Noticed Meeting CM Peluso and CM Gaffney RE JEA

>> Good afternoon, everyone. And good afternoon. Time is 4 o'clock. We're going to start this notice. Meeting. We have the room for just one hour this time. And I think we want to make sure that we walk out of here with a piece legislation and kind of kind of move forward. We're trying to make the Wednesday deadline. So that's kind of why we're I want to just go right to business. We're going to start with introduction story from our left Garden. >> Bring your smears office. Goes Office General Counsel. >> water. >> We police the District 7. Reginald afternoon, Julia Charles Moreland, j they very much. Yeah. If you've got red, that means you can talk different than the other room which is different than another room. It's none of our system >> Thank you all for being here today. Thank you to my my co-chair. >> COUNCILMAN Gaffney, do you have anything before we kind of start the bottom of that in 2? >> would jump straight into. I think the fact remains the same that we need some utility really, you know, we did again calls up and to day, you know, hopefully after this me and we can try to have some type of solution, you know, so at the last. We me and I have gotten calls from all types groups tied to individuals seeking utility. So cleotha today with gas and resolution. >> Understood. Thank you very much. And I believe we might have another council member here to join us, which I to introduce yourself. >> Councilmember get afternoon, everyone. I'm Tara Maclay Murray District 9. Thank you for joining us today. >> And we truly appreciate your efforts and this again, I think we've all kind of gotten these phone calls and heard about needs for for assistance. I want to kind go back to where we were last meeting, right? We talked to a number of providers, got a good kind of understanding about. What programs exist now. I know that I try to become in the span of a couple days. More of a try to learn more about how these nonprofits operating help with utility assistance that I knew before. There's a lot of nonprofits that are providing assistance, including the city of Jacksonville, right through our parks, Rec and Community Services Division. Every program has something a little bit different. The one that the 2 things that the city of Jacksonville and correct me if I'm wrong, anyone the 2, the 2. Programs of the city of Jacksonville has one of which is under parks, rec and community services. And that's utility assistance program that we've internally created. So dollars come out of the budget, go to parks community services and able to to spend those dollars. You're able to get assistance once every 18 months in that program. That's under Daryl Joseph Shop and then under the neighbor to neighbor program, which was codify in law in 1987 by City Council. That is a jta program were. Households and families and rate payers can put can can can voluntarily put dollars aside, put into a pot of money and ga is able to distribute those dollars to go into utility assistance via the United Way in the in the code. It specifically says the United Way is going to administer the program and correct me if I'm Charles. So that correct. Missed a neighbor to neighbor program to described it appropriately. The funds are distributed through 2, 1, 1, and then it gets to a Catholic charities. Catholic Charities and takes care of it. From that point. Moving forward. It's my understanding that so in in the law are in the in the bill codify it as United Way's the minister. I think since 1987 Catholic Charities has been the one via the 2, 1, 1, program actually administer is the dollar. So 2, 1, 1, still continues to be this pre screening. Operator and then can send it off to. One of a number of providers. However, its Catholic charities that does the neighbor to neighbor program. A lot of other substances given through different operators, Family Services desk Eldersource uses a the heap dollars uses lie. He dollars. Both of those are federal programs. So there's a lot of stuff that exists. It's just a matter of what is the city of Jacksonville. Kind of have the most. Direct engagement on. And that's kind of the parks and rec and then this neighbor to neighbor program. And even then it's not city dollars that go into neighbor to neighbor. Just happened to be codified. So that's that's everything that I've kind of learned in the past in the past week. And Lord knows I'm probably forgetting some other incredible organization that's out there supporting families right now. But all that to say as we are trying to, I think get a bill out by Wednesday. I want to make sure that we sort of saw okay, where does this Last time I said 2.3 million. That's what I want asked my colleagues if feel come confident going for 2.3 million from reserves to go into some kind of utility assistance program. The first question I think we all asked ourselves was all right. If we are parks and rec. And ministering dollars, why not give them all the money to which? I think Parks and Rec and any other organization would say you give me that kind of money. I got to hire more staff. I need more people to administer. And so it was a matter of okay. Well, we do want to overburden city department and especially have them hire more staff if they're not gonna be able to continue that staff in future years. I don't think our colleagues would be on board with that. Told us that different iterations. But how much can they take on and sell parks and rec? Do you want to vent? Up? I was going I think parks and rec from what understand take on about an extra 200,000 without hiring additional staff and they can re address their program. So it's not just once every 2 months, but go ahead. COUNCILMAN, first of all, little tardy, but what I want to see. If we if we're if we have the funding to do what we need to do, where things I want to make sure is that. >> Access? 2, 1, 1, And other organizations. They only have a certain amount of time. And a lot of time people can cut off. And so we need to look at the big picture. Of how they can access these funds. That would be my major concern because sometimes we don't know they get so overwhelmed. The staff, they MAY not have the capacity to distribute the funds the way it needs to be. Distribute it. Now I know organizations like even j a had a program. The neighbor to neighbor program and then they were even collect in funds from different businesses by asking individuals or companies to donate it and if there and I don't know if could do this and not, but we need access like immediate access people either have a day before they cut off. All that might be today. So whatever we do and I think we need to. >> Ally and >> be an asset to those organist stations, not the ones that are already doing like the regular goes, open the lines up at 8 o'clock. They open it up by 8 o'clock. They probably had 20 people on already. And then those dollars are just And of course, you have United Way as well. But we want to make sure that whatever dollars that we do, need to be able to have it done immediately. >> COUNCILMAN, I think your frustration and your for one, you probably you to both. The more about nonprofit work that I certainly do. And you hit the nail on the head. Talked about that a little bit in the last meeting yet these dollars can just be can't just get written. And as we say, goodbye, got to get more staff to be able to administer those dollars. And it's got to be fast because if if the public sees we cut a 2 million dollar check. They're gonna expect that they get those taxes. Those dollars annually as opposed to having to wait 3, 4, 5, months. No question. You know, as as I kind of talk with our auditors and r and r attorneys, I thought some dollars can go in the park's and rec immediately where they can spend dollars. We already have staff to do that. And you're right. You got to call a comment Tuesday to make sure you get the assistance and then 2, 1, 1, United Way told us they can they can handle the rest of the dollars and get an additional staff member to through their network and make sure those dollars go a lot faster. I want to call cold right up here. I kind of brought Arbor and credit pay. You can introduce yourself. Just kinda, maybe go little bit more about sort of what we discussed. Get my apologies for going to recognize COUNCILMAN Park Maryville for quick. To the chair to Councilmember Pittman. >> I think at this one system clarification. So I think what you're saying is not so much about the funding that we that we're proposing. But access to those programs that there's no delay. I think that's what you're trying to emphasize a little above, to be honest, because I don't think one program. >> Could handle all we need right. The complaints that I hear about is that they can't get in to talk to someone or and might be a senior that don't know the process of how to maneuver to get the money. You know what it means. So I don't know if we can have. Organization or a couple of organizations that if your lights are going to be less than 3 days of today's at I'm just saying it out loud. I don't really know. But the most immediate because a lot of the organizations have allocated dollars even I social services have that. But at least they MAY have a little time. They say it is if they're 2 months behind, right? They make an appointment with social services or we call they try to help them within a certain period. But if you have somebody like a 2, 1, 1, or da again, that works with these organizations to keep those lights on keep them from being cut off the cause of a lot of the families already stressed out and struggling, right. And and even if they live in low income house and if you don't have any lights, then they they cancel terminate. Your your house easy. So we had make sure whatever we do. It's going to be something this immediate. Okay. So then with that being said, I think that it there should be look at each program and see how the dollars are distributed immediately in terms of each program like she's going to talk about. >> United Way. So what the turnaround time is for them actually receiving service. And I'm I'm assuming that when there is a program jta that it's a little more immediate than other programs. If you understand the point that I'm making. All right. Thank you. >> Opelousas, if you MAY, one of the questions that was asked to Leslie, after the meeting. How do we come up with love? How did you come up with 2 million dollars? 2.3, you know, one of the organizations that reached out to me and say, can we take we used a nonprofit, you know how that we come up with is 2.3 million dollars. So if you want to elaborate on great. >> Thank you. I mean, it is it is a little bit arbitrary. You know, I I chose I wanted 2 million dollars actual dollars to go out and hit the street. I felt like when we looked at I think was an average of about $650 per household >> we've been told that a lot a lot of the services that we provide get drained by the middle of the funds into the year. And right now with with the rate increase and with the economy as it is. I thought 2 million dollars made sense of that was a good round number. And then the extra 300 k was for additional ft. Ease and folks to be able to hire staff to administer those dollars because to the point of what we're all concerned about. We don't want we don't want these dollars just sitting back out performance before dollars. Get out. So so that it it frankly is Carey. It is. So anyone thought that was a magic reason, why was that number was 2 Million? Because I thought it was a nice round number 300 k for. Help for to use. >> other another person also brought it to my attention. What about veterans? Can we set aside Mayville 100,000 is to the whole committee? Can we set 100 100,200 1000 aside, the veterans side is on a bit that on table as well as the, you know, Congress a business 50 minutes about veterans as well because it's a lot of veterans. The utility relief as well. So >> I just for one as far as I'm concerned, you're my. Want to do is from this. What were your head is? That is where where I want this to go. But also. I think it's for it's for anyone who's having a tough time right now. Veterans are part of that equation. No, no question now. Know if you want to buy for Kate too much and confuse some of our colleagues. But if that's if that's what you want to do as a veteran myself, I certainly know the struggle that a lot of households have, especially when they got a bunch of kids. And their living off base housing. I mean, it's real. So if that's if that's what you're looking to do, support, whatever you want. And so. >> lot of programs that I want to segregate anything, the populations that are being served right? Because a lot of like I know that our Veterans Services, they do have a lot of programs. And or they know how to get funding from other organizations. But at the end of the day, I thought we would talking about people who our need and I don't want to segregate. Anybody embodied in the Hill. You know, if is wanted 2 days before lights to cut all we need to make sure you can call this number and it MAY be because, you know, that's not a whole lot on the on us, which is that not a whole lot of money to. If we have a whole lot of people who need help, people are being laid off right now is not just poor people, you know, is people that have jobs either hours of being cut and they're just not making is me insurance for cars. They're being inquiries, you know, and so at the end of the day, you want to make sure you that a roof over your head and you got some lights and house. So if we can look at I mean, I'm really glad that we're talking about this because you really can't have one without other. If you lost some income, my comment is that I don't know how we can disaggregate. Need help. I think that will be difficult unless you're talking about. That pot of money. The 100,000 to specifically to veterans services. So that way it can be done. >> You know, it would go specifically to help veterans. I don't know how you could disaggregate. Like we Chris, like Councilmember Pittman said the fact that, you know, everyone needs help. So I think the whole pot to be distributed among those programs that are existing rather than desegregate. Thank you. >> And personally, I would love to see additional support for rental assistance for housing problems, things. It's just. I feel like sometimes you got to get the cities like guys to got to get our colleagues on the same page. And I think sometimes as a bridge too far for some of our colleagues, I think utility assistance is something we all we all feel. We all know we all recognize is an issue at this very moment. >> That that, you know, that I think everyone can get behind which one going down this avenue. But I think if we help people with utility assistance, it's it's still help some of those other things right now. We don't need to worry about rent to the same degree for that on. >> I would like to hear from jta in terms of the number of people, either been cut off or pending and or if you work with the different organizations that this money potentially MAY go to, how do we put it on a fast track. Is there that He'll speak first. But when is any way that we can look at. >> Oh, I'm I'm sorry. Game. You know, over But thank you. Can can you help us out? >> And so that you want ready to speak first. Yeah. Look that. >> Well, which ever says she's been standing up there a little bit. Can you help us out? Let her go. And then if you would speak. So the chair of thank you again. >> The question was kind of what we discussed previously. My name's credit. Addresses on file. I want to just kind of go back to a kind of the foundation of how to 1, one works, because I know that has been. Little bit of confusion about we are the net, the the epicenter of the hub, if you will, where the more tens of thousands of calls come in every week for all sorts of emergency assistance. Knees, as you mentioned, housing, which is actually housing stability is actually at the top of that list right behind housing is utility assistance right behind that. Our food and transportation needs. Our team is 7 days a week. 24 7. So we answer those calls 7 days a week. 24 7, the majority, as you would imagine of the calls come in during the day in our daytime team is 07:00am to 7 p m with multiple shifts. I also mentioned last week that that daytime team includes 7 people total. So know was on vacation are out sick or with issues. But on a full day, we have 7 total people available to take calls. The way that our network works in general, 90% of the calls that we get are referred out to organizations and I database. We have a database of thousands of organizations, including the city of Jacksonville. And we do make referrals to the city of Jacksonville, along with a list of others. In addition to that, we have a network is the community navigation network, which is that close loop model. And the reason was a closed loop model. And the difference is when we make a referral to, for example, the city of Jacksonville, those individuals make the call based on that, you know, the number we give them, but we don't know what happens on the other side. So we don't know when they reach that particular organization, if they receive the help that they need it because this system is clogged, right? We give the referral, but we can't tell you what happens now. We do surveys and we do follow-up calls, but we can't follow up and survey every single color. The community navigation network, our list redefine partners that we've been working with for many years. We are expanding that partnership. But right now it includes Catholic Charities who's here today. Ali insiders here. As well as Jewish family and community services. I don't know if Mary in Maryland there is is here, but she was planning to join and led by Tina Worth. Now, if you've seen that announcement, those 3 organizations have partnered with United Way, 2 pre screen their their calls, meaning they send all of the call their college to us. We in individuals looking for emergency assistance. Our team of 7, 3, screens. Those calls to indicate specifically for eligibility requirements is, as you all know, very different funding sources have different eligibility requirements United Way. In addition to the funding source is that each 3 each of these 3 organizations receive majority of them receive some pg psg dollars. They also received dollars from United Way and other private and government funding sources all very so depending on the funding source and the availability of the week, they give us on the set number of appointments on a Monday. So that on Tuesday what we consider a lot of people know that as a direct referral or a community in the way that we navigate. That is by providing that direct appointment too. The individual organization. So those individuals who get pre screened and appointment, they know when they show up, it is likely they're going to get served. And we also know on the back end, whether they got served because they these organizations enter all of the data into a shared database and system that we we each use. That is the difference between the regular kind of information and referral. Network of getting information out and the ability to close the loop with that network of partners where we have the the information. And we also meet regularly to share and understand was happening, common themes, cetera, with the purpose of improving the system. And that network of partners is committed to doing that. So that is the difference in the 2. And what we discussed is initially Catholic Charities obviously already being the neighbor to neighbor partner, I will say, says our conversation Council blue. So you encourage me to reach out to the other partners to see because if there are more you mention COUNCILMAN Jacoby Council Pittman, you are very right in that the more partners that it could expand the dollar, the better opportunity for the dollars to be distributed in each of them have said they would be able to do that. I have also asked specifically what can you do? At a minimum with the current infrastructure that we currently have. And I have some numbers from each of them to be able to help you all come to a good number based on what I was shared with 3 and in that does not include, of course, what you share because the city of Jacksonville is not part of that network. So that's a separate and see. But in completion, the sum total is around $750,000 that that is without any anything. Obviously everyone has indicated that still will put a strain on the team. But with understand understandably. So we recognize the dynamics of that with an additional you know, percent is that could be lower than what we initially discussed last week. They could accommodate even more. So that is an update for you today out. Take any questions. But I wanted to make sure you understood the 2, 1, 1, process. We are more than a connector. It is connecting while also vetting. Well, also, quite frankly, our team is trained to not just listen for the utility me, but to ask questions because to the point most times as utility need means there's a food need or transportation me. So color can call in about one thing. But when they leave or when they get off the call, they're giving resources from multiple. I multiple resources and that's the difference. >> a couple questions. One I'd like to know once you all screen the individuals. How was the percentage of those individuals come into the appointments that? Our side because then it becomes a transportation issue. So if you can talk a little bit about that, and of course, they're not going to tell you. I got transportation issues because they they they trying to get that Bill pay. Can you can you give me an idea what percentage of them make that appointment oppose that them not making their appointment. >> To the chair? Yes, the majority and I don't have the exact percentage. Certainly if any of my my partners here answer that specifically, but because we do close loop, we do. Excuse me. We know that the majority of those that get an appointment also get served. And if there is a transportation transportation issue, we identify that as well on the call United Way does provide transportation assistance, also limited funding, but available for individuals who are in need of a right to work to a healthcare non-emergency healthcare appointment as well as access for food. And so there is a transportation needs specifically to emergency financial assistance that is also any basic me we can address that on the call as well. >> And as that, also a partnership with jta. I know they have a ready ride program. Was that totally different? >> So the chair, our this is a specific program. It's called Ride. United is in partnership with Lyft and through private dollars were able to provide those those rights for those specific basic needs. And Decatur earlier. Okay. Thank you. >> I know that we also discussed that this these stars would be potentially used over the course of 2 years, but going over the course of 2 years, it would have been 2 years after yeas. I think we kind of had a conversation about maybe only doing one year and trying to get these stories out during the one-year period. Is that something that still? You guys are comfortable with doing and then also how much would do you think is available? Do you think is appropriate for admin and at t's? >> So the chair based on my conversations with the other net partner networks and the we discuss that we could absolutely dispense the dollars with now with recognition of all of us working together on rather putting the on one partner. And we agree that average of 10 to 15 would allow steel some of the black again, just back in in a straight of things, because as you can imagine, more checks have to be cut to jta are just things that most people don't think about is not just, you know, getting dollars out the door. There's a process to that. But average 10 to 15 would very, very much possible would allow for us to expand that within the year. >> So if I'm if I'm doing kind of quick math, that's you know, we can get to around 200,000. Of the one. So I initially said 2.3, 2.3 was the number 400,000 will go to parks and rec community services 2, 200 for this year, 200 for next year. So we stir some additional for next year. That's just under parks because that we don't need a term sheet or any of that. Then the remaining 1.9 Now 200,000 would be taken out for. In support. And then the rest will be used for services. So about 1.7 million for services in one year during a one-year time term. >> know that just want to is still correct. But she said thing, pine organizations, you guys get a This. So I want to make sure you said one point 1.9 for for 2 years now for a one year time period. And we switch to call this like the city to neighbor program will be administered just like neighbor neighbor, but with a different funding, sources say is they want one that and I think I heard is that like y'all get don't feel comfortable. Taking 750,000 direct? >> Yes, just to be clear it clarity that 7.50, was without any administrative support. That is basically absorbing the current capacity said the partner said they would be able administer without any additional support, anything over that we would need at least that 10 to 15%. That makes >> Say I have some type of software where you talk with each other. >> And >> a family could only apply. >> One time and a certain amount of. 6 months. >> Once a year, what does that look like? So I kind of take that under this city to neighbor program. It would be $1000 in household can and can get within a year. >> So they could potentially come one or 2 different times that they needed to. And keep in mind, that's just under this program. So you can still go to parks and rec community services potentially for some other assistance. And then maybe there's another program out there that that's something take advantage of the need to. But if maximum of $1000 during the term of the city neighbor program >> and to the chair also at what we would we would recommend, you know, obviously more flexibility provide the easier, the more opportunities to get dollars out the door as well. I know partner, Jewish Family Community Services indicated that even the average $650 utility bill can sometimes be $1000 or because in individuals are. >> You maybe. >> They had a payment plan that did not. They didn't complete. There's an additional fee. And so sometimes there's a cut off service. Plus, maybe an additional fee to even just get their their lights turned back on and to help them remain stable. So even some flexibility there would help because some of these bills MAY actually be because it'll be more than the average utility bill because it includes late fees shut off reinstatement all of the above and >> and under neighbor to neighbor. There is means testing. I think it's 80%. Am I? At the very least there still it's helping the households in need. Does that number not make you talking to So again, by the time they come to us. The bill is 2 months. And to get them started almost like a new slate. >> Until they get themselves or if they can, again, if they're online. And income, that MAY not be able to pay for the next months. And Aiken says that I don't know $1000 is going to be enough. Now, one of the things I do know that has I don't know the name of program, but it's it's You prove they pay a certain amount of money a month and at the end of the year. There is a difference. I mean, I don't know if we can even consider that. >> To kind of help people way you you pay right? Let's say we get the slate clean. And if it's if individuals that are having. Continuous problem, paying their j a that we put them on that monthly plan with a pay $400 a month. And then at the end of the year of this still an issue. Can this money help with that given people more than one option? To try to pay take care of their bills. >> And through the chair to COUNCILWOMAN Pittman, thank you. For the opportunity to speak. We have several customer support opportunities options for customers. They can extension. They can have a pay arrangements. They can do my way. They can do my budget. That's what you're speaking about. Where at level lies their payments for over the 12 month period and they can pay it like that. The I think the biggest that I want to mention is that. >> before our customers find themselves in a bad situation. >> They need to be make contact with with their utility services where we can. Get, you know, provide the gateway for support through our partners that are the ones that look find ways to help our our citizens that are that are in need. That has to happen. But I also want to mention alluded to this. They do a great job, helping all of our partners do a wonderful job. Once they get voucher once they get some sort confirmation that they're going to get dollars. There are powers not turned off those calm. Those conversations are had between the provider and the utility. They get a voucher so that stops any enforcement activity from happening. And sometimes it takes 30 to 45 days for those things to to get moving. But it stops that enforcement process because we know that there's a dollar attached to pay that individual that individual cost their their payment also wanted to provide a follow. The and Gaffney Jr comment last week. He wanted to know about the number of individuals that are behind and their payment. I didn't have that of realty available to me. And I wanted to have accurate information for him. So. Just some level setting. 85% of our residential customers pay their current bill within that 0 to 30 day period. 12% pay before 60 day pass to Marc. And 97% of customers have paid by the 60 on the by day, 60 on average. So we like to focus on the 61 data ninety-day bucket because we realize that once that debt starts to occur is harder and harder to collect at that point. And customers spent start having multiple bill. So now if your your your point, COUNCILMAN Gaffney, the 61 to 90 day period where we pass too. It's 9,381 residential customers. 9,000. 381 residential customers. Days. 91 to 120 this 3,300 and 87. That number goes down because people start paying their bill or they get some support assistance to get put on payment arrangement. All of the things start to happening. But even with that, I want to make sure that we understand that they get disconnection warnings. They 37, they 42, they get phone calls about the bill needing to be paid multiple 3 auto calls attempts to reach the customer. All subsequent days. So there's a lot of things happen long before it gets to the point where we're making a cut on on their electricity long before it gets there. Just wanted to mention that piece. And just one more question, this So if someone can't >> make their payment by the extension. And maybe, you know, something comes up. What can't do you all still make like a second extension or what? What? What is? >> So is is it's a variable thing that, you know, we work with our customers. Is 100% fact. We work with our customers. We want to keep the hair electric their water on just as much as they want to keep it on. And we find ways to try to help our customers out, which is the reason why in the big scheme, the bigger number of customers that jta has to service. That number that I mentioned to is relatively small, although there's a concern the number is not as big as one MAY think. >> And in the marketing. What are know? You used to have month the. And I'm sorry I wasn't here last week. Zavala just I just want to get about 20 minutes. Have been the last question about marketing to make sure because a lot of the people that that are in that small percentage that you mention they MAY not be a >> middle-class individuals, right? Some China because a lot of times those individuals proud to ask for help understand so, you know, is if you all still have that brochure like in the monthly bill, the U.S. Still do that. So a lot of folks on the bill. >> 67% of our folks are now using the We do have it on our website. We market every day with our call advisors we to have call advisors that get over 50,000 calls a month. And you know, people call in about their bill and things of that nature ways to save and all the different opportunities that we have. And I will simply say this to you. Love to get you over there to kind of get to do some of that. So you can see some of the additional things that we do. But on senior day, you know, those dollars that we get from the neighbor to neighbor program truly goes to our seniors, Catholic Charities as an amazing job, getting those dollars out. We had over 658 seniors that came through fy 26 over 127 seniors got support of about 67 $1000 along with energy audits, efficiency audits, all sorts of activity over 20,000 audits that were correctional a 5,700. And 26 audits. Energy and water efficiency audits were done and 2026 so there's a lot happening getting done if our customers reach out to us, we're able to find ways to help them. >> We start this program. We've able to have all of the agencies that we're considering today on your the mill Levy that would have you. We will work with our partners like we get papers. Make sure >> that those agencies are at the bottom where they can calling it some additional. >> The chair, whatever comes out of the meetings and whatever help that we can provide. From standpoint, we will do that, ok? That's thank you. COUNCILMAN Know your finance questions are great and information vitally important right now. I want make sure that all of us are comfortable with with what emergency legislation we MAY push because we need 13 votes. So so if the if the $1000 doesn't feel right, I just feel like that was a pretty pretty good number. You know, 6.50, cents to be the average. I just kind of look at some of our colleagues and I feel like more than 1000 light. Rub them the wrong way. I just want make sure we're using it not to mention are still other outlets. People go to outside of these programs that work up to. Sydney you 1200. That's just you know, hospital in a to the recommended I just feel like going up extra. >> Somebody that might have worked with me that there's Ivan. But but I just want to reiterate what what I'm expecting that to file. And emergency legislation. So it's going to be filed by Wednesday and go through the cycle immediately thereafter, would be 400,000 for Parks and rec committee services for their utility assistance program. And that's 2, you know, 200,000 for your 100,000 per year to because they can they can take that all without hiring new people. So that's those are dollars immediately go out to people right now. Then the rest goes to United Way. This new program city to neighbor United Way would you know we would do 200,000 for administrative services that they would. Work with there. Additional partners to make sure that if they need to pay out. More to Joe Services desk. Member else took head next it. Half an fte that can do that. Have to work with our auditors to make sure they're telling us that. And that would leave 1.7 million of the 1.9 million to go directly into services for one year. And we find out how fast they go through those dollars. Keep in mind, they do have some dollars now, right? So it's not like they're starting, but nothing they do have the ability to pay out at this moment. We are giving them urgency, support and that would known as the city to neighbor program different from the neighbor to neighbor program. That United Way does directly, you know, under under city code. Just any major questions on that. Do you want to and Philip is looking to me like I'm crazy today. Provide the information correctly. Any questions from from folks up here and our concerns and our thoughts and or desires to change anything. Does it? Does it feel like this is a good way to get the dollars out fast? And we have Mary spotless. Don't rain on my parade. On your parade. I'm just here to remind you about a couple of other parameters that we talked about. You briefly mention 80% and mine. >> There's been some discussion about what the maximum dollar amount per account Holder household would be. We've talked about 1000 Councilmember Pittman mentioned 1200. You also addressed the potential of advancing some for some amounts up to maybe 25% so that there was some additional funding on hand rather than having to do true reimbursement, starting at the beginning. So you MAY just want to talk about that, too, as well. Said you're correct. And I think we are going to change it to 1200 as the max for household. And I did say because when we discussed with United Way and their partners. >> It said, look, you know, it's a lot to ask of us, as you know. Just start to start spending dollars and then come back to the city monthly for reimbursements. They were asking for 25% of the dollars up front so they can start doing their hiring. Start doing. The administration administrators work immediately as does everyone feel comfortable in that. And that? Thank you, Mary, for Keeping Me Honest are there any other thoughts, questions or concerns? I do if you comment cards and it did kind of want to get to. And I think we have time to. Any other thoughts. And I know your first meeting, COUNCILMAN And I'm so grateful you're here because you probably have a lot of residents that that. Could use some assistance. I know pretty much all of our districts have a lot of folks and luckily era was here last time as well. He's got a lot of residents and the only 2 area that I know need assistance Dr more than anything before we kind of public comment. We're going we're going to give everyone 2 minutes each try to stay within that. If you go a little bit over, you know what happened? Lauren has been come on up after that is Suzanne. Seth. Followed by Deborah Thompson, all by Reverend Meyer. Go ahead. MISS Has been name and address for the record. Getting area. >> The rain has been my addresses on file. So Jacksonville needs to fix utility costs and not just help to pay the bills assistance treats the symptom, not the cause. The 2 million dollars in deserves this council members to propose would help some families catch up this year. But Jay, a cfo has already saved. Another rate hike is coming in 2027. 28 each year the gap gets bigger and needs more relief. Money. If the city does not deal with the rate, it's committing to bailouts every year. Paying twice in f in fiscal year 2026 days and about 179 million to the city's general fund, including a one-time 40 million increase counting franchise fees and the public service tax. The total is about 348 Million. A freight cares fund the city through their bills. I'm in the city sends a small share backed as assistance. That's not relief, Laurie or limiting the city's take from jta would reach every household right away. The Biden is going faster than families can absorb it seems of Temple first electric rates are up more than 6%. Water and sewer rates are up 8%. That's the second increasing about a year and a half getting bills of about $500 when the expected 100 to $200 and United Way's 2 in one line took more than 4600 calls from didn't Duval residents in a year with only 7 staff, a small assistant assistance. One cannot keep up with building the infrastructure. Does that mean this is going to be a permanent program or what are we doing? Assistance leaves out the working families who are just above the cut-off relief programs have come have income limits, paperwork and wait times and the and the reach. People who know how to apply seniors on fixed incomes, working families and small businesses that do not qualify, still pay the full high rate addressing the rates, protect everyone's assistance on the needs to help people who want assistance. Only help people who manage to get through the process. This city has leverage so we should use it. Jay, a supposedly is owned by The City Council approves its contribution agreement before approving more rate hikes will paying for big projects like the 1.5 billion new power plant cancer can independent review of spending. Thank you very much. I could go on. >> Now I know you side try to get to everyone. Here at 5 in the staffers of stuck around a long day today. This app go ahead 2 minutes. Hillary one, thank Council member >> And Gaffney, everyone else. My name is cc and sap. My address is on record. I'm here with the Sierra Club and with Duvall affordable, Clean Energy Coalition >> you know, I'm really concerned about I appreciate the fact that we're talking about some solutions. But, you know, as a former trauma nurse, we've got a s# # chest wound here and we're trying to put a Band-Aid on it. I'm not really sure why we the rate payers are bailing out our public utility. Not sure about that. So we need immediate intervention to help people pay bills, short-term remedy. So this doesn't continue to happen. Month after month. And a long-term plan for j j's electricity, energy decision-making. Does anybody in this room actually know how makes decisions? I would love to understand that. So no disconnections and remove the disconnect. Notice from the required qualification for assistance. We've heard that it's a long process. There's several emails and text messages just connects. Take 3 days and energy. Bill assistance sometimes take 30 to 45 days. So some short-term remedies, free energy audits and programs to help weatherize homes. That's great. If you own a home and if you're a renter, not really sure what you do because some of the slum lords in this town are not coming. Put insulation and Addicks a new windows in for you. So what are we doing for renters and education on time of use rates. We need come. A community advisory Council for j a we the rate payers all of this is being done on our backs. We deserve a seat at the table where energy decisions are being made. We don't have that. Refuses to give us that they make these decisions. We get 3 minutes that public comment. Nobody response. We need a forensic internal audit and financial adjustments to maintain or even reduce rates. We need to meet people where they are. We need to figure out renewable energy and we need a long-term plan. It's great that we're talking about the short-term solution. Lorene brought up a bunch of good points. Is this going to be an annual thing? But does that look like I don't know, but we need a long-term plan. Jay is currently conducting a secret energy planning process called Integration Resource plan. And we need a seat at the table. Thank you very much. Deborah Thompson. >> Followed by Reverend Meyer. And to the credit of our last public a lot of the comments are brought up. They brought up in the past. Also franchise fee discussion has been something that's been brought up in the past 2 years. It Go ahead and share and to all of the COUNCILMAN In visitors. >> My name is Deborah Thompson I work with Environment and Climate Justice Committee for the naacp. And I've also worked low and moderate income families, refugees and other people on fixed incomes for more than 30 years. It is very difficult to budget and work with an individual to do financial Any other program that you might put out here to fall into a situation to where and electric bill is higher than the House. No. It is a very difficult situation to work with families single paired families with more than 2 children in a home. Sometimes that is not at minimum housing code which allows electric bill to be higher in many cases, especially during the winter. So our appeal to you today is to look far again, like a long-term strategy are to work with individuals in these low and moderate income to put them on a fixed rate. So the Fed rate is not so that the bill is not escalating on a monthly basis because over a period of time, it is just very difficult for a single parent family on a fixed income are unstable income. Meanwhile, families on and stabled incomes. Those incomes, fluctuating with part-time jobs, 2, 3 jobs in some instances. So that is very difficult. So we'd like for you to put a human side to the things that you do. We as citizens all the time, do not understand operations of business and those things are being pushed on individuals that have nowhere with all nor do they have anything to fight with. So we're asking you to help us help them. I'm also a helper and a provider for small. Low and moderate income families as well. This refugees to come into our country and it is very difficult to work with with escalating electric bill, which is a necessity in this day and time. Thank you. Thank you, ma'am. Lastly, Reverend DR. Russell Meyer. Remember you, MR. Chair Council members. >> My address is on record. I am also the pastor of Saint John's Lutheran Church. An historic Springfield. We have 100 year old building. I have 100 year-old house and I would dare say that. >> Most of the people who fall into arrears more than 60 days or in older homes, they need energy efficiency. I appreciate you recognize the emergency. The emergencies not going away. It's a permanent feature. You can just check the temperature records. I say a prayer every day prayer. I think many of you probably say as well one line and that those forgive us our debts as we forgive those indebted to us. I want to know why we're bailing out the oil and coal industry. Why are we moving toward energy? That actually is affordable and renewable and clean. Why we putting poison in the air and then saying to our most vulnerable people. Oh, by the way, we're going to shut you off when we have the means. We have the resources to help people in their homes as you move through this process, please move to a true solution. The city can work with j. You can create a financing program in which every single family household homestead it or not can qualify for a alone that would be paid back over amortization on tax bills. Lean. Is there whether there are a renter or homeowner that property could brought up to date with energy efficiency. You have the audit. Sanjay ea. There are ways of solving this problem to make these high rates go away and make housing affordable and livable 4. The people who are most vulnerable in our society city. We should not be asking the most burden to carry the heaviest burden. I ran the numbers. 3%. That's roughly 14,000 households based upon what jta says, the residential clientele is. We can't afford that side of 180 billion dollars we can afford to fix the problem here. Evrod with real solutions. I would just like to conclude by saying we're better than where we are. Let's be better in what we do. Thank you, Reverend. That's all the public on this. We only this one. I did want to ask one quick question is really quick going to be a co introducing? Thank you, appreciate that. >> Last time we did have a number of public commenters come up and speak about how their bills were tough times. Have we address the issues of those individuals who came by the last of this meeting as Make sure. >> chair chair, thank you for that. We did the very next day we spoke to the individuals that had concern about their bill. And we were able to take care of that. There was some understanding issues there that we were able to clear up and most times. That's what we find issues that maybe they just don't understand something and they just need someone to walk them through it. But we did. Energy efficiency audit went out there and to care that piece that was good, that customers in a good place and the any other customer that had a concern. We were able to take care of them. >> And I did call the one gentleman who was a veteran himself called on the very next day. He sat on the phone with ga right now. Thank you for your help. So I am grateful that no weapon up one other thing because I think this is important. We have what we call in our 3 program that this council in 20 23, it's called Repair, restore for resiliency program that started off on the east side. >> It's going in and retrofitting hvac systems and then weatherization program in the area that's extended through 2, 3, 2, 202 9. >> That that will sunset the end of the year and close to 70 homes over in those areas. Those that cause I just mentioned. >> We'll have a better air better weatherization. All of that. So just want to mention that we work with the city and others to try to encourage. Thank you, doctor, and to make that we this is an emergency bill for an emergency purpose. The issues that have been brought up to date have been brought up another times about kind of the long-standing where are we with? >> Energy utilization. What can we do better? Those are those are conversations that we will have. For right now. We're trying to make sure that as we have incredibly high inflation, incredibly high gas prices. This is a way that we can support working families right now. Definitely would like to close this out. >> I'm extremely thankful. Thankful and committed and flew my colleagues at the end the day. I mean, I know this will be, you know, this just this is this is long-term face it in the day. I just want to be able say we did something for right now. We'll get back to the drawing maybe in a few weeks to try to come up with a learned also solution. But I've been they hope discuss Todd type of relief right now. That's what I have affordable housing crisis. And hopefully they kind of that. It didn't is that we could do that say some also. So thank you to my colleagues, a little full of in a close pass the traditional hopefully is get people keep people multi street. So thank you. I appreciate it. So we look bringing this bill before you hopefully looking at 13 bills. I mean the 13 votes that we need and a couple of appreciate game come out. >> one basket. So once I got on now, that would that really would dead arrival.