Jacksonville Beach CRA Debates Security Funding for Downtown Businesses, Considers High-Resolution Cameras
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Meeting Type:
Community Redevelopment Agency
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Meeting Date:
08/26/2024
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Recording Published:
08/26/2024
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Duration:
79 Minutes
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State:
Florida
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County:
Duval County
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Towns:
Jacksonville Beach
- Meeting Overview:
The Jacksonville Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting on security funding for downtown businesses and the potential implementation of high-resolution cameras instead of subsidizing security costs for private establishments.
The most significant topic of the meeting revolved around the proposal to use public funds to subsidize security costs for downtown nightlife establishments, such as bars and nightclubs. Chief of Police Paul Smith voiced strong concerns about this approach, stating, “I had a problem and so did the rest of staff with providing public dollars for private entity for normal operating expenses… it doesn’t pass a smell test to me.” He stressed that security is a routine expense for such businesses, and using public funds for private security could raise ethical questions and taxpayer concerns.
The Chief proposed an alternative: providing high-resolution cameras for the entrances and exits of these establishments. He explained, “the camera system is working well… it’s been helpful in a couple Crimes so far,” suggesting that this would be a more justified use of taxpayer money. This approach could align more closely with public safety objectives rather than merely subsidizing private business expenses.
Board members engaged in a dialouge about the obligations of business owners versus tenants in providing security. It was clarified that tenants are typically responsible for security within their premises, especially for establishments serving alcohol, which are required to maintain a certain level of safety. The Chief further questioned the reasonableness of using public funds for private security, posing, “when you look at the totality circumstances in a lawsuit or anything else… is this reasonable?”
The discussion also touched upon legal and privacy issues that might arise from installing cameras on private property, even if they overlook public areas. The Chief emphasized the importance of ensuring legal compliance and maintaining transparency with all stakeholders about any changes in the direction of safety measures.
Another issue discussed was the impact of security costs on attracting new businesses to the area. Concerns were raised that these costs could deter new bars and restaurants from opening, impacting local economic growth. The conversation noted that while cameras are not preventive, they are effective for follow-up in incidents, referencing a past event where a shooting occurred despite a significant police presence.
Updates on various redevelopment projects followed, including the resubmission of plans for the former Coral Reef site and the relocation of Southern Grounds to the site previously occupied by C Maria. A new Florida statute, Fla St 7575, imposing restrictions on private parking lot operators, was also mentioned, although it does not directly impact the agency.
The agency’s communications newsletter was slated for release, and updates were provided on ongoing projects like the parking lot contractor’s final numbers for an entryway project starting in early October. Internal meetings concerning infrastructure and safety for Pass-a-Grille Park were scheduled, with updates to be shared in the next meeting.
The meeting also addressed the need for an ambassador to facilitate communication and address community issues. Frustration was expressed about the lack of updates and follow-through on tasks. Credit was given to the Parks and Recreation Department for proactive maintenance efforts, but larger issues like signage and landscaping remain unresolved.
A financial discussion ensued about amending the fiscal year 2025 budget related to police officer wages. The Chief Financial Officer explained that the amendment was necessary to adjust the budget for increased police wages, aimed at maintaining competitive compensation. This adjustment, resulting in a proposed 23% increase in starting salaries, was funded by reallocating money from the incentive program without increasing the overall expense budget.
Parking issues at Pon Street were another focal point. The planned parking initiative was no longer proceeding as proposed, and alternatives such as adding whimsical bike racks and converting parking spaces for low-speed vehicles were discussed. The idea of implementing no parking signs along F Street was considered, with mixed reactions anticipated from the community. The potential for using basic Wi-Fi-enabled cameras to monitor parking patterns and gather data was also explored.
Lastly, the meeting considered solutions to downtown parking and pedestrian safety issues, including larger raised planter beds and bollards to prevent vehicles from encroaching onto sidewalks. The need for ADA-compliant parking spaces was highlighted, and the possibility of creating outdoor dining spaces was mentioned as a potential enhancement to the downtown experience.
Christine Hoffman
Community Redevelopment Agency Officials:
David McGraw, Gary Paetau, Frances Povloski, Christie Elflein, Meghan Edwards, Thad Moseley, Ron Whittington, Taylor Mobbs (Community Redevelopment Agency Contact)
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Meeting Type:
Community Redevelopment Agency
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Meeting Date:
08/26/2024
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Recording Published:
08/26/2024
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Duration:
79 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Florida
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County:
Duval County
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Towns:
Jacksonville Beach
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