Charles E. Moreland

The Board conducted a workshop to discuss the search process for a permanent CEO. The Board engaged consultants to outline the search phases, which include defining candidate profiles, assessing and interviewing candidates, and selecting a candidate. The discussion focused on the desired leadership attributes for the next CEO, including innovation, strategic thinking, community stakeholder management, and organizational leadership skills. Board members deliberated on the necessity of operational utility experience and reviewed the current organizational structure, specifically the direct reporting lines to the CEO position.

The board held a regular session featuring a workshop on the Hurricane Matthew response, including reviews of storm preparedness and restoration efforts. Key actions included the approval of a resolution authorizing the Managing Director/CEO to make budgetary transfers within the FY2017 budget, the approval of a second time extension for the Southside Generating Station property sale, and the passage of a resolution requesting the City of Jacksonville to amend the JEA Charter regarding meeting frequency requirements. Additionally, the board voted to proceed with contract negotiations for Ernst & Young as the external audit service provider and reviewed various operational and financial reports.

The committee meeting included a briefing on local, state, and federal government relations matters. Additionally, the committee received a report regarding the status of the organization's current litigation, which covered both new and existing legal matters.

The committee convened to determine the proposed slate of officers for the JEA Board of Directors. Members unanimously voted to recommend specific candidates for the positions of Board Chair, Board Vice Chair, and Board Secretary to be presented to the full Board for a final vote.

The board meeting focused on the issue of utility capacity fee increases. Several stakeholders, including land use lawyers and developers, provided public comments expressing concerns about the impact of these fee hikes on ongoing and future construction projects. Key topics discussed included a request for a grandfathering clause for projects already permitted or under construction, the potential for non-refundable prepayments to lock in current rates, and a recommendation to phase in the fee increases over a three-to-five-year period rather than the proposed timeline. Attendees highlighted the economic strain the rapid fee increases could place on residential and commercial developments, particularly affordable housing projects.