City Council Meeting, April 8th, 2008

[stephendare]

From the Florida Times Union.

Not much happening tonight except the vote on Jay Jabours replacement election.

ISSUE: Craig Airport runway extension.

What it means: Amends the city's comprehensive plan to allow for a runway extension at the Arlington airport. The Jacksonville Aviation Authority, which is seeking the extension, has asked that the bill be withdrawn. A public hearing also is scheduled for the bill.

Bill No. 2008-249

ISSUE: Courthouse complex.

What it means: Public hearing on the latest plan for the Duval County Courthouse complex. It calls for spending $350 million, up from the current $263.5 million authorized for the project.

Bill No. 2007-401

ISSUE: Septic tank regulations.

What it means: Creates new regulations surrounding septic tanks in residential areas, including requiring that they be inspected and pumped once every five years. Mayor John Peyton's administration is asking the council to withdraw the bill.

Bill No. 2006-1394

ISSUE: City Council vacancies.

What it means: Declares that the at-large Group 2 council seat is vacant and authorizes a special election between Theresa Graham and Bob Harms on Aug. 26. Also creates qualifying deadlines and sets the same election date for any seats that become vacant before June 16.

Bill No. 2008-206

ISSUE: Temporary RV parks.

What it means: Creates new guidelines surrounding temporary RV parks associated with city-sanctioned events such as the Florida-Georgia football game. Requires zoning approval and bans parks from operating for more than 14 consecutive days. Also imposes new fees.

Bill No. 2008-209

For more information about any agenda item, contact the council secretary's office at (904) 630-1404 or go to www.coj.net.

[Driven1]

hmm...wonder why mr. mayor is asking the council to withdraw the septic bill....that was his baby if i remember?   i can only think that it may be a drain on city resources to pay the inspectors...i mean, when ur septic overflows, not really much u can do - you gonna get it pumped.

[thelakelander]

Bill No. 2008-249

ISSUE: Courthouse complex.

What it means: Public hearing on the latest plan for the Duval County Courthouse complex. It calls for spending $350 million, up from the current $263.5 million authorized for the project.

This could be interesting.  Its probably already a done deal, but I'm sure there will be some interesting comments from the public tonight.

[Noone]

Still interesting.

[NotNow]

How is it possible that we are getting bambozzeled into a $350 MILLION DOLLAR courthouse?  In todays building market?  Is there ANY other county that has spent this much money on a courthouse in the country?  Another hundred million dollars while city employees get the excuses.  Unbelievable!

[wsansewjs]

How is it possible that we are getting bambozzeled into a $350 MILLION DOLLAR courthouse?  In todays building market?  Is there ANY other county that has spent this much money on a courthouse in the country?  Another hundred million dollars while city employees get the excuses.  Unbelievable!

NotNow,

I thought you already knew this?! The money was already set to the side for the Courthouse before this economy took a hit. The capital funds were already set up and planned. It was just built late.

Blame on the taxpayers of the Duval County including myself, you, and others!

-Josh

[NotNow]

If the council has not voted on it, then the money is not "set aside".  As for the Mayor, we also chose City Council, who have all of the fiscal authority in our system.

[Dog Walker]

The courthouse is not only ridiculously expensive, but it is also UGLY!  It squats like a big toad in the middle of downtown and makes you expect to see toga-clad philosophers walking around the columns.  This in the 21st Century....

There's an old joke about a camel being a horse designed by a committee.  Look what a committee of judges can come up with.  UGH!

[Timkin]

my sentiment exactly, DW.  A huge ugly ridiculous waste of money. One of many examples