Argyle Area Civic Council

Minutes of the AACC Meeting Monday, September 20, 2010 at Denny's Restaurant

MINUTES OF THE ARGYLE AREA CIVIC COUNCIL
Held on Monday, Sept 20, 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, Doug Conkey, Greg  “Holly”  Rachel,  John Draper Thomas R. Martin, Alan Durant,  Alberta Hipps, Marie Splane

1. The meeting was called to order at 7:32 p.m.

2. Approval of Sept. Minutes.

Minutes approved David Hodges/Thomas Martin

3. Acknowledge/introduction of visitors

Clay County Commissioner Dist. 2, Doug Conkey

The final 2010-11 budget is about $43 million more than the $251.4 million tentative budget proposed in July, because the final version includes carry-forward funds from 2009-10 that are committed to various ongoing road and other projects. The tax rate is the same as 2009-10.

As part of the budget management process, all Clay County non-profits were cut by 27 percent; Conkey estimates a state $6 billion shortfall in 2011-2012; he hopes BP oil contribution may stave-off further downturn.

Clay County hopes for fishing and tourism to pick up soon. Conkey is planning to upgrade pavement status reports in the county including preventive maintenance estimates on roads along with continuing storm water projects.

Conkey reminded the group that Nov 2 is an important and historic election as the entire state cabinet is up for grabs. Impacts will be felt by owners of SBAs, Pension Plans, and other financial interests may suffer. Conkey reminded all to read amendments closely because the wording is slanted to make voters want to vote in a particular way; sometimes different than the voter thinks her or she is voting.

In other issues: Conkey addressed the overpass at Chaffee Road. He expects that overpass to open and the current traffic signal removed within two weeks.

Conkey expects any decision on Branan Field- Chaffee widening in Clay County to be made after the election.

Further questions and answers from the audience led to discussion about general issues such as health care cuts, property taxes, and lost wage increases anticipated.

I-295 interchange start is anticipated in Oct. Caution is necessary in picking a low-bidding contractor because this could lead to costly change orders.

Greg Rachel, Candidate for City Council Dist. 14, was invited to speak by President Bill Lewis. Rachel indicated he has been quietly planning his campaign while waiting for approval from his employer UPS. He told the audience that he supervises more than 18,000 UPS employees, is very empathetic to the neighborhoods of Argyle and anticipates he would be an asset to some underrepresented neighborhoods

Rachel believes city cannot be run as a business but should be of limited government while being business-like in efficiency

4. Committee Reports:

a. Transportation:

Nothing new to report as this topic was somewhat thoroughly covered during the Commissioner Conkey remarks.

Discussion on easement issues along Shindler that delay road improvement; .No answers to date

5. Economic Development  

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

Panera Bread is opening this week.

Further discussion by group about enticing other restaurants to Oakleaf area; desires include O’Charleys and Perkins to provide nice breakfast establishments.

6. Community proposals/guest speakers:

Former Jacksonville City Council President Alberta Hipps said the economy is a real mess but she feels that Argyle Commercial construction plans have not reached rock-bottom as yet.

Hipps updated her effort to close illegal gambling parlors in many Westside neighborhoods including on Youngerman and 103^rd st. as well as Blanding and Normandy Blvd.

The vote is just not there to pass Attorney General mandated city legislation outlawing those establishments at this moment.

Hipps invited the group to attend an open house for Jacksonville Mayoral candidate Audrey Moran on Saturday afternoon between 3p.m. and 5 p.m. at her home on Shindler.

7. Grant Writing Committee: nothing to report

8. Landscaping

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.

The Entrance sign at Youngerman and Blanding was discussed in detail; afterwards, Alberta Hipps Company The Hipps Group donated $100 toward repair; Marie Splane also donated $100.

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

John Draper said Mike Hogan will attend the AACC October meeting.

Bill Ellis reported a new Big Lots store is coming to Oakleaf Village Mall in late Oct.

12. Call to dismiss the meeting at 8:35 by Bill Ellis/Thomas Martin

Respectfully submitted,
Jim Kelly, Recording Secretary