JACKSONVILLE CITY COUNCIL

RESEARCH DIVISION

 

 

FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES

 

MARCH 31, 2008

2:00 P.M.

 

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER

1st floor, City Hall

117 W. Duval Street

 

 

Attendance: Chairman Shad, Committee Members Hyde, Joost and Lee (arrived 2:25)

Excused: Committee Members Graham and Clark

Guests: Council President Davis, Council Member Johnson (arrived 2:48)

 

The meeting was called to order at 2:07 p.m.

 

Item/File No.

Title/History

36. 2007-401

ORD re Duval County Courthouse Facilities Proj to Increase Max Cost to $395,300,000 with Funding of $263,500,000 as Detailed in 2004-1339-E & Auth a Bond Issuance of $131,800,000; Apv New Proj Description for Unified Criminal & Civil Courthouse; Amend Ord 2007-814-E (CIP) for all Components of "Duval County Courthouse Facilities Proj" Superseding Ords 2004-1339-E & 2003-1407-E (Sale of Constrn Bonds); Continuing Courthouse Architectural Review Committee. (Rohan) (Req of Mayor)

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166, F.S. & CR 3.601 - 4/24/07, Addnl 4/8/08

Committee as Whole Mtg - 1/30/08 at 5:00 pm in Council Chambers

 

1. 4/10/2007 CO  Introduced: F,TEUS

 

4/16/2007 F Sub/Read 2nd & Rerefer 7-0

 

4/17/2007 TEU Sub/Read 2nd & Rerefer 5-0

 

2. 4/24/2007 CO PH SUBSTITUTED/Read 2nd & Rereferred; F, TEUS (TEU 7/1/07)

 

1/14/2008 F Sub/Rerefer 6-0

 

1/15/2008 TEU Sub/Rerefer 4-0

 

3. 1/22/2008 CO SUBSTITUTE/Rerefer; Comm as Whole

 

 

RECOMMEND ADOPTION OF THIRD SUBSTITUTE AND RE-REFERRAL TO COMMITTEES

4-0 (Council President Davis voting)

 

 

Sam Mousa made a presentation to the committee on behalf of the administration regarding the revised program for construction of the county courthouse complex.  Mr. Mousa outlined his 32 years of experience in administering major construction projects in the public and private sector and explained that he is currently under contract to the City to review and oversee costs and plans for a multi-building civil, criminal and family law courthouse and office space for the State Attorney and Public Defender.  He stated that the existing courthouse is over 50 years old and is worn out and beyond economical repair.  A functional courthouse is required to be built both by state law which mandates the county to adequately house the court system and by voter mandate with the approval of the Better Jacksonville Plan (BJP).

 

In his opinion, now is a good time to be undertaking a major construction project as the national economic slowdown has contractors desperate for work and ready to bid very favorably to generate cash flow and keep their employees working.  Mr. Mousa believes that with a sharp eye for savings and a concerted effort at value engineering, the current $395.3 million project represented by Substitute #2 to 2007-401 approved in January 2008 can be reduced to approximately $350 million as proposed in Substitute #3.  He cannot guarantee that figure, but believes that it is a reasonably achievable goal.  He stressed that the “real” price of the project will never be known with any degree of certainty until the Council approves a plan and authorizes the administration to have detailed plans drawn and bid.  Only then will a firm price be known for the full project, from which the administration can then begin value engineering process. 

 

[Council Member Lee arrived]

 

Mr. Mousa stated that the project’s program managers will need the authority and flexibility to run the project and to make the value engineering decisions that will bring the project in on budget.  In response to a question about the operating costs of the new facilities, Mr. Mousa stated that operating costs have not yet been estimated, but the buildings will be designed to minimize those costs.  He also pointed out that remaining in the existing courthouse is operationally expensive because of its outdated design and declining physical condition.  In response to another question he stated that the new buildings will be designed with a 60-70 year expected lifespan.  He believes that if Council approves a plan in the next few weeks, 60% design plans could be prepared by the end of this year, ground could be broken in early 2009 and the courthouse could open sometime in 2011.  He stated that in his professional opinion the Prime Osborn Convention Center was not a good candidate for conversion to a courthouse for several reasons, including the restrictions imposed by its historic landmark status and its overall condition.

 

President Davis stated that he had originally been opposed to both recent proposed substitutes to the bill but has become convinced, after extensive discussions with the administration over the course of the last week, that the reality of the situation demands that a full courthouse complex be constructed now rather than later.  Construction will only become more expensive the longer a decision is delayed.  Chairman Shad urged the administration to more clearly explain to the public at large how the proposed $350 million third substitute differs from the original $190 million BJP plan.  Explain the three-building campus (new civil/criminal/family courthouse building, renovated former federal building for the State Attorney’s Office, and offices for the Public Defender in the Ed Ball Building) and how that differs from what the BJP $190 million plan envisioned.  Council Member Lee requested the development of chart showing the various iterations of the courthouse project over the years showing clearly how it evolved from $190 million for one new building to $395 million for one new building and two renovations, and how that cost can be reduced to $350 million as proposed, so that the public can understand the progression from one concept to the next.

 

Mr. Shad noted that the substituted ordinance will have its public hearing at the April 8 Council meeting.

 

23.  2008-204-204

ORD Approp $100,000 from Environmental Protection Fund for a Hydrology Study Report on Forecasted Effects of Withdrawal of Millions of Gallons of Water from St Johns River; Provide Oversight by Dept of Environmental & Compliance. (Sidman) (C/M Bishop & Yarborough)

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166, F.S. & CR 3.601 - 3/25/08

 

1. 3/11/2008 CO  Introduced: F,RCD,JWW,TEU

 

    3/17/2008 F Read 2nd & Rerefer

 

    3/18/2008 TEU Read 2nd & Rerefer;    3/18/2008 RCD Read 2nd & Rerefer

 

2. 3/25/2008 CO PH Read 2nd & Rereferred; F,RCD,TEU

 

 

Council Member Bishop spoke in favor of the appropriation.  Council Member Joost recommended that the scope of the study be expanded to include the effects of the proposed river dredging on the salinity level in the lower St. Johns.

 

MOTION TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL FAILS 3-1 (Lee opposed)                                             

 

 

 

1.  2005-1007

ORD Concerning Benefits Pertaining to Gen Employees Pension Plan, Chapt 120, Part II & Create New SubSec (J) in Sec 120.206 Providing that an Active Mbr who has completed 20 Yrs or more Credited Svc, regardless of age, may elect to retire & receive mbr's normal retiremt benefit, which shall be determined by multiplying 2% of Mbr's number of yrs & months of credited svc, up to a max of 80%, by mbrs' final monthly compensation provided Mbr's retiremt commences bet 1/1/06-6/30/06. (Dunham) (Jax Gen Employees Bd of Pension Trustees) (75 Letters of Support on File & 3 Ltrs of Opposition)

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166, F.S. & CR 3.601- 9/13/05

 

1. 8/23/2005 CO  Introduced: F

 

    9/6/2005 F Read 2nd & Rerefer

 

2. 9/13/2005 CO PH Read 2nd & Rereferred; F

 

    10/3/2005 F Sub/Rerefer 5-0

 

3. 10/11/2005 CO SUBSTITUTE/ Rerefer; F

 

    6/19/2006 F Amend/Approve 3-2 (Failed)

 

    8/14/2006 F Amend/Approve 2-3 (Failed)

 

 

DEFER

 

Council Member Johnson distributed a list of questions about the ordinance that she had received from the Retired Employee Association and urged the committee members to read them and to consider the implications of the change being proposed.

 

 

 

2.  2006-591

ORD Apv the Soutel/Moncrief Retail Redev Area in accordance with Chapt 163, Pt III, Community Redev Act of 1969, F.S., as Amended; Making Findings & Determinations; Estab a Redev Trust Fund Pursuant to Sec 163.387 of said act; Directing Tax Collector to estab 2005 Tax Assessmt as the Base for the Increment as Required by Sec 163.387, F.S. (Germany) (Req of Mayor & C/M Jones)

F Public Hearing - 7/17/06

ECID Public Hearing - 7/18/06

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166 & 163.358 F.S. & CR 3.601 - 5/23/06, 7/24/06

 

1. 5/9/2006 CO  Introduced: F,ECID

 

    5/15/2006 F Read 2nd & Rerefer

 

    5/16/2006 RCD Read 2nd & Rerefer

 

2. 5/23/2006 CO PH Read 2nd & Rereferred; F, ECID

 

    6/5/2006 F Amend/Approve 7-0

 

    6/6/2006 RCD Amend/Approve 5-0

 

3. 6/13/2006 CO POSTPONED 6/27/06

 

   6/27/2006 CO Rereferred; F,ECID (RCD 7/1/07)

 

 

DEFER

 

3.  2006-883

ORD Auth Lease Agreemt with Property Management Support, Inc for Tax Collector Office Space at 9680 Argyle Forest Blvd (5,000 Sq Ft at Oakleaf Crossing Center). (Dist 11-Holt) (Howard) (Req of Mayor)

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166, F.S. & CR 3.601 - 8/22/06

 

1. 8/8/2006 CO  Introduced: F,TEUS

 

    8/14/2006 F Read 2nd & Rerefer

 

    8/15/2006 TEU Read 2nd & Rerefer

 

2. 8/22/2006 CO PH Read 2nd & Rereferred; F,TEUS (TEU 7/1/07)

 

 

DEFER

 

4.  2006-1364

ORD Amend Sec 120.206(h), Ord Code, to Change Commencemt Date of COLA from April to January. (Dunham) (Req of Bd of Pension Trustees, Gen Employees)

Public Hearing Pursuant to  Chapt 166, F.S. & CR 3.601 - 12/12/06

 

1. 11/28/2006 CO  Introduced: F

 

    12/4/2006 F Amend/Read 2nd & Rerefer 4-0

 

2. 12/12/2006 CO PH AMENDED/Read 2nd & Rereferred; F

 

 

DEFER

 

5.  2006-1394

ORD Amend Chapt 751 (Septic Tank Superfund), Ord Code, to Create an On-Site Sewage Treatmt Disposal Syst Regulatory Prog. (Teal) (Req of Mayor)

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166, F.S. & CR 3.601 - 1/9/07

 

1. 12/12/2006 CO  Introduced: F,TEUS, ECID (1-9-07)

 

    1/2/2007 F Read 2nd & Rerefer

 

    1/3/2007 TEU Read 2nd & Rerefer

 

2. 1/9/2007 CO PH Read 2nd & Rereferred; F, TEUS (TEU 7/1/07), ECID (RCD 7/1/07)

 

 

RECOMMEND WITHDRAWAL 4-0

 

 

6.  2007-183

ORD Amend Sec 120.102 (General Employees & Corrections Officers Pension Plans), to Add New Member to Bd of Trustees for COJ Retiremt System; Redefine Selection Process for Citizens Trustees; Increase Number of Members for Corrections Officers' Plan Advisory Comm; Define Selection of Chairperson of Bd of Trustees. (Germany) (Req of Mayor)

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166, F.S. & CR 3.601 - 2/27/07

 

1. 2/13/2007 CO  Introduced: R,F,A

 

    2/20/2007 A Read 2nd & Rerefer;    2/20/2007 F Read 2nd & Rerefer;    2/20/2007 R Read 2nd & Rerefer

 

2. 2/27/2007 CO PH Read 2nd & Rereferred; R, F, A (Eliminated 7/1/07)

 

    3/19/2007 R Sub/Approve 6-0

 

 

DEFER

 

7.  2007-1005

ORD Creating Chapt 113 (Gifts to City) Establishing Method & Means of City to Accept Donations of $500,000 or more, Other Monetary Donations, Gifts of Personal Propty & Gifts to the Executive & Legislative Branches of Govt of Tickets & Admissions to Events & Travel. (Rohan) (C/M Lee)

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166, F.S. & CR 3.601 - 10/9/07

 

1. 9/25/2007 CO  Introduced: R,F

 

    10/1/2007 F Read 2nd & Rerefer;    10/1/2007 R Read 2nd & Rerefer

 

2. 10/9/2007 CO PH Read 2nd & Rereferred; R,F

 

 

R: DEFER

 

DEFER

 

8.  2007-1136

ORD Amend Chapt 120 (Gen Employees & Corrections Officers Retiremt Plans), Ord Code to (1) Provide for Re-Employmt of Retired Employees under Certain conditions; (2) Adjust Contribution Rate for City Disability Prog; (3) Provide for Adjustmts to Purchases of Svc & Time Connections; (4) Estab a Separate City Disability Prog; Create a New Part V (Gen Employees Defined Contribution Plan) to (A) Estab a Defined Contribution Retiremt Plan; (B) Estab Admin, Contributions, Vesting, Protection from Claims of Creditors & Investmt Rules; (C) Provide for 1-Time Irrevocable Election for Current Gen Employees Retiremt Plan Members to Transfer to the Defined Contribution Plan under Certain conditions; (D) Provide a 1-Time Irrevocable Election for Defined Contribution Plan Members to Transfer to Gen employees Retiremt Plan; (E) Provide for Continued Tax Qualification of System; (F) Provide for Conflicts, Severability & Codification. (Germany) (Req of Mayor)

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166, F.S. & CR 3.601 - 11/13/07

 

1. 10/23/2007 CO  Introduced: F

 

    11/5/2007 F Read 2nd & Rerefer

 

2. 11/13/2007 CO PH Read 2nd & Rereferred; F

 

    11/19/2007 F Sub/Rerefer 6-0

 

3. 11/27/2007 CO SUBSTITUTE/ Rerefer; F

 

    3/17/2008 F Sub/Approve 5-0

 

   3/25/2008 CO REREFERRED; F

 

 

DEFER

 

9.  2007-1207

ORD Directing the Preservation & Relocation of Fire Station #5 at 347 Riverside Ave, Consistent with Contractual Obligations with Fidelity National Financial, Inc; Provide for Study & Recommendation for Relocation to be Completed by 3/31/08. (Rohan) (C/M Johnson)

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166, F.S. & CR 3.601 - 11/27/07

 

1. 11/13/2007 CO  Introduced: F,RCD

 

    11/19/2007 F Read 2nd & Rerefer

 

    11/20/2007 RCD Read 2nd & Rerefer

 

2. 11/27/2007 CO PH Read 2nd & Rereferred; F,RCD

 

 

DEFER

 

10.  2007-1302

ORD Auth an Agreemt with Beach Boulevard Venture, LLC ("Beach") for Beach to Construct a Regional Stormwater Retention Pond for Benefit of Sandalwood Canal Flood Control Proj, City is to obtain Permits & Pay $2,000,000 for Required Mitigation based on 16.52 Acres of Wetland Impact. (McCain) (Req of Mayor)

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166, F.S. & CR 3.601 - 1/8/08

 

1. 12/11/2007 CO  Introduced: F,TEU

 

    1/2/2008 F Read 2nd & Rerefer

 

    1/3/2008 TEU Read 2nd & Rerefer

 

2. 1/8/2008 CO PH Read 2nd & Rereferred; F,TEU

 

 

DEFER                                       

 

11.  2008-27

ORD Implementing Sec 509.203, F.S.; Amend Sec 656.401 (Performance Standards & Development Criteria) Ord Code, & Creating new Chapt 165 (Public Food Service Establishments), to Auth Permitting Dogs within Designated Outdoor Portions of Public Food Svc Establishmts; Establishmt of Procedures by Municipal Code Compliance Div, & Enforcement; Amend Chapt 123 (Public Fees) Sec 123.102 (Fees Established) to Provide $250 Permit Fee, Non-Transferable, & Expire on 7/1/09. (Rohan) (C/M Shad) (PC Deny & PD Apv)

LUZ PH - 2/5/08, 2/20/08, 3/4/08, 3/18/08, 4/1/08

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166.041(3)(c)(2) F.S. & CR 3.601 - 1/22/08 & 2/12/08

 

1. 1/8/2008 CO  Introduced: R,F,LUZ, PHS (Per CP 2-14-08)

 

    1/14/2008 F Read 2nd & Rerefer;    1/14/2008 R Read 2nd & Rerefer

 

    1/15/2008 LUZ Read 2nd & Rerefer

 

2. 1/22/2008 CO PH Addnl 2/12/08/ Read 2nd & Rerefer; R, F, LUZ

 

3. 2/12/2008 CO PH Only

 

    3/19/2008 R Deny 6-0

 

 

R: RECOMMEND DENIAL

 

DEFER

 

12.  2008-90

ORD Approp $36,297 from Subsidies & Contributions to Private Organizations Acct to allow Jax Children's Comm to assume Screening & Training of Volunteers serving as Mentors in Duval Co; Apv Temp Hrs. (BT 08-068) (RC 08-363) (McCain) (Req of Mayor)

Public Hearing Pursuant to Chapt 166, F.S. & CR 3.601 - 2/26/08

 

1. 2/12/2008 CO  Introduced: F,RCD

 

    2/19/2008 F Read 2nd & Rerefer

 

    2/20/2008 RCD Read 2nd & Rerefer

 

2. 2/26/2008 CO PH Read 2nd & Rereferred; F,RCD