BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

Monday, July 22, 2024

6:00pm @ VCCS - SPAR Office & Google Meet

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President John Shermetaro at 6:00 pm.

LEARNING SEGMENT- Traffic Engineering (canceled)    

Present:  Board Attendance

John Shermetaro (President), Tyler Grant (Vice President), Mallik Singareddy (Treasurer), Ryan McFarland (Secretary), Kenny Logsdon, Daniel Ashworth Jr., Kattie Derringer, Bryant Shumaker, Rachelle Miller, Melissa Schmitt, Alison Blitch, Kelly Lezama  

Absent: Annie Howe, Jason Hardwick, Margie Viss, Pam Batts-Brown 

Guests: Bill Hoff

Staff: Michael Haskins

Consent Agenda - Approved

Motions:

1. Rehab Funding letter of support (Approved)
2. Investment policy update (Approved
3. Move to Approve $7,800 for wall upstairs (Approved)

Meeting Adjourned: 7:25

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

Monday, June 17, 2024

6:00pm @ VCCS - SPAR Office & Google Meet

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President John Shermetaro at 6:00 pm.

LEARNING SEGMENT- Groundwork Jacksonville                                        Kay Ehas    

Present:  Board Attendance

John Shermetaro (President), Tyler Grant (Vice President), Mallik Singareddy (Treasurer), Ryan McFarland (Secretary), Kenny Logsdon, Pam Batts-Brown, Daniel Ashworth Jr., Kattie Derringer, Jason Hardwick, Bryant Shumaker, Rachelle Miller, Margie Viss, Melissa Schmitt, Alison Blitch  

Absent: Annie Howe, Kelly Lezama

Guests: Bill Hoff, Tim Hope

Staff: Michael Haskins

Consent Agenda - Approved

Motions:

1. Othello… Letter of support for zoning variance recommended (approved)
2. Groundworks Jax- presenting as learning segment (deferred)

1. Closure of 6th Street between Boulevard and Jefferson… CRIC has concerns but recommends no action due to lack of reason for closure
2. Closure of Market Street between Orange and Confederate… CRIC recommends no action due to lack of reason for closure
3. Demolition of the historic JEA building at Main and Orange. CRIC recommends no action.

3) Traffic Calming Discussion – Recommendation from Community Meeting was for 4-way stops. CRIC has concerns about bike ease of use. Reasonable to suggest 4-way stops at all current intersections where stop signs are on North-South. Michael will bring this to a poll at next CRIC meeting. (deferred)

4) Future of Cities PUD (L-5826-23C) - Requesting letter of support. Mike requesting CRIC volunteer review and update letter for SPAR Board. Draft letter language from Future of Cities. Letter of support recommended. (approved)

5) letter of support for armory (Logsdon and Malik abstain)

Meeting Adjourned: 8:29

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

Monday, May 20, 2024

6:00pm @ VCCS - SPAR Office & Google Meet

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President John Shermetaro at 6:01 pm.

Present:  Board Attendance

John Shermetaro (President), Tyler Grant (Vice President), Mallik Singareddy (Treasurer), Ryan McFarland (Secretary), Kenny Logsdon, Pam Batts-Brown, Daniel Ashworth Jr., Kattie Derringer, Jason Hardwick, Bryant Shumaker, Rachelle Miller

Absent: Annie Howe, Margie Viss, Kelly Lezama, Alison Blitch, Melissa Schmitt  

Guests: Bill Hoff, John DeVore

Staff: Michael Haskins

Consent Agenda - Approved

Motions:

1. Motion by Mallik to move funds in restricted ambassador fund to operating account and notify donors (Approved)

Meeting Adjourned: 7:17

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

Monday, April 22, 2024

6:00pm @ VCCS - SPAR Office & Google Meet

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President John Shermetaro at 6:00 pm.

Present:  Board Attendance

John Shermetaro (President), Tyler Grant (Vice President), Mallik Singareddy (Treasurer), Ryan McFarland (Secretary), Margie Viss, Kenny Logsdon, Rachelle Miller, Pam Batts-Brown, Kelly Lezama, Alison Blitch, Melissa Schmitt, Daniel Ashworth Jr., Kattie Derringer

Absent: Bryant Shumaker, Jason Hardwick, Annie Howe

Guests: Bill Hoff, Tim Hope, Amita Bey, Hugues Touze

Staff: Michael Haskins

Consent Agenda - Approved

Motions:

1. Motion to issue letter of opposition on 125 East 3rd demolition application (Approved)
2. Motion to add John Shermetaro to the SPAR VyStar Checking Account (Approved)

Meeting Adjourned: 7:23

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

Monday, March 18, 2024

6:00pm @ VCCS - SPAR Office & Google Meet

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by Vice-President Tyler Grant at 6:03 pm.

Present:  Board Attendance

John Shermetaro (President) (virtual), Tyler Grant (Vice President), Mallik Singareddy (Treasurer), Ryan McFarland (Secretary), Kattie Derringer, Margie Viss, Kenny Logsdon, Rachelle Miller, Pam Batts-Brown, Kelly Lezama, Alison Blitch, Jason Hardwick

Absent: Bryant Shumaker, Annie Howe, Daniel Ashworth Jr., Melissa Schmitt

Guests: Bill Hoff, Anthony Hugo (JTA), Tim Hope

Staff: Michael Haskins

Consent Agenda - Approved

Motions:

1. Ratify E-vote: Motion to issue a letter of opposition on the demolition of 1422 N Liberty Street (John S). Second (Mallik S). Motion Passed (10 aye, 1 nay) Approved (1 Nay)
2. Ratify E-vote: Motion to issue a letter of opposition for zoning exception (E-24-09) on 43 E 4th Street (John S). Second (Kenny L). Motion Passed (7 aye, 4 nay) (Approved)
3. Tyler makes a motion to authorize Michael to send a letter to the Mayor’s office which we will e-vote on to try to be made a part of the Jaguars stadium agreement with the city. (Approved) (Tyler abstained)
4. Move to authorize Michael to draft a letter to support the rezoning of Othelo if requested. (Tabled)

Meeting Adjourned: 8:02

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

Monday, February 19, 2024

6:00pm @ VCCS - SPAR Office & Google Meet

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by Vice-President Tyler Grant at 6:06 pm.

Present:  Board Attendance

John Shermetaro (President) (virtual), Tyler Grant (Vice President), Mallik Singareddy (Treasurer), Ryan McFarland (Secretary), Bryant Shumaker, Annie Howe, Daniel Ashworth Jr., Kattie Derringer, Margie Viss, Kenny Logsdon, Rachelle Miller 

Absent: AJ Rodriguez, Alison Blitch, Jason Hardwick, Pam Batts-Brown, Kelly Lezama

Guests: Melissa Schmidt, Bill Hoff

Staff: Michael Haskins

Consent Agenda - Approved

Motions:

1. Motion to fund up to $5,000 from Board Designated Porchfest Art Fund to repaint crosswalks. (Approved)
2. Motion to approve revisions of SPAR Employee Policy Manual (12/23/2023). (Approved).
3. Motion to approve revisions (2/14/2024) to Technology and Software Access Policy. (Amended to accept as written without password section) (approved)
4. Annie Howe adds motion to direct finance committee to make Mallik, John, and Tyler to be on Vystar account (amended to remove Tyler and add Michael to Vystar Checking and Savings accounts) (Tabled) 
5. Motion to appoint/approve Melissa Schmitt as a board director effective 3/1/24; replacing AJ Rodriguez. (Approved)
6. Motion to issue a letter of support on 3 issues  for the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation: 
   • Establish a Florida Historic Tax Credit: Florida one of only 11 states without a tax credit for historic preservation. This would create additional funds for a variety of historic preservation projects, including funds for developers to rehabilitate historic structures. Would be a good tool in the toolbox to help developers get additional financing for rehab.  
   • Amend the Resiliency and Safe Structures Act: This was a big deal last year. SPAR opposed the original bill and supported the amendment. The bill that passed removed protections from local historic districts. The inside scoop is that a Miami developer pushed this bill through in order to demo some structures in Miami Beach. The bill theoretically could be used by developers in Springfield to allow demolition of certain structures over and against JHPC's recommendation. The proposed amendment before the legislature in this session would restore some of the protections that the original bill removed. 
   • Fully Fund the FY25 Division of Historic Resources- Preservation Grants: Grants for preservation activities like historic markers. Not something SPAR currently utilizes, but something we may utilize in the future. This is just a call to fund an already extant program.  (Approved)

     7. Motion to add Michael Haskins and Mallik Singareddy to Prudential Investment Accounts and remove Tim Hope. (Approved)

     8. Motion to oppose demolition request for 1422 N Liberty (amended to have Mike draft a letter to that effect).(Tabled)

     9. Motion to issue a letter of support for the renaming of “Confederate Street” to “Frazier Street.” (amended to add “or as supported by the city of jacksonville” following the parenthetical “(as opposed to “Ben Frazier Street)”.)

Meeting Adjourned: 8:30 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

Monday, January 22, 2024

6:00pm @ VCCS - SPAR Office & Google Meet

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President John Shermetaro at 6:05 pm.

Present:  Board Attendance

John Shermetaro (President), Tyler Grant (Vice President), Mallik Singareddy (Treasurer), Ryan McFarland (Secretary), Tim Hope, Bryant Shumaker, Annie Howe, Daniel Ashworth Jr., Kattie Derringer, Pam Batts-Brown, Kelly Lezama, Jason Hardwick, Margie Viss, Kenny Logsdon 

Absent: AJ Rodriguez, Alison Blitch, Rachelle Miller

Guests: Bill Hoff, Diane Graese, Todd Hollinghead

Staff: Michael Haskins, Meghan Waters, Mandie Marron

Motions:

1. Consent agenda and November meeting minutes (Approved)

2. CPAC- Capital Improvement Suggestions, in order of priority: (suggestions by Wednesday, e-vote to follow).

• Brick rebuild of Perry from 8th to 10th
• 9th Street repave from Boulevard to Pearl (already in the CIP, but beyond 5)
• Full sidewalk and curbing repair of Clark Street
• Traffic circles that mirror Laura & Pearl on the east side at 4th & 7th and Hubbard and Walnut
• Kennedy Center playground equipment replacement and conversion of tennis courts to pickleball courts
• Systematic assessment of sidewalks and curb conditions and replacement/repair schedule
• Systematic evaluation of storm water infrastructure deficits and replacement/repair schedule 3. 1349 Market Letter of Support (Approved)

Meeting Adjourned: 7:22 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

Monday, December 18, 2023

6:00pm @ VCCS - SPAR Office & Google Meet

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President Kelly Lezama at 6:02 pm.

Present:  Board Attendance

Kelly Lezama (President), AJ Rodriguez (Vice President), Mallik Singareddy (Treasurer), Ryan McFarland (Secretary), Tim Hope, Bryant Shumaker, Annie Howe, Tyler Grant, Daniel Ashworth Jr., John Shermetaro, Alison Blitch, Kattie Derringer, Pam Batts-Brown

Absent: Jason Hardwick, Margie Viss

Guests: Bill Hoff; Sarah Nichols, Rachelle Miller (sworn in), Kenny Logsdon (sworn in)

Staff: Michael Haskins, Meghan Waters, Mandie Marron

Motions:

1. Consent agenda and November meeting minutes (Approved)
2. E-vote Ratification: Motion to accept the board resolution as presented. 2024 COJ Neighborhoods Matching Grant Board Resolution Aye: Annie, Alison, Daniel, Mallik, Tyler, AJ, Katie, Margie, Ryan, Pam - APPROVED
3. E-vote Ratification: Motion to provide a one time year end performance bonus of $6,000 to the Executive Director for 2023. Aye: Tyler, Alison, John, Pam, Kelly, AJ, Daniel, Ryan, Annie, Katie, Margie - APPROVED
4. E-vote Ratification: Motion to increase the Executive Director salary to 88,200 ($75,000 base salary & $13,200 health care stipend) in the 2024 budget.  Aye: Kelly, Tyler, Alison, Pam, AJ, Daniel, Ryan, Annie, Katie, Margie; Recommend to table motion till after 2023 Q4 finances are known: John, Mallik - APPROVED
5. Investment Strategy / Endowment tabled motion (old business) Approved
6. Move to enter into endowment with community foundation per the terms of the agreement circulated by email
7. EC Elections - nominations 
   1. President - AJ and John
   2. Vice - Katie and Tyler
   3. Treasurer - Mallik
   4. Secretary - Margie and Ryan
8. Elections held, tallied by Tim Hope - John, Tyler, Mallik, Ryan
9. Swearing in of new Directors and Officer Installation

Meeting Adjourned: 6:58 pm

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

Monday, November 20, 2023

6:00pm @ VCCS - SPAR Office & Google Meet

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President Kelly Lezama at 6:03 pm.

Present:  Board Attendance

Kelly Lezama (President), Mallik Singareddy (Treasurer), Ryan McFarland (Secretary), Annie Howe, Tyler Grant, Daniel Ashworth Jr., John Shermetaro, Jason Hardwick, Alison Blitch, Kattie Derringer, Margie Viss,  Pam Batts-Brown

Absent: Tim Hope, Bryant Shumaker, , AJ Rodriguez (Vice President)

Guests: Bill Hoff

Staff: Michael Haskins, Meghan Waters

Motions:

1. Consent agenda and October meeting minutes (Approved)
2. Ratify E vote: Motion - Groundwork Jax is applying for the FY2023 NOAA Transformational Habitat and Restoration Coastal Resilience Grant - Letter of Support request - APPROVED
3. Joyce Holbrook Award 
4. Letter of Support for PUD pending changes discussed - 1839 N Main Street (Food Hall) Letter of Support APPROVED
5. Transition of SPAR finances - Finance - Can complete on 11/21
6. 2024 proposed budget - APPROVED
7. SPAR Endowment - Motion for SPAR to consider an endowment by December 2024 (tabled)
8. Cancel Board Meeting on 12/18? (No)

Meeting Adjourned: 7:57 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

Monday, October 23, 2023

6:00pm @ VCCS - SPAR Office & Google Meet

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President Kelly Lezama at 6:02 pm.

Present:  Board Attendance

Kelly Lezama (President)  Mallik Singareddy (Treasurer), Ryan McFarland (Secretary), AJ Rodriguez (Vice President), Annie Howe, Tyler Grant, Daniel Ashworth Jr., Bryant Shumaker, John Shermetaro, Jason Hardwick, Alison Blitch, Kattie Derringer

Absent: Pam Batts-Brown, Tim Hope, Margie Viss

Guests: Bill Hoff, Shawneese Harris, Todd Hollinghead

Staff: Michael Haskins, Mandie Marron

Motions:

1. Consent agenda and September meeting minutes (Approved)
2. Motion to Letter of Support request - Karpeles Rehab (Approved) 
3. Karpeles Grand Letter of Support - Mallik Singareddy (Nay)
4. Motion to advance Election Slate of Candidates - Rachelle Miller and Kenny Logsdon (Approved)
5. Motion to restrict SPAR email to Staff, Board, and current contractors beginning January 1, 2024 (Approved)

Meeting Adjourned: 7:03