Argyle Area Civic Council

Minutes of the Mon, Feb 18, 2008 AACC Meeting Dennys Restaurant

Minutes posted 3-17-2008 6:30 pm

MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 18, 2008
MEETING OF THE ARGYLE AREA CIVIC COUNCIL
Held at Denny’s Restaurant, 8409 Blanding Boulevard
Jacksonville, Florida 32244

Present: Bill Lewis, President; Tom Dumas, Vice President; Marie Splane, Recording Secretary; Allen Durant, Treasurer; Thomas R. Martin, Bill Ellis, Ashley Davis, John Draper, Jim Kelly, Charles Sullivan, Don Christen, Tony Bates, David Hodges, Bobbie Cockayne, Anthony Arnett, and Susan Farmer.

President Lewis called the meeting to order at 7:43 p.m.

APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY MINUTES:
David Hodges made a motion to correct the minutes, under Transportation, number 2. The minutes read “Collins Drive” twice. The sentence reading Collins Drive through to Kindlewood should read “College Drive.”

Also, under Economic/Business Development, under number 2, the reference to the K8 school at Connie Jean and 103rd should read: “The K8 school at Connie Jean and 103rd will be expanded to 400 students at the junior high level.” Tom Martin moved to adopt the minutes as corrected. Motion seconded by Ashley Davis and passed.

UPCOMING MEETINGS: President Lewis reminded us of the District 14 storm water town hall meeting to be held this Thursday, February 21, at 6:30 p.m. at FCCJ Kent Campus, 3939 Roosevelt Boulevard. This reminder will also go out in an email.

TRANSPORTATION:
David Hodges added an item to the agenda, 6.5, Rampart Road/Argyle Forest to Park City widening. This is going to be four lanes from Argyle to Collins and three lanes from Collins to Park City, so that it will match up to what is already from Park City to Morse Avenue.

Collins Road/Rampart to Blanding road widening is under construction. The widening project came in $4 million under budget. Part of the reason for coming in under budget is two turn lanes have been dropped. It is felt that this will create a traffic bottleneck, and instead of the completed project running smoothly from day one upon completion, this will create an additional traffic problem that will have to be addressed later, at presumably a greater cost.

Collins Road Extension between Shindler Drive and Old Middleburg Road: David Hodges would like to see a sound study done to see what the noise level will be for the residents along this 45 mph stretch of road. President Lewis says that some sections have been designed with 12-foot medians. The project is designed for four lanes but they are only funding two.

David Hodges made a motion that a letter be sent to the City Public Works Director, asking that a sound study be done on the extension of Collins Road between Shindler and Old Middleburg. Motion seconded by Tom Martin. Motion carried. Copies will be sent to Councilmen Michael Corrigan, Ray Holt and Daniel Davis.

Argyle Forest Boulevard Trees: It appears that most of the trees have been planted in the Phase I section of Argyle Forest Boulevard. The area is looking much better.

Bridge Lights: Allen Durant asked about the street lights on the Argyle Forest Bridge. David Hodges asked that a letter of thanks be sent to Councilman Corrigan for getting the provision of bridge lights approved by the City Council.

Argyle Entranceway Cleanup: David Hodges made a motion to make Saturday, March 15 at 8 a.m., the Argyle sign/median work party. Motion seconded by Tom Dumas and passed.


BUSINESS/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (David Hodges): The Hess gas station is now open. More businesses are opening every week.
Ashley Davis commented that he would like to see more sit-down type restaurants that serve breakfast, such as a Village Inn.

OLD BUSINESS:
A resident asked about a section of median on Old Middleburg Road, about three feet in width, that is not being taken care of. David Hodges suggested a letter be sent to Councilman Corrigan to ask him how that is being looked after.

AREA BALL FIELDS: John Draper asked if there was any movement toward allowing the kids baseball teams to use the Chimney Lakes field. The answer was no. There is no maintenance equipment to maintain the field; it is hardened, and there are insurance reasons for not allowing its use. The only area ball field is Argyle East, until the soccer field/complex at Old Middleburg and Argyle Forest is built.

LAND SWAP: David Hodges announced that a land swap agreement has been reached between the fire department and the parks department. The fire department will swap the two acres at the corner of Argyle Forest and Old Middleburg for the corner of Collins Road and Old Middleburg. The previous plans didn’t allow enough room to facilitate
parking and other amenities at the planned soccer complex. This swap will facilitate a better use of both pieces of property. The fire department will be able to have access to Collins Road and Old Middleburg.

COMMUNICATIONS and WEBSITE:
No news to report, other than our website is still free.

NEW BUSINESS: Charles Sullivan, resident of Oakleaf Plantation, made a presentation on behalf of the American Cancer Society. There will be a Relay for Life held on May 23 and 24 in Oakleaf Plantation, and another Relay for Life on April 18 and 19 at Bishop John Snyder High School. This event is an 18-hour walk that starts on a Friday evening. Teams of 10 to 15 people are formed and they raise money for cancer by walking relays. All money raised goes to the ACS to be used for research. Some funds are also used locally to assist people who are fighting cancer. Everyone who is interested is encouraged to contact Charles Sullivan for more details at sully1226@hotmail.com.

OLSEN FARMS/HARMONY FARMS REZONING:
Tom Dumas recused himself from the board for this part of the meeting. There are several rezonings coming up, and Tom has talked to several of the AACC members individually about them. Before it is brought up officially at the next meeting, Tom would like to invite anyone who is interested in learning more to meet at his office to see what is planned. He is following right in line with the Southwest CPAC’s Vision Study for a town center type concept. Harmony and Olsen are currently zoned RPI. Olsen has CRO zoning and Harmony has CO zoning. Anyone who is interested is encouraged to contact Tom and he will show you what is envisioned.

SIGNS: Bobbie Cockayne is having a problem with signs in the neighborhood, some being stuck on trees for up to two years now. She has been in touch with the Code Enforcement department of the City, but not all the signs were removed.
The only suggestion was to keep calling 630-CITY.

SENIOR CITIZENS ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY – COLLINS ROAD:
John Draper asked whether we have heard from the gentleman who made a presentation last summer/fall on developing a senior citizens assisted living facility. President Lewis said that after it appeared the AACC was not in favor of the four-story facility, we have not heard from anyone.

PROPERTY AT CORNER OF PARK CITY & RICKER ROAD:
David Hodges reported that nothing appears to have been done with this property leased by River Region Human Services. He suggested we make some inquiries about the plans for this property. It has been leased for three years and it appears that there is no activity. There is a building and it would make a great site for a senior citizens center.

COLLINS ROAD WIDENING: A resident asked how the widening would affect the neighbors. It’s like McGirts Creek through his back yard when it rains. The response is that there is one retention pond planned; right now it is only going to be two lanes, but when it gets to be four the problem may become worse. There will likely be more interest when the final design meeting comes up.

CONCERNED TAXPAYERS OF DUVAL COUNTY: Tony Bates invited anyone who is interested about information on current legislation to contact him by email at toneybates@juno.com, and put in the subject line: CTDC (Concerned Taxpayers of Duval County). Mention AACC in your email. He will then send you all information about how the city council is spending your money and information on other tax issues.

TREASURER’S REPORT:
Allen Durant gave the treasurer’s report. We have $47.12 in our bank account.

There being no further business to come before the council, Bill Ellis made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Anthony Arnett. The meeting adjourned at 9:06 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Marie Splane, Recording Secretary

Agenda Last Updated 02-15-2007 12:30 pm

ARGYLE AREA CIVIC COUNCIL
AACC Meeting Monday, February 18, 2008 7:30 pm
Location: Denny's Restaurant 8409 Blanding Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32244 Phone: 904-778-4624
Corner of Blanding Blvd and Youngerman Circle.
Map: http://web.sa.mapquest.com/dennys/advantage.adp?transaction=locmap&recordId=509&pwidth=400&pheight=250to
1. Call to Order 7:30 pm
2. Approval of Old Minutes
Monday. January 21, 2008 http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/jacksonville/aacc/genpage/505305725.html
Monday, December 17, 2007 http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/jacksonville/aacc/genpage/946046566.html Approved at January 17, 2008 Meeting
3. Committee Reports
a. Jacksonville City Council, Clay County Commission Report and other elected officials or representatives
1. Duval County School Board District 7 - Tommy Hazouri
2. Jax District 14 Council Member Michael Corrigan - Past Council President 2006 - 2007
3. Jax District 12 Council Member Dan Davis - City Council President 2007 - 2008
4. Jax District 11 Council Member Ray Holt
5. Jax At Large, Group 1 Council Member Ronnie Fussell
6. Clay District 2 Commissioner - Doug Conkey
7. State Representative Jennifer Carroll (R), District 13 - Rebecca Coleman, District Secretary
8. U.S. Representative Cliff Stearns (R), Florida's Sixth District - Sherrie Porter, District Aide
b. Public Safety Report. Jacksonville Sheriff's Office and Clay County Sheriff's Office
c. Transportation. David Hodges - Click on the links for the Latest Info on these Projects
1. Argyle Forest Blvd 4 Lanes - http://www.jtaonthemove.com/projects/bjp/bjargyle2.aspx
2. I-295 @ Collins Rd / Blanding Blvd Interchange C/D Project - http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/public/genpage.html?nid=972432200&nneighid=351562714&nsupercity=623542159
3. Collins Road Widening -
. I) Collins Rd/Rampart to Blanding http://www.coj.net/Departments/Better+Jacksonville+Plan/Road+Projects.htm
. II) Collins Rd/Westport to Rampart http://www.coj.net/Departments/Better+Jacksonville+Plan/Road+Projects.htm
. III) Collins Rd/Shindler to Westport http://www.coj.net/Departments/Better+Jacksonville+Plan/Road+Projects.htm
. IV) Collins Rd/Shindler to Old Middleburg http://www.coj.net/Departments/Better+Jacksonville+Plan/Road+Projects.htm
. V) Extension of Collins Rd from Old Middleburg to Cecil Commerce Center. Proposed. May or May Not Happen.
4. Old Middleburg Rd./103rd to Branan Field http://www.coj.net/Departments/Better+Jacksonville+Plan/Road+Projects.htm
5. Branan Field Chaffee Road Phase 1 (103rd St. to I-10) - http://www.jtaonthemove.com/projects/bjp/bjbranan10.aspx
6. Shindler Rd realigned with Cheswick Oaks along the JEA easements for power lines. Proposed. May or May Not Happen.
7. College Drive Extension North Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study - New connection between Blanding Boulevard (SR 21) and Branan Field/Chaffee Road (SR 23). - Clay county http://www.collegedrivenorth.com/faq.htm
BETTER JACKSONVILLE PLAN IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS http://www.coj.net/Departments/Better+Jacksonville+Plan/Road+Projects.htm
Jacksonville Transportation Authority Projects Map - http://www.jtaonthemove.com/projects/projects_map.html
Florida Department of Transportation Information http://www.dot.state.fl.us/publicinformationoffice/construc/district2pio/counties/duval.htm http://www.dot.state.fl.us/publicinformationoffice/construc/district2pio/counties/clay.htm - http://www.dot.state.fl.us/publicinformationoffice/publicinv/PI-D2.htm
d. Business Development - David Hodges
. . Oakleaf Town Center - Jacksonville, FL - Description http://www.sembler.com/current_projects.php?id=12
. . Oakleaf Town Center - Jacksonville, FL - PDF Map http://www.sembler.com/pdfs/Oakleaf%20Town%20Ctr.pdf
e. Communications and Web Site - Bill Lewis
f. Home Owners Association President Meeting - Bill Lewis
g. Grant Writing Committee
h. Landscaping Committee - Argyle Sign at Argyle Forest Blvd and Blanding Blvd
i. Treasurer's Report
4. Old Business
a. Argyle Forest Sign Island at Argyle Forest Blvd and Blanding - We still need the assistance of a brick mason who can advise the best way to replace the broken bricks.
b. Argyle Forest Median Mowing will now be done by Public Works and Contractor to include Argyle sign median at Blanding Blvd. Thank you email sent to Michael Corrigan 10-26-2007 http://groups.firstcoastcommunity.com/media/documents/559.60.doc
First Email - Argyle Forest Median Mowing by Public Works and Contractor to include Argyle sign median at Blanding Blvd. See email sent back to Michael Corrigan 10-12-2007 http://groups.firstcoastcommunity.com/media/documents/559.59.doc
c. Argyle Forest Blvd Bridge Lights to be replaced with lights similar to the Ortega Bridge lights.
d. Information about the Cecil Field Airport Advisory Committee - 1 Appointment from the AACC
5. New Business
a: Collins Road Extension between Shindler Drive and Old Middleburg Road
6. Additional Comments From the Public
7. Motion to Adjourn

Email us
ArgyleACC@joimail.com

Additional Web Links

Minutes of the Monday, January 21, 2008 AACC Meeting
BETTER JACKSONVILLE PLAN IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
Oakleaf Town Center - Jacksonville, FL - Description
Oakleaf Town Center - Jacksonville, FL - PDF Map