Special Investigatory Committee on JEA

Monday, May 11, 2026 1:00 PM City of Jacksonville 117 W. Duval Street Jacksonville, FL 32202 Meeting Minutes Council Chamber, 1st Floor, City Hall Special Investigatory Committee on JEA Council Member Ron Salem, Chair Council Member Rory Diamond Council Member Ju ‘Coby Pittman Legislative Asst: Rebecca Bolton Council Research: Colleen Hampsey Auditor: Kim Taylor, Council Auditor Auditor: Brian Parks OGC:Mary Staffopoulos, Deputy Legislative Counsel: Jason Teal Special Investigatory Committee on JEA Meeting Minutes May 11, 2026 Meeting Convened: 1:00 pm Meeting Adjourned: 1:50 pm Attendance: Council President Carrico; Committee Members Salem (Chair), Diamond and Pittman; Council Member Johnson Also: Mary Staffopoulos, OGC; Phillip Peterson and Brian Parks, Auditor's Office; Jason Teal, Legislative Counsel; Colleen Hampsey, Council Research I. Call to Order and Introductions Chair Salem convened the meeting and called for introductions. II. Update on JEA Employee Survey Mr. Teal said that Ord. 2026-0268, the bill authorizing the contract with the survey vendor, will be before council on May 12th for approval. He said there will be a meeting with the vendor after that to iron out the final details, with the intent to have the survey in the field within 7-10 days. III. Update on Capacity Fees at JEA Mr. Parks said the Auditor's work regarding capacity fees is still ongoing. CM Salem asked for a hard timeline, but Mr. Parks indicated that the timeline is fluid based upon what they find along the way. IV. Update on S.I.C.’s Request for Attorney/Client Privilege Waiver Chair Salem talked about the JEA Board's denial of the request to waive privilege as related to Regina Ross. He shared a communication chronology of invitations to appear before the SIC, extended to Vickie Cavey and Jody Brooks, and the request for the presentation about the combined cycle plant. He expressed frustration with the perceived delays and the limited availability. CM Diamond concurred and made accusations of stonewalling. V. Other Items Page 1 of 3 Special Investigatory Committee on JEA Meeting Minutes May 11, 2026 VI. Testimony from Regina Ross Mr. Teal indicated that there is no oath required for attorneys, as they are obligated by the Bar to participate candidly. Mr. Teal asked Ms. Ross a series of questions regarding her time as JEA chief legal counsel. Ms. Ross said she was hired by OGC in the summer of 2021 and assigned to JEA, where she worked until October of last year. Ms. Ross said she was housed at JEA and located on the 7th floor with senior staff when they relocated to the new headquarters. Mr. Teal asked if while in that position, she had opportunity to observe the work climate. Ms. Ross cited Florida Bar guidance related to her testimony and how she is bound to maintain confidentiality for all matters related to her representation of JEA. Mr. Teal asked her about voluntary vs compelled testimony, and about the differentiation between confidentiality and privilege. Mr. Teal indicated that if subpoenaed Ms. Ross would be obligated to maintain privileged information but not confidential information. Mr. Teal asked Ms. Ross if the JEA Board was advised on issues such as the capacity fees and the combined cycle plant, Ms. Ross did not answer. It was suggested that Ms. Ross meet with each Board member individually to make sure they are well informed about those issues, although there is not a mechanism by which to require such. Mr. Fackler, OGC, said that he would extend an invitation to the Board members. Motion/2nd (Diamond/Pittman) to endorse the issuance of a subpoena by the Finance Committee to Regina Ross for testimony on June 8, and if necessary June 22. Approved 3-0 Motion/2nd (Diamond/Pittman) to endorse the issuance of a subpoena by the Finance Committee to Jody Brooks for testimony on June 8th, with requested documents (compiled by Mr. Teal). Approved 3-0 Motion/2nd (Diamond/Pittman) to endorse the issuance of a subpoena by the Finance Committee to Vickie Cavey for testimony on June 22, with requested documents (compiled by Mr. Teal). Approved 3-0 There was discussion about the necessity for these subpoenas and how compelled testimony is in the interest of furthering council business, for the purposes of consideration by the Finance Committee. CM Diamond talked about "buckets" of significance, such as the financial effect and how the budget may be impacted by JEA decisions about the combined cycle plant, and any for ethics law changes needed as identified in this investigation that would require legislation from council, and legislative fixes or revisions to the Charter necessitated by this investigation. CM Pittman suggested a joint noticed meeting with the JEA Board and council members at some point. Page 2 of 3 Special Investigatory Committee on JEA Meeting Minutes May 11, 2026 VII. Discussion on Future Meetings Schedule Chair Salem said the SIC may not meet again until June 8th, unless something else comes up about capacity fees or other items. Chair Salem adjourned the meeting at 1:50 pm. Minutes: Colleen Hampsey, Council Research CHampsey@coj.net 904.255.5151 Posted: 5.14.26 5:00 pm Page 3 of 3