Jacksonville Beach Businesswoman Seeks Ordinance Change to Avoid Costly Grease Trap Installation
- Meeting Overview:
At the recent Jacksonville Beach City Council meeting, local business owner Melissa Settle appealed to the council to revisit an ordinance requiring her new charcuterie business, Grazing Parlor LLC, to install a grease trap. Settle argued that the requirement is unnecessary for her business model, which involves minimal food preparation and negligible grease production. She requested that the council consider amending the ordinance to allow flexibility for small, low-impact food service businesses, distinguishing them from larger, high-output food establishments.
Settle’s plea underscored the financial and operational challenges posed by the current ordinance. According to Settle, the requirement to place the grease trap outside the facility would necessitate costly structural modifications, including ripping up floors and trenching. Settle pointed out that Jacksonville Beach is the only municipality in the area with such a requirement, which she claims is primarily for the convenience of inspectors. She proposed a tiered system to differentiate the requirements based on the type and scale of the food service operation, potentially allowing for inside interceptors for small businesses like hers.
In another matter, Kathy Hall addressed the council regarding the proposed changes to the golf course bylaws and rate resolution affecting the women’s E-League. Hall highlighted the league’s longstanding history and minimal impact on course scheduling.
The council also discussed an ordinance concerning emergency management procedures, specifically clarifying the mayor’s powers during emergencies. A motion was made to amend the ordinance language to align with the city charter’s existing language. The amendment was passed after confirming that the ordinance would not grant the mayor control over the police department, resolving a potential conflict with the charter.
Christine Hoffman
City Council Officials:
Bruce Wouters, Dan Janson, Greg Sutton, John Wagner, Bill Horn, Sandy Golding
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
10/06/2025
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Recording Published:
10/06/2025
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Duration:
25 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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