RESEARCH DIVISION
FINANCE COMMITTEE
AGENDA MEETING MINUTES
December 4, 2012
9:30 a.m.
City Council Conference Room A
117 West Duval Street
Attendance: Council Members John Crescimbeni (Chair), Greg Anderson (Vice Chair), Ray Holt, Lori Boyer, Doyle Carter; Kirk Sherman & Janice Billy, Council Auditors Office; Peggy Sidman, Dylan Reingold, Jason Gabriel, John Germany, Office of General Counsel; Mike Corrigan, Sherry Hall, Tax Collector’s Office; Paul Crawford, Joe Whitaker, Jorina Jolly, Karen Nasrallah, Office of Economic Development; Public Works, John Jones, Public Works; Wayne Young, JEA; Sam Mousa; Joel McEachin, Planning Department; T. R. Hainline; Curtis Hart; Lynn Pappas; Jack Shad, Public Parking; Executive Council Assistants Scott Wilson (Redman), Belinda Peeples (Yarborough), Connie Holt (Holt), Stan Johnson (Gulliford); Merriane Lahmeur, Legislative Services; John J. Jackson, Council Research Division.
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 9:33 a.m.
The Chair proceeded to review the agenda items.
The Chair noted that Item #2, ORD-MC 2012-213, Amend…City Charter & Council Rules…to allow for Council Apv of Certain Economic Dev Incentive Legislation…had been substituted and recommended for approval at the November 29, 2012 Joint Finance, Rules & RCD meeting and would not be taken up.
On Item #5, ORD 2012, Approv $13,400,000 from the JIA/CRA Tax Increment Dist to fund (1) Duval Rd Expansion…& (2) Future North Access Rd….the Chair indicated that he had met earlier in the day with Council Auditors Kirk Sherman and Janice Billy and was inclined to defer the item. Council Member Greg Anderson, Chair of the TEU Committee, explained why TEU voted to recommend approval of the item on December 3rd with the caveat that in the interim before the next Council meeting, should the Auditors have questions or have any objections, he would be willing to re-refer the item back to TEU. Council Member Ray Holt, sponsor of the legislation, explained why he felt it was imperative to consider the measure, noting the economic risks entailed if there was a delay. Attorney T.R. Hainline expressed the hope that the matter could be discussed and considered in Committee because a number of key people had come from out of town. The Chair indicated that he would ask the Finance Committee members to consider a special meeting prior to the Council Meeting to consider the bill. Presently, the bill is deferred.
On Item #14, ORD-MC 2012-674, Repealing & Enacting new Sec 122.202 (Parking Rates at Municipal Parking Lots)….the Chair indicated that he had several questions on the bill that he would raise in Committee; he added that in the event that the issue gets bogged own, he would likely defer the measure.
Assistant General Counsel Dylan Reingold raised an issue regarding Item #22, RESO 2012-688, re Ad Valorem Tax Exemption for the Rehab of a Historic Structure at 580 Lawton Ave…
Mr. Reingold noted that the Committee was poised to vote for a tax exemption on property designated as landmark status though in actuality, the status of landmark had not been conferred and would not be conferred until January. Council Member Lori Boyer indicated that if the Finance Committee did not vote to recommend approval of this legislation, the property would not be eligible for the tax exemption that was effective in December. The Chair deferred the bill.
The Chair noted that at the close of the Committee’s business, there would be a presentation by the Mayor’s Office (Glenn Hansen, Budget Officer) providing the Committee with a CIP update.
There being no further business, the agenda meeting was adjourned at 9:44 a.m.
John J. Jackson, Council Research Division (904) 630-1729
12.07.12
8:30 a.m.