Jacksonville Waterways Commission

Friday, August 28, 2026 11:30 AM City of Jacksonville 117 W. Duval Street Jacksonville, FL 32202 Agenda - Marked Council Chamber, 1st Floor, City Hall Jacksonville Waterways Commission CM Rahman Johnson, Chair CM Mike Gay, Vice Chair CM Jimmy Peluso CM Matt Carlucci, Alternate Jon Michael Barker Robert Birtalan J. Hobson Rep. Dean Black Mark Devereaux Andrew Fraden Marc Hardesty - Excused Matt Jones Scott Thomas General Public Rep - Vacant D. R. Repass, Planning Commission Adam Hoyles, Environmental Protection Board Rebecca Bolton, Legislative Assistant II Shannon MacGillis, Office of General Counsel Dr. Gerard Pinto, Jacksonville University Steven Libby, Council Research Jim Suber, Waterways Coordinator

Jacksonville Waterways Commission Agenda - Marked August 28, 2026 1. Call To Order 2. Attendance 3. Pledge of Allegiance 4. Approval of Minutes Approval of the Wednesday, June 10, 2026 meeting minutes. 5. St. Johns River Status Report on Water Quality & Manatees Contact: Dr. Gerard Pinto Jacksonville University 6. Public Comment 7. New Business Chair Johnson's Strategic Direction Report 8. Unfinished Business a. Speed Boat Regulation Task Force b. George Crady Bridge Update 9. Adjournment Pursuant to the American with Disabilities Act, accommodations for persons with disabilities are available upon request. Please allow 1-2 business days notification to process; last minute requests will be accepted; but may not be possible to fulfill. Please contact Disabled Services Division at: V 904-255-5466, TTY-904-255-5476, or email your request to KaraT@coj.net. Page 1 of 1

>> Good morning. Let's call this meeting to order of the 26 27 Council year. It is 11:36am. Please forgive me for being just a bit behind schedule. Had another meeting across the street that ran over. But I'm so glad to be here for this meeting of the Waterways Commission. We call this meeting to order and let us do roll. Call will start on my left if everyone could go around. I know we do have quorum, but if you could go around and state your name, any organization you're with, I will start to my >> And refrain waterways Commission. >> Rocklin Johnson City Council District 10. What chair? My gay district? 2. Like Parker Waterways Commission. Jim water was coordinator. Environmental Protection problem last meeting with rights of everyone please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to flag. United States of America. One nation. Liberty and justice for all. >> And if there is a if I could get a view. Obviously, this is my first meeting. So I have not had a chance to. I've looked over minutes and I did look at the video, but I will entertain a motion to approve the minutes for the last meeting. It's been moved and seconded to approve the minutes of the last meeting all in favor. Please respond by saying Aye post. The ayes have it and the minutes are approved right before we go into the I do want to. Move, Shannon, in mind the proper posture. If I could move the report up a little bit. I know that's under new business. Before Doctor Pinto, it is not going to need to go first based on the report and its big event. >> You're at the ready announce changes the agenda order. And I do not see Dr Pen to here yet. >> Good. So that's a good thing. All right. So we will we will skip that. I know that report is coming in by mandate of this commission. We do need to make sure that reporters there. So I look forward to that. What I want to do is just spend a moment because I did prepare some remarks because of the importance of what the waters with what was commission is and what at least I believe we can do so I'd like to again welcome you all to this first meeting as I was trying to figure out and getting to to move forward into what this would be, what innovation this would be. I thought about a quota heard from Toni Morrison. It said all water has a perfect memory. And that's a powerful idea. You know, she was a Pulitzer Prize winning writer. And she said that water remembers the communities. The group decided the commerce that carried it. The storms that it survived. The children who discover the world along its banks and the generation who depends upon water when these waters remember us. What I hope they remember is that we serve them in a good way. I want I want them to remember a commission that thought deeply acted courageously measured honestly and left Jacksonville's waterways stronger because >> we the people that are sitting here today have been entrusted with their care. I'm deeply honored to convene this meeting and I start with the fundamental conviction that without water, there is no Jacksonville, the Saint John's, of course, flow to the heart of our city that route and revolt. Rivers carry the stories of our northern community. Ortega and Cedar rivers shape the neighborhoods on the west. Of course, McCoys Creek in Moncrief creeks remind us that the waterways flow through the very heart of urban Jacksonville and of course, their sisters, creek publicly Pottsburg Creek, Julington Creek in the Intracoastal and the countless tributaries that complete this extraordinary system that's found nowhere else in the world. But a city like Jacksonville now they're different waters, different neighborhoods, different histories, different stories. But at the end of the day, what we all know is there is one Jacksonville and our strategic direction organizes the work around 4 and I call them credence. We'll see that in strategic direction report and those 4 currents and you see what I did. There were parents, the river is an economic engine, the civic identity, the river is a classroom. And what I believe is the most important the river as our legacy, because that's what it is. Now, as we measure the progress, some of the benchmarks that I hope we will be able to achieve during this council year as to engage at least 500 of our neighbors to get them more involved in understanding our waterways and how they can be of help to preserving what we have here in Jacksonville. I want to engage at least 250 learners or students experiencing the waterways, classrooms for science and history stewardship. Innovation and citizenship. I'd look like to hopefully create at least 5, meaningful strategic partnerships, connecting government with other organizations through education, higher education, business, environmental organizations, neighborhoods, culture, and the arts. And finally, I hope that we could have at least 5 substantive policy recommendations that this body will be able to share with the members of the Jacksonville City Council that we can hopefully adopt and move forward it finally. Well, as a part of that, we would then issue a annually. And I hope it's something that continues this state of the waterways framework. And thank you, Barbie and She's not here, but for the work you did in creating that. So the progress can be measured and studied and sustained because vision must have consequence. Research must produce action and leadership must leave evidence. But most importantly, we those were sitting at the table. Those who are stewards of this waterway must have imagination. When the scientists and the fishermen, the environmentalist and the entrepreneur, the artist and the engineer, the neighborhood resident who's watched the same creek for 40 years. The student asking the question that none of us have even thought to consider this should be a commission were stewardship and imagination able to work collectively at the same table for opportunity, colleagues. The move is already underway. George Washington Carver one said that major isn't unlimited broadcasting station through which GOD speaks to us every hour. If we only tune in. It's in the current of the Saint Johns that we can tune in the marshes of Sisters, Creek, those other tributaries I mentioned. But our responsibility is to tune in and turn on to listen carefully to lead intelligently to measure what waters can be to imagine what is possible. And when we leave this space to leave something important behind. Let these waters remember, we showed up, we listened. We imagine we acted and we left our waterways stronger than they have been in the past together, we will shape future. So let's get to work. And if questions I'll be certainly willing to answer them about this strategic direction report. But I spent time once coming onto this commission do as much research as I could about the past and what we could do in the future. And so I'm really excited to be able to bring those things forward since Doctor Pinto is not here for that presentation. Going to continue on with the agenda as printed and if again, there should be able to jump into the queue if their questions and I'll be able to see them here. But without any further ado, public comment and my first and only public comment card is from Lisa Rinaman. Please come forward. And you have 3 minutes. >> thank you so much. Sorry about that. Don't hear me, ok? Usually top. Okay. Good of that. They literally run through the heart of our communities and provide us this wonderful opportunity to dip into our past as well as >> do things to protect our future. So, sir, we stand ready to work with to work with you all. We have a team of scientists that do research. We work very closely with the state agencies as well as the city staff to make sure we're out. Monthly Henry bought river as well on Creek Creek. We have 2 full-time educators that work with youth were hiring a 3rd one. If you know educators that want to work on environmental work, where openly hiring a new teacher to work with the future stewards of this great community and these great waterways as well. So look forward to working with you. Congratulations on your chairmanship. It's good to see you all. And I look forward to get to work as well. Thank you so much. >> That's Before you leave, I notice a little different waterways because we have the waterways, COUNCILMAN Gay has a question. Yes, Thank you. Ms Roman of >> on >> Brower River. Right there at the Saint Johns River. There's a recycling plant there. And if you all could help monitor the area, there's been 2 or 3 episodes of. Shredding material that's been discard charged through the air. The it rains like her. The shredded material, light rain coming down all in the river. So if you all could just put that on your radar to help us monitor that out there. Really appreciate it. Thank you. >> Absolutely. In through the CHAIRMAN To Commissioner Gay, we will definitely look into not only their compliance reports the permit. We have a team that specialize in that and we can do monitoring from the land as well as the water. So thank you for alerting us to that. We'll get right on it. >> Thank you for that. And thank you, MR. Vice chair for that. Our next speaker. I know the card is coming but MR. New John You have 3 minutes and I know they will. You can just turn and go ahead and speak and then you can give them your card at the end. >> All right. Well, thank you for allowing me to speak. Hope for something. Start off a 2026. 0, 0, 0, 4, You know, that is our Parks trust Fund. >> Name and address named John 83. 56 basking actual Florida, 3, 2, 2, 1, 6, knows stab list with era former chair of the Jackson Waterways Commission and member of the Northeast, Florida Regional Council. And, you know, going forward, you know, public access on our waterways. You know. As we all know, it's the worst ever. You know, 90% of the waterways in Duval County. Is private. Only 10% is public. And that was in the resilient Jacksonville report. So anyway, going forward with amendment 3. You know, if there is it, that passes everyone be looking for revenue shortfall. So anyway, here's or find this is the Florida inland navigation district. It's around lower property tax money, 12 counties. You know, here is the Northeast, Florida Regional Council, 7 counties. And, you know, SEPTEMBER 3rd will be at that meeting. But right potential impacts of property. Tax reform, MISS Pain. So anyway, I'm going to the other counties and also where my boat ramp Billy sure now, for those that MAY not be aware. You know, I had no idea but boat ramp. Look it up. He's in Saint Johns County, its public access. So in Clay County, I was at their board of County Commission meeting Tuesday and Betsy Condon. And here, let me just share with you. So Pottsburg Creek. Just an imminent 14. But, you know, Ray here, Clay County Commissioner Condon share. >> The Florida Association of counties, Agriculture and Rural Bayer's a or a committee. Citrus Grove for age amendment. That would be a cash cow. I 50 citrus Hotspur. You know, that's with just one. Revenue potential. So in other words, that Clay County, I say, you've got Black Creek. Well, you know what? Amendment 3 passes. Clay County. Can have. Pottsburg Creek. Benefit. Clay County. And Saint Johns County. You know, so anyway there, 67 counties only down to 20 seconds, but after this will be taking this up. And, you know, again, when it comes to public or waterways. You it can happen. Today. Immediately. And so. Thank you for allowing me to speak and also looking card. Thank you, MR. Rejected. Thank you. >> And the last card and also if anybody wants to speak, we'll do it again at the end says they're not many. Here is straightforward who coincidentally, there's elected official trait is the supervisor with also water conservation district and allow me to recognize for only about a day or 2 more council member elect who on Monday will be officially sworn in as councilmember money Holder. Congratulations on your election to the Jacksonville City Council we'll see you as councilmember on Monday. Trey Ford representing to also on the water as well as Saint Johns. Riverkeeper. >> And I wanted to invite members of the council here to join us on boat trip. We take a boat trip through our resilient revolve program and to the Trout River and read about Rivers, which resilient rebound is basically a program that for the first time ever the Riverkeeper has been able hyper target a portion of the 310 Mile River and look at an area that's vulnerable. One the flooding, one of water pollution things of that nature. So would love to have any of you guys come on to that trip. And I specifically wanted to highlight e-mail that I received because I feel like there's a gap and how we're able to handle the river as and the tributaries as it relates neighbors she she basically writes that she's the one who was talking about creek, trees down in the creek near Dexter Drive. >> Feeding into the Trout River and what's happened here. It is the it's it's kind of too small for Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The city doesn't typically get involve. A base of this tree is blocking not major boating but recreational boating. Like kayaks and things like that. So the onus is now on her as the one who cares to get the trees cut and things like that. So it there we could discuss in the future these kind of in between things where we're not sure if state, the city as far as riverkeepers concerned. We're glad to help. But just again, one of the best things about our city's the river. So just want to make sure that everybody can enjoy Somebody mentioned far as water, access and water and one. >> Thank you, supervisor for thank you. Let me as we move please pass along. We can talk afterward. City is always a resource. My Jax making sure that they feel out tickets, always a resource, even if they can't do it, do that actual work. They push it into that. The body that needs it. So I'd recommend going to my Jax dot com or 6, city. Thank you. And again, we'll do it again if there are other speakers at the end, let's move forward. We have time item number 7, which is new business with the strategic direction. Moving on to item number 8. >> Unfinished business. On the last meeting of this commission under chair tomorrow. There was a move for the waterways Commission to convene a task force vessel speed regulation at Fort George George River and Sand Bar. Each of you will find at your stations and those in the community. I think their copies out there as well for the waterways Commission to convene this task force. We don't need a vote on the task force, I did based on that information, move it forward. You will find all the details and everything in the hand out. So we can certainly take any questions now from legal counsel or for those that I can answer every search as much as I could. I also want to thank commission member Mathew d Jones who will be chairing this effort. Jay Hopson and Scott Thomas with the other members were pointed who will bring back on or before NOVEMBER. 1st, obviously this we were hoping to have this meeting earlier. But due to finance committee schedules, we were not able to have this meeting if NOVEMBER 1st does present a problem. Let us know so that we can extend that time and publicly notice it. But right now as a part of the charge, which again, you all find NOVEMBER first is the day that we would look forward to get that report back and then probably reported out for our final meeting of the year. Any questions about the convening of this task force. The count? Thank you very much. We can move on to the next order of business. One of the things I know that this council has heard over and over again and I know it's I'm fortunate to have my friend and colleague Councilman Gays, vice chair of the commission. Is there update, MR. Vice chair on the George Crady Bridge that you possibly provide about what's going on if the community is going to have access to that piece of our city. >> All right. Thank you, MR. Chair that this is a big mountain that we're climbing right now. So what what I'm looking at doing with our state legislators is trying to come with grants that we can just like they did at Mayport for for peer believe it was. 12, 13 million that they just just received their so we've got our public worsen. Grant writers looking to find possible grants. And I hope to 0 in on that our state legislatures to try to get some funding to rehabilitate what we can out and knew what we can to to be creative, too, to be a fission to get the most. Fishing access to or George Crady constituents out there to get them back. Fission just a little as of right now, the Salt pit side, which is a Duval side, it is closed off. And it can only be accessed from the national side. And so we're diligently trying get that open back to get to get the fission people bait fish and they're so nothing definite concrete. But it's a step at a time and will eventually get there. And if it's all right, would like to go ahead also addressed the Shed Creek issues with his that that's not on the agenda. We had me Brian Burke. It with parks department. We had a zoom call with the fwc this morning discussion options and possibilities. And this has probably been the most positive meeting that we've had the last 3 years that I've been working on this with fwc. So we were hoping in the next few months to get some legislation solidified with the state and the Let U.S. Start a process to getting the the boater safety out there and other item we're requesting news for jso in fwc to step up the patrolled out there because the the weekend and the weekend Saturdays and Sundays out there that is is like a expressway of boats and jet skis adjust. There is a shortcut to the the sand or 4 tours that we're having to deal with. And so the more documentation that we can show the there is a problem there. It's not that is not a problem. We just don't have a documented. And so we've got to get start getting a documented to help us get safety enforcement out there for something does seriously happen. And so that's kind of update on both of those. Thank you, sir. If I MAY, MISTER Vice chair and want to put you on the spot, do we know? And I know you said you're working through grants and everything for and I'm so honored that we have the representative years welcome. MAY be able to push it when you're. >> session next year. Do we those there been so many people from the Grade ii bridge community that have been e-mailing and calling coming to council meeting. Do we have a timeline and a cost? You know, so that we can all kind of maybe part the cost has been moving target. And so it's we've had speculation from 15 million, 2, 100 million to its right now. What what we're trying to do seeing some potential grand information this morning. It's not where where we were. We will need to be, but if we can find a way to get the grant that guests are studies in the engineer moving forward as we try to find the other potential resources. But is here recently. A while. But when I did talk to the ddp about ftp about it is that we need a plan. We need to know what, what we're going to be able to do out there because without a plan world is going circles and so that that's where impress on them as well to get that plan, we can identify the actual cost and then we can start working toward that goal. Thank you that you thank you for them. Our vice chair and understand I know it's your district, but we are all here to support you. Whatever. >> You need city that we can. That's right. It's the city of Jacksonville. Amen. Amen. Thank you for that. And that is those are the updates that we have an unfinished business any of the other commissioners that are here. Do you have any >> comments or anything that you need to add? >> Were today any questions comments? Yes, you're recognized. >> Threw the chair into the commission. I would just like to put my $0.02 in on the George Crady Pier. That is Jacksonville's equivalent to a national monument. If people got to build official meant. It's a structure. It's someone northeast. Florida's best fishing. Is there. And the residents just want to fish. Everybody has the right fish. With proper repair that could accommodate a lot of people being a little salt water fish. >> And I just think we need to get back behind it see what we can do to make it happen. Thank you. Thank you. Any other comments. With that before we adjourn this meeting, Dr Pinto will not be making it for this meeting. However, we will still be in state statute following the law. If he does make his report next meeting. So at our next meeting. >> In SEPTEMBER, the Saint Johns River status report on water, quality amenities will happen at that meeting. And again, if you have any questions, you can always reach out to our team legislative services. We're into the offices with that. We've got all the public comments and your comments. Commissioners, thank you for your service. I look forward to working with you to move our river and water quality in Jacksonville, the rivers and tributaries. I want to do our part to make sure that everybody gets to enjoy them. Thank you. This meeting is now