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 

SPAR Board and Staff were excited to welcome a packed house of neighbors and community members for our Quarterly Meeting at Historically Hoppy Brewing Company. Our agenda was as follows:

• Welcome and Announcements by Mike Haskins, SPAR Executive Director
• Springfield Housing Market Update by Crissie Cudd
• 904 Happy Hour by Brooke Edmondson
• JEA Tree Trimming by Joe Anderson
• Phoenix Arts and Innovation District Updates by Future of Cities Team (Tony Cho, Michael Weil, Emily Moody, Tanya Watts, and Hayden Phillips)

If you missed the meeting, please view the Powerpoint presentation with all the discussed information or watch the livestreamed video.

SPAR Board and Staff were excited to welcome a packed house of neighbors and community members for our Annual Meeting at Wells Fargo Learning Center. Our agenda was as follows:

• Welcome and Announcements by Mike Haskins, SPAR Executive Director
• Springfield Housing Market Update by Crissie Cudd
• Board Candidate Presentations by AJ Rodriguez, SPAR Board of Directors Vice President
• 2023 Annual Report by Mike Haskins
• Election Announcement by AJ Rodriguez

If you missed the meeting, please view the Powerpoint presentation with all the discussed information or watch the livestreamed video.

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 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

Monday, September 18, 2023

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

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President Kelly Lezama at 6:00 pm.

Present:  Board Attendance

Kelly Lezama (President)  Mallik Singareddy (Treasurer), Ryan McFarland (Secretary), Tyler Grant, Daniel Ashworth Jr., Bryant Shumaker, Pam Batts-Brown, Tim Hope, John Shermetaro, Jason Hardwick, Alison Blitch, Margie Viss

Absent: AJ Rodriguez (Vice President), Annie Howe

Guests: Bill Hoff, Lloyd Downing, Tony Debellis, Jordan Lacy

Staff: Michael Haskins, Mandie Marron

Motions:

1. Consent agenda and August meeting minutes (Approved)
2. Holiday Society - Request approval for $10,000 from Holiday Society designated funds to purchase snowflake decorations from HolidayLights.com Inc. (approved)
3. Holiday Society - Request approval to designate $3000 in SPAR SPAR Operating funds to Holiday Society designated funds with the understanding that the next $3000 in donations to the Holiday Society will be designated to SPAR operating funds. (approved)
4. Letter of Support request - Groundwork Jacksonville is again applying for a Reconnecting Neighborhoods and Communities grant with the JTA and City of Jacksonville to secure funding for the Emerald Trail. (approved)
5. Governance - Strategic Plan Discussion/heads up - costs associated with plan revamp - 5K for year 2023/2024; 5k for year 2024/2025 - AJ (no vote)
6. Motion to write letter and send Michael Haskins to the code enforcement meeting to speak on SPARs behalf regarding CRIC - 43 East 4th Street discussion - Code Enforcement meeting on 9/19 @ 10am

Meeting Adjourned: 7:53 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

Monday, August 21, 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), Tyler Grant, Daniel Ashworth Jr., Katie Derringer, Bryant Shumaker, Pam Batts-Brown, Tim Hope, John Shermetaro, Annie Howe, Jason Hardwick, Alison Blitch

Absent: AJ Rodriguez (Vice President), Margie Viss

Guests: Bill Hoff, Todd Hollinghead

Staff: Michael Haskins, Mandie Marron, Meghan Waters

Motions:

Consent agenda and May meeting minutes (Approved)

• Consent agenda and May meeting minutes (Approved)
• E-Vote ratification: 1217 Walnut Street letter of support to reflect that it should now be addressed to City Council rather than Historic Preservation and should reference the City Council ordinance number rather than the HPC application number: APPROVED 7/17/23 via email (Daniel, Katie, Margie, Annie, Tyler, John, Pam, Mallik, Kelly) (Approved)
• Motion to Update DEI policy - SPAR’s DEI statement is not in line with the City of Jacksonville Human Rights Ordinance and does not include gender identity.

Current SPAR DEI language: " Springfield Preservation and Revitalization values diversity and inclusion and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, age, marital status, disability, or sexual orientation in the administration or implementation of its programs and activities or in hiring or volunteer recruitment."

Recommended SPAR DEI language: "Springfield Preservation and Revitalization is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We embrace and encourage differences and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, marital status, or familial status that make our neighborhood unique. SPAR prioritizes creating a welcoming community and values a concerted, organized effort to develop strategies which make our programs, activities, hiring, and volunteer recruitment more accessible and inclusive."  (Approved)

• Bethel Baptist letter of support - to apply for grant applications for church renovation project (Approved)
• Finance - Move 50k from Operating at Wells Fargo to Money Market to stay under FDIC limit (Approved)
• Finance - Motion to have finance committee approval to move money between operating accounts (Vystar, Wells Fargo, and Money Market cash accounts) (Approved)

Meeting Adjourned: 7:12

Let us introduce you to our 2023 Candidates for the SPAR Board of Directors! The Board of Directors are presenting Kenny Logsdon and Rachelle Miller as new candidates who would bring valuable skills, passion, and knowledge to our organization. 

Please learn more about the candidates by reading their bios below. If you have any questions for them prior to voting at the annual meeting, please submit them before December 5th to [email protected] and the candidates will provide their answers at the Annual Meeting.

SPAR members will be able to vote on candidates at our Annual Meeting on Tuesday, December 5th at the Wells Fargo. Doors open at 5:30 pm. Aside from voting, SPAR members will receive updates about on-going projects and efforts in the community. 

SPAR Board and Staff were excited to welcome a packed house of neighbors and community members for our Fall 2023 Community Meeting at Hyperion Brewing Company. We hosted a variety speakers whom provided great updates for upcoming projects in and updates for Historic Springfield including:

• Mike Haskins, SPAR Executive Director, introduced himself to the community and provided updates from SPAR
• AJ Rodriguez, SPAR Board of Directors - Vice President, announced the 2023 Board of Directors Election Season
• Crissie Cudd who presented an update on the Springfield Housing Market
• Daniel Ashworth, Charles Garrison, Ashantae Green, and Bill Hoff presented on the Mayoral Transition Committees
• Jimmy Peluso, City Councilman for District 7, held a community conversation

If you missed the meeting, please view the Powerpoint presentation with all the discussed information.

PURCHASE THE BEST-PRICED JAGUARS TICKETS IN TOWN!

SPAR is proud to participate in the Give & Go program, which allows us to to offer the best-priced Jaguars single game tickets in town and to raise funds for Springfield. With every ticket you purchase, up to $20 is automatically donated to SPAR. 

Purchase tickets through this link for the best prices and ensure a donation to SPAR.

Give & Go is a partnership of the Nonprofit Center, the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Jaguars Foundation, and the DuBow Family Foundation.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

Monday, June 26, 2023

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

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President Kelly Lezama at 6:01 pm.

Present:  Board Attendance

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

Absent: Annie Howe, Jason Hardwick, Ben Alcorn

Guests: Samantha Frank, Bill Hoff 

Staff: Michael Haskins, Mandie Marron, Meghan Waters

Motions:

1. Consent agenda and May meeting minutes APPROVED
2. Ratify E-Vote: Motion to send the attached letter as drafted to COJ planning staff regarding the 27 E. 7th St. PUD (application number L-5811-23C, tracking number L-5811).   - APPROVED via email vote on 5/25/23 (Jason, Pam, John, Ben, AJ, Tyler, Mallik, Annie, Kelly, Alison, Daniel, Margie voted in favor)
3. Ratify E-Vote: Motion to send the attached letter of Support for the REHAB bill (Ordinance 2023-0316) to City Council. (Kelly, Jason, Daniel, John, Ben, Margie, Annie, Tyler, Bryant, Ryan, Alison - via text voted in favor; AJ, Katie, Mallik voted against)
4. Motion to accept the letter of board resignation from Ben Alcorn as presented. APPROVED
5. Motion to approve the as presented by the Finance Committee. APPROVED
6. Motion to approve the as presented by the Finance Committee. APPROVED
7. Motion to create TAP Taskforce APPROVED

Meeting Adjourned: 7:28 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING AGENDA

Monday, May 22, 2023

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

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by President Kelly Lezama at 6:01 pm.

Present:  Board Attendance

Kelly Lezama (President) AJ Rodriguez (Vice President),  Mallik Singareddy (Treasurer), Ryan McFarland (Secretary), Alison Blitch, Margie Viss, Tyler Grant, Daniel Ashworth Jr., Katie Derringer, Bryant Shumaker, Pam Batts-Brown, Jason Hardwick, Ben Alcorn, Tim Hope

Absent: Annie Howe, John Shermetaro

Guests: Todd Hollinghead, Bill Hoff 

Staff: Michael Haskins, Mandie Marron

Motions:

1. 27 W 7th - PUD - write letter (tabled)

2. VOTE: Motion to write a letter of opposition of the demolition of 1926 Perry St (denied)

3. VOTE: Motion to write a Letter of Support for the Florida Humanities’ grant program with FSCJ. (approved)

4. VOTE: Motion to write a Letter of Support for the Historic Landmarking of 1217 Walnut St. for HPC. (approved)

5. VOTE: Motion to create a restricted line item in the Operating budget for Player Funds relating to the July 4th East/Westside baseball game to include player fees and player recruited team/equipment sponsorships.  Will exclude beer sales and event sponsorships. (approved)

6. VOTE: Motion to approve the CSGP Corporate Resolution form indicating the Executive Director, Mike Haskins, as the authorized official for SPAR. (approved)

7. VOTE: Motion to approve debit cards for President (Kelly Lezama) and ED (Mike Haskins) (approved)

8. VOTE: Motion to approve President (Kelly Lezama) and Treasurer (Mallik Singareddy) full authorization for: (approved)

• Wells Fargo operating 
• Wells Fargo restricted - SAMBA
• Wells Fargo restricted - CSGP

9. VOTE: Motion to approve President (Kelly Lezama), Treasurer (Mallik Singareddy), and Executive Director (Mike Haskins) as authorized signatories for checks: (approved)

• Wells Fargo operating 
• Wells Fargo restricted - SAMBA
• Wells Fargo restricted - CSGP

10. VOTE: Motion to move Wells Fargo restricted - security account to Wells Fargo operating account and close Wells Fargo restricted - security account (approved)

Experience PorchFest with our inclusive food and drinks package! VIP tickets include:

• Private area with amazing view of the Main Stage
• Complimentary food, drink tickets, and dedicated bar
• Climate-controlled restrooms with running water
• Tented seating area with cooling fans
• Invitation to our Sponsor Thank You Party in January 2025

$250 - PORCHFEST FRIEND

• 1 VIP pass including dedicated seating, bar, and restrooms with air conditioning and running water, as well as complimentary food and drink tickets
• 1 gift bag including t-shirt and poster
• 2 tickets to Sponsor Thank You Party in January 2025

$450 - PORCHFEST FAMILY

• 2 VIP passes including dedicated seating, bar, and restrooms with air conditioning and running water, as well as complimentary food and drink tickets
• 2 gift bags including t-shirt and poster
• 2 tickets to Sponsor Thank You Party in January 2025

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING AGENDA

Monday, April 17, 2023

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

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by Vice-President, AJ Rodriguez, at 6:02 pm.

Present:  Board Attendance

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

Absent: Margie Viss, Ben Alcorn, Jason Hardwick, John Shermetaro, Kelly Lezama

Guests: Todd Hollinghead, Blake Duffy

Staff: Michael Haskins, Mandie Marron, Meghan Waters

MOTIONS:

1. Motion to accept the Consent Agenda & March Board meeting minutes as presented: APPROVED
2. Motion to grow board to 18 members (made by AJ Rodriguez/Governance) VOTED DOWN BY ALL 
3. Motion to adjourn meeting at 7:06 pm.

SPAR Board and Staff were excited to welcome a packed house of neighbors and community members for our Spring 2023 Community Meeting. We hosted a variety speakers whom provided great updates for upcoming projects in Historic Springfield including:

• Mike Haskins, SPAR Executive Director, introduced himself to the community and provided updates from SPAR
• Vicki Helow of Encore Research Group, who presented on the importance of engaging in clinical research
• Crissie Cudd who presented an update on the Springfield Housing Market
• Daryl Joseph and Jeffery Foster of JaxParks, who presented on Springfield Park brownfields work that will take place this Fall
• Michael Ryan of Corner Lot Development, who presented updates of Corner Lot's project at 1st and Main
• Emily Moody and Tanya Watts of Future of Cities, who presented updates on the Phoenix Arts + Innovation District
• Kay Ehas of Groundwork Jacksonville, who presented updates of the Emerald Trail
  
  

If you missed the meeting, please watch the recorded video located on our Facebook page with all the discussed information.

Date: 2/7/2023

Location: Historically Hoppy Brewing Company

Time: 6 pm

Watch the Whole Community Meeting Here

Date: 12/7/2022

Location: Wells Fargo Community Learning Center

Time: 6 pm

Watch the Whole Community Meeting Here