Dennis W. Barron

The session included a briefing presentation from Pervis Growing Company regarding the results of the annual audit, which concluded with an unmodified (clean) opinion on the financial statements and no reportable internal control items. The auditors confirmed compliance with local government investment statutes and CRA redevelopment trust fund statutes, as well as compliance with ARPA funding requirements. Discussions covered financial highlights, noting a decrease in governmental fund revenues offset by an increase in taxes, and an overall increase in expenditures due to planned resurfacing projects. Enterprise funds showed increased revenues driven primarily by electric and water/sewer consumption. The session also reviewed a five-year schedule of net pension liability trends.

The meeting included the approval of previous meeting minutes, noting a correction to classify the January 26th minutes as a regular scheduled meeting instead of a workshop. The board proceeded to approve agreements for mural installations on six dumpster enclosures, following a committee review of eighteen local artist submissions, with plans to have artists refine renderings before the City Council meeting in April. Discussion ensued regarding the maintenance, lifespan (estimated at five years), and potential damage to the murals. The board also discussed proposed urban trail development. Staff recommended prioritizing the segment along South Beach Parkway due to feasibility and connectivity to existing funded areas, with a quote being sought from the previous contractor, Mayor Construction. Further updates regarding downtown trail segments and traffic study data for First Street are scheduled for presentation in March or April.

The meeting commenced with opening remarks and a moment of silence to honor the passing of Councilman Rick Knight, who previously served on the council and the board of adjustment. The council also recognized the passing of Dr. Sanjet Greywall, a Jacksonville Beach resident and highly skilled neurosurgeon at Mayo Clinic, and acknowledged community events including the Seawalk Music Fest and the opening of the J Beach Farmers Market. Council members provided updates on legislative matters, noting the status of property tax bills (HGR 203) and the local business tax bill (House Bill 103). Councilwoman Golding urged support for a state sovereign immunity bill. Council member Jansen provided an update on the rebranding of the Salsbacher clinic to Duval Family Health Center. Council then addressed city business, including approving the minutes from the February 17th regular meeting, a joint workshop, and a prior regular meeting. The agenda was approved. New business included awarding a bid for overhead transformers for Beaches Energy Services and initiating discussion on the continuation of the 10th Street South infrastructure improvement project.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the minutes from the November 10, 2025 meeting. The primary new business item involved PC 21-25, a conditional use request for an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) at 725 South 3rd Avenue in the RM1 zoning district. Staff recommended approval, noting compliance with current land development code requirements concerning lot size, ADU standards, and surrounding uses, provided the applicant adheres to specific conditions regarding massing, scale, and utility connection. A second item, PC 22-25, involved a text amendment to create a new chapter for reasonable accommodation requests related to certified recovery residences (sober living facilities), in compliance with State Bill 954 passed in 2025. The commission discussed that while current code allows these residences, the new chapter formalizes the process for resolving potential conflicts with other land development code provisions. The commission voted to recommend approval of PC 22-25 to the City Council.

The meeting commenced with opening remarks, an invitation, and a pledge to the flag. Council members discussed several key legislative items following updates from Council members concerning their activities at the Florida League of Cities legislative action days in Tallahassee. Key topics included the status of sovereign immunity bills and local business tax bills, with emphasis on encouraging support for favorable Senate versions and opposing detrimental land development bills, specifically the starter home bill (SB 948/HB 1143), which threatens local comprehensive plans and zoning codes. Additionally, announcements were made regarding the first Jacksonville Beach farmers market scheduled for February 10th and a Beaches Watch meeting on February 4th to discuss the city budget and potential property tax impacts. The City Manager provided an extensive update on recent power conservation efforts undertaken due to strain on the electric grid, noting successful demand reduction across participating municipalities. New Business featured the Public Works Director presenting a project for irrigation replacement and pond connection at the golf club, identified as a solution project related to Senate Bill 64.