 

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

 

2. 2/26/2008 CO PH Read 2nd & Rereferred; F,PHS

 

 

AMEND to delete emergency language; attach revised BT which adds project names; attach revised CIP which reflects previous funding

 

RECOMMEND APPROVAL AS AMENDED 6-0

 

 

COUNCIL MEMBER GAFFNEY ARRIVES

11.  2008-133

ORD Estab a Jax Citizen & Neighborhood Safety Initiative; Estab a Priority Population for use in Chapt 118 (Public Svc Approp), Ord Code; Set Policy re Law Enforcemt Concerns; Provide Enhanced & Uniform Public Svc Prog Reporting; Provide Estab of Goals & Standards. (Rohan) (C/M Hyde & PHS)

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166, F.S. & CR 3.601 - 3/11/08

 

1. 2/26/2008 CO  Introduced: F,PHS

 

 

READ 2ND & REREFER

 

 

12.  2008-134

ORD Creating Sec 111.350 (Neighborhoods Safety Trust Fund), Ord Code as a Dedicated Funding Source for Addnl Sworn Officers in Jax Neighborhoods; Amend Ord 2007-1131-E to Repeal Sec 5 (Accounting for Prog Rev & Expenditures); Provide for Status Report of Red Light Running Cameras, Bids, Vendor Selection & Schedule Installation. (Sidman) (C/P Davis and CM Joost)

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166, F.S. & CR 3.601 - 3/11/08

 

1. 2/26/2008 CO  Introduced: F,PHS,TEU

 

 

READ 2ND & REREFER

 

 

13.  2008-148

ORD Auth Fla Fish & Wildlife Conservation Comm to Estab Kings Rd Historical Pk as a Unit of the Thomas Creek Wildlife Mgmt Area to allow Public Hunting; Amend Sec 28.818 (Hunting or Disturbing Animals Prohibited), Ord Code, to allow said Hunting. (McCain) (Req of Mayor)

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166, F.S. & CR 3.601 - 3/11/08

 

1. 2/26/2008 CO  Introduced: F,PHS,RCD

 

 

READ 2ND & REREFER

 

14.  2008-150

ORD Auth a Traffic Control Agreemt with Forest Creek Condominium Assn, Inc. (Sidman) (C/M Bishop)

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166, F.S. & CR 3.601 - 3/11/08

 

1. 2/26/2008 CO  Introduced: F,PHS

 

 

READ 2ND & REREFER

 

15.  2008-161

ORD Reallocating $84,910.90 in Montgomery Corrections Ctr Projs; Transfer $84,910.90 to Complete the Supply Warehouse; Transfer $56,800.90 from "MCC E/F Insulation/Mold Remediation" & $28,110 from "MCC South Soundproofing"; Amend Ord 2007-814-E (CIP) to Reflect said Changes. (BT 08-090) (McCain) (Req of Sheriff)

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166, F.S. & CR 3.601 - 3/11/08

 

1. 2/26/2008 CO  Introduced: F,PHS

 

 

READ 2ND & REREFER

 

 

16.  2008-162

ORD Approp $442,000 from Propty Tax Rev to fund Filing Source Invoice Pymts for Remainder of FY 2008 in Accordance with Memo of Understanding with Clerk of Circuit & County Courts. (BT 08-093) (McCain) (Req of Mayor)

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166, F.S. & CR 3.601 - 3/11/08

 

1. 2/26/2008 CO  Introduced: F,PHS

 

 

READ 2ND & REREFER

 

17.  2008-166

ORD Amend Chapt 230 (Wreckers), Ord Code & Chapt 804 (Jax Traffic Code). (Sidman) (C/P Davis)

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166, F.S. & CR 3.601 - 3/11/08

 

1. 2/26/2008 CO  Introduced: PHS

 

 

READ 2ND & REREFER

 

18.  2008-180

ORD Approp $20,996.37 in Housing Opportunities for Persons with Aids (HOPWA) Reprogrammed Funds to Northeast Fla Aids Network to Increase Amt of Award Apvd by Jax Housing Comm; Auth Funds Carryover to FY 2008-2009. (BT 08-088) (McCain) (Req of Mayor)

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166, F.S. & CR 3.601 - 3/11/08

 

1. 2/26/2008 CO  Introduced: F,PHS

 

READ 2ND & REREFER

 

At the conclusion of the agenda items the committee heard a presentation from Kevin Gay, Director of Operation New Hope, about the organization’s Ready To Work program, which provides job readiness skills training, mentoring and life skills coaching to ex-offenders to help them enter the work force as productive members of society.  Mr. Gay stated that there are approximately 2.3 million persons currently incarcerated in the United States, many of whom are basically good people who made some bad choices in their lives.  Statistics show that about 95% of persons incarcerated will eventually be released and come home to the same communities and situations where they got in trouble once before. 

 

Jacksonville’s employment picture is going to face severe pressures in the next 10 to 20 years as the population ages and retires.  The large pool of ex-offenders returning to the community is a valuable potential resource for workers to fill the available jobs.  The Ready To Work program is very successful in turning around the lives of the clients it works with – they have a 5% recidivism rate (arrested for committing another crime) for clients who finish the program versus a 65 to 70% rate for the ex-offender population in general.  Their success is due in part to careful screening of potential participants and the ability to pick the best possible candidates.  Unfortunately limited available funding holds down the number of clients the program can help each year.

 

The next presentation was made by Ben Goldsmith of Circle Of Hope, Inc. in Springfield on his organization’s WorkNet program, which provides job preparedness, motivation, personal development and marketing and job interview skills to clients.  Eighty percent of the clients who begin the program complete the training and 85% of those completing the course subsequently find employment, with two-thirds of those employed being promoted within their first year of work.  The program is designed to be used both by ex-offenders and non-offenders who are for whatever reason hard to employ.  The Sheriff’s Office is beginning to use WorkNet in the jail as part of its DAWN program.  Mr. Goldsmith feels the program could be utilized in community centers to help people seeking to improve their employability, and in schools with students at high risk for dropping out.

 

The committee recessed the meeting in the Council Chamber at 5:00 p.m. and resumed at 5:05 p.m. in Committee Room A.  Chief Assistant State Attorney Jay Plotkin brought two juvenile offenders tried and convicted as adults to speak to the committee about crime issues and their personal histories.  Mr. Plotkin explained that most juveniles prosecuted as adults in Jacksonville serve their sentences in the jail (Pre-Trial Detention Center) rather than at the prison farm so that they can be kept segregated from the adult prisoner population and can take part in numerous assistance programs.  He introduced Steven, a 17 year old former Andrew Jackson High School student found guilty of carjacking and aggravated assault.  Judgment was withheld and Steven is serving 1 year of jail time and 3 years of probation.  Steven is a full-time student in the Duval County jail school.  Mr. Plotkin also introduced David, also a17 year old former Andrew Jackson High School student found guilty of 2 armed robberies (after a prior arrest for assault); judgment was also withheld in his case and he is serving 1 year of jail time.  Mr. Plotkin explained the procedure for withholding judgment, which keeps a felony conviction off of a juvenile’s record if that juvenile completes his sentence and probation successfully.  On a future job application or in an interview the juvenile can truthfully answer “no” if the question is “are you a convicted felon?”, but must answer “yes” if the question is “have you ever been arrested?”

 

Through questioning by Mr. Plotkin and members of the committee, Steven explained that he and his siblings were being raised by his mother while his father is in jail.  He regularly skipped school and hung out on the streets with older youth, many of whom sell drugs.  He was bored by school and did not listen to his mother’s or teachers’ admonitions about the importance of education.  Currently he is earning 3 B’s and 1 A in the jail school.  In answer to a question Steven stated that he used to attend church with his mother but stopped going as he got older. Steven hopes to earn a high school diploma and eventually go to college.

 

Through questioning by Mr. Plotkin and members of the committee, David explained that he, too, cut school frequently to hang out with the wrong crowd and followed their example of graduating from lesser to more serious crimes.  He suggested that positive role models are needed for the children in troubled neighborhoods; these children see few if any examples on a daily basis of people getting ahead in life by making an honest living.  Only the drug dealers and criminals seem to be having any material success.  Growing up he saw too many guns, too many drugs and too much violence to think that they didn’t represent “normal” life.  David suggested lots of after-school activities to give young people somewhere to go and something positive to do with adult supervision instead of hanging out on street corners looking for trouble.  He plans to enter an electrician apprenticeship program when he’s released from jail.

 

Jay Plotkin noted that several programs that have shown some success in dealing with the problems of juvenile offenders, such as the Children United with Parents (CUP) program for incarcerated parents to keep them connected with their children and the Communities In Schools program that helps determine the correct educational path for incarcerated youth, are both in danger of severe funding cuts.

 

In response to a question about what the City might do to help address the crime problems in neighborhoods, Steven and David suggested activities and mentors for young children to give them positive role models and help get them off to a good start in life, and also suggested, to the extent possible, keeping criminals out of the neighborhoods where they can prey on impressionable young children and get them started in lives of crime.  Both recognized the importance of keeping children in school, but did not have any suggestions about how that could be accomplished other than for parents and teachers to continually keep after young people to recognize the value of education.  They reported that they are doing well in the jail school in part because the classes are small, the teachers are motivated, and there really isn’t any alternative other than staying in their cells.  In response to a question about whether young people recognize the potential penalties they face if they commit crime and whether tougher sentencing serves as a deterrent, David stated that he didn’t think the severity of potential sentences makes any difference to juveniles.  They don’t spend any time thinking about potential consequences and don’t think that they will get caught by the system.

 

 

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at  5:45 p.m.

 

 

 

 

Jeff Clements, City Council Research

630-1405