Argyle Area Civic Council

Agenda of the AACC Meeting Monday, August 16, 2010 7:30 pm Denny's Restaurant

MINUTES OF THE ARGYLE AREA CIVIC COUNCIL
Held on Monday, Aug 16, 2010 at 7:30 P.M.
Denny's Restaurant, 8409 Blanding Boulevard
Jacksonville, Florida 32244

PRESENT: Bill Lewis, President; Tom Dumas, Vice president, Al Durant, Treasurer; Jim Kelly, Recording Secretary;, David Hodges, Transportation/Economic Development Chair, Marie Splane, Ken Shirey, Bill Ellis, Thomas R. Martin, John Draper, Sherrie Porter, Don Christenson, Tony Bates, Joe Andrews, Jim Love and Mark Hulsey

1. The meeting was called to Order at 7:50 p.m.

2. Approval of July. Minutes.

Minutes approved Bill Ellis/Allen Durant

3. Acknowledge/introduction of visitors

Sheri Porter, aide to US Representative Cliff Stearns

Rose to advise group that Rep. Cliff Stearns does not support memos from the administration to the Office of Chief Council supporting the delay of deportation due to circumstances of illegal aliens already in custody

A lengthy discussion by the Argyle Area Civic Association lead to even more even more questions about the timeliness and urgency of making such a decision. Ultimately the group agreed to continue monitoring the suggestion and self-educate about the intent of US Citizenship and Immigration Services on www.uscis.gov. The group is, without all the facts, unlikely to support the idea of keeping any illegal alien in this country.

This topic promoted further group discussion led by Tom Dumas on the need for all parties to work together; Find ways to negate high powered entities from controlling the destiny of the many for the good of the few.

Since the group was on a political bent some discussion about National and State candidates offered various individuals to express appreciation for some candidates while questioning qualifications of some others; Preferences were expressed but no decisions at this early date, especially for Mayor, Council and Clay Commissioner Seats.

The group alluded the lame duck session of congress will lead to division and prove very non-productive for either the administration or congress.

A couple of candidates attended the August session:

Jim Love is running for Council District 14 seat to replace term limited Councilman Corrigan. Love introduced himself as a State Farm Agent, former US Navy Capt. and Naval Aviator, and a 27-year resident in Riverside. 

The AACC took the opportunity to welcome Mr. Love and offer a suggestion: When re-districting occurs, please help Argyle Neighborhoods to be placed in the Westside districts instead of the current ill-fitting Dist. 14.

Another guest, Joe Andrews is running for City Council District 12. He expressed interest in lowering city spending habits, citing as example, the city giving back $4 million to the NFL Franchise. This small amount might have been spent better ways and would not help keep the Jags in Jacksonville many agreed.

Andrews said he believes a spending moratorium on all projects except council approved emergency repairs and upkeep would be a smart thing to do for the next 3 years.

Next to speak was Mark Hulsey running for Judicial Group 25, 4^th District Seat. This election is to replace retiring Judge William Wilkes. While Hulsey says he has utmost respect for his opponent, Hulsey believes his many years of civil law verses his opponent’s several years of criminal law is an important distinction in favor of Hulsey. Hulsey asserts that this position traditionally hears cases comprised of civil trials and nearly three-fourths of all cases brought forward are in his [Hulsey’s] area of expertise.

4. Committee Reports:

a. Transportation:

• The Collins Road extension is behind construction schedule; The problem appears to be unable to get permitting to move small infrastructure projects along in a timely manner;

5. Business Development

La Napolera will open in the former “Up the Creek Restaurant at Oakleaf Village Center.

6. Community proposals/guest speakers: none 

7. Grant Writing Committee: nothing to report

8. Landscaping

Tom Martin said some sidewalk has been repaired in areas of Watermill where tree roots uprooted the concrete.

Tom Dumas reported that the Argyle Area Community Garden is nearing grand opening and fall planting is beginning. The garden now has an executive director, Sandi Newman. The garden is at 7100 Park City Drive. Scouts might volunteer at the newly designated 501c3 and win merit badges for their work.

9. Treasurer’s Report
Allen Durant reported that the treasury balance is now $244.74 and $45 at VyStar Credit Union and three members, Durant, Bill Lewis and Jim Kelly are check signing authorized as of this time.

10. Old Business:
none

11. New Business

David Hodges offered advice to discourage Canada Geese. A fake fox now swirls as it is driven by the wind to scare the winged-poopers.

Look for a City Council debate sponsored by AACC in Feb. 2011

NEW Business: Tony Bates of Concerned Taxpayers invited AACC members to visit Picadilly Restaurant at I-10 and Lane to discuss issues.

The meeting concluded at 8:55 p.m. Splane/Durant

Respectfully submitted,
Jim Kelly, Recording Secretary