LIVE BLOG: MOBILITY FEE MORATORIUM: Rules&Finance Committee

[TheCat]

Clark:

We didn't lose as much money as we thought we had lost because the initial mobility fees (the ones that were waived) did not receive credits because there was no point. The fee was waived.

[jcjohnpaint]

Did Clark just come from a golf game? 

[Bridges]

Did Clark just come from a golf game? 

We were lucky to have the esteemed councilman from St. johns county even show up.  His play in this game is solely for future backing in other races. 

[jcjohnpaint]

you think he could  buy a suit with his special interest money.  This guy is a dunce

[Cheshire Cat]

Clark has likely spent his day with lobbyists and on the phone with Daniel Davis and others and perhaps some time visiting with Tony at the Landing. 

[TheCat]

Clark:
Traffic projects never came from fair share fees. Not one road project was funded by fair share. It covered gaps. It did that. Mobility Fee will not cover costs for projects either.

The reason why bike and pedestrian topics are never discussed is because no one ever championed it.

We can still fund these projects. And, if you honestly believe that the end user does not pay for fees on the developer you are absolutely wrong.

We know why people go in droves to St. Johns county...it's their school system. They have the number one school system in the state. If you really want to improve our economy help our school board build a better school system.

[Cheshire Cat]

Richard is busy trying to form friendships with folks he think may be willing to back him in another political run of some sort.  He is certainly not a "favorite" in political circles but has learned how to play the game from both ends.  Showing up in such casual dress to me speaks of how "casually" he takes the peoples business.

[Cheshire Cat]

Someone should check Richards council calendar and see just where and with whom he spent time today and the last couple of weeks. 

[acme54321]

Does the mayor have veto power on this?

[fsujax]

The Mobility Fee can also be used to leverage match for federal and state funds to help fund transportation projects! I wish someone would bring that up.

[Cheshire Cat]

acme, yes!

[tufsu1]

I believe the Mayor would need to sign or veto any action taken by Council

[TheCat]

Bishop:
reaffirms that he cannot support the bill. Three years is too long. He suggests a new mobility plan committee to address some of the fee issues. Asks that bill be deferred. Bishop praises the initial MP committee. It was a great cross section of industry,government, public working together.

Very interesting. Bishop suggests creating a new committee to research and study the mobility fee structure further. This suggestion might just defer the bill.

[TheCat]

Crescimbini asks Skyles "do you think the construction industry is hurting?" Skyles "yes, but getting better."

Crescimbini: Deferring the bill would be kicking the can down the road. It would be like "putting a moratorium on the moratorium." Wants to see if they can hammer out a bill in the short term while they are waiting on the committee to come up with long term suggestion.

Bill is deferred. Unanimous decision. Clark said "nay" but he is not on the committee.

Bishop will be forming a committee for a long term solution. Crescembini will be working out a short term solution.

The moratorium could very well be lost in the shuffle. 

Meeting over.

Bye everyone. This is TheCat and This is Jacksonville! (working out catch phrases).

[Cheshire Cat]

I hope Mr. Bishop and Mr. Crescimbini tap Ennis for some insight on these plans, as well as so many others who know what should go into a mobility plan.  Well done everyone!