Q: Last council meeting ran longer than usual. What made it so contentious?
A: The meeting extended beyond our typical timeframe due to two J Bill resolutions and a highly contested rezoning for a parcel on Owen Avenue, part of an old landfill site. After an extended public hearing where all but one person spoke against the proposed 96-unit multifamily development, the Council voted 6-12 to deny the land use change. The rezoning application also was denied.
Q: Can you explain what a “J Bill” is and why the Council considered two?
A: A J Bill is a resolution the City Council submits to the Florida Legislature to amend the City Charter on matters that can’t be addressed by local ordinance alone. If approved, it goes to the Duval County Legislative Delegation in Tallahassee, who can follow our recommendation or make their own decision. We considered two: one regarding the Jacksonville Aviation Authority, and another about the School Board’s General Counsel.
Q: What changes were made to the Jacksonville Aviation Authority proposal?
A: Vice President Howland worked closely with JAA’s board and management to refine Resolution 2025-0693. The final version removed the proposed name change that would have added “Aerospace,” struck proposed changes to board composition, revised language about the Cecil Airport economic development plan so it would be presented to Council rather than submitted, and updated procurement thresholds—raising the construction threshold from $50,000 to $325,000 and supplies from $25,000 to $65,000.
Q: The School Board General Counsel J Bill didn’t receive Council support. Why was that?
A: Resolution 2025-0695 would have authorized the Duval County School Board to employ its own General Counsel, independent of the City’s General Counsel. While not an unreasonable request—especially given the challenge of replacing the recently retired city attorney who served the School Board—the majority of Council members opposed it as a precedent that could countermand a significant component of our consolidated government. I had suggested alternatives in committee that would give the school board a strong voice in the selection process and the ability to request replacement of an attorney who didn’t meet their expectations. However, even without Council support, the Duval delegation can still move the J Bill forward if they choose.
Q: What infrastructure improvements are progressing in District 6?
A: Several projects are underway. The Loretto Road sidewalk from Mandarin Road to County Dock Road began construction in late September with substantial completion expected by April 2026. Sedgemoore Drive drainage improvements received seven bids, with the low bid at $613,948.42, awaiting contract execution. Design for the Palmetto Leaves Park soccer fields—including two rectangular fields, an Americans with Disabilities Act restroom facility, sidewalks, and a concession stand—is 80% complete. The pedestrian crosswalk at Greenland Road and Lake Fern Drive leading to Palmetto Leaves Regional Park is substantially complete. The Burnett Park Road drainage project was cancelled due to needed revisions and will be re-advertised.
Q: What did residents learn at the recent District 6 town hall?
A: We had a great turnout of neighbors who heard updates about Hartley Road improvements, the Mandarin Road sidewalk project, and pending improvements to various parks in the district. I also discussed the status of the RFP for my proposed development of an organization focused on preservation, beautification, and restoration of the district—similar to what the Springfield Preservation and Restoration group, San Marco Preservation Society, and Riverside Avenue Preservation organization do for their communities.
Contact Council Member Boylan at MBoylan@coj.net or (904) 255-5206.
