BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

Monday, September 16, 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- N/A

Comments from Groundwork Jax

Present:  Board Attendance

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

Absent: Kelly Lezama, Kenny Logsdon, Annie Howe, Melissa Schmitt, Margie Viss

Guests: Kay Ehas, Guermo, Wyatt Bowers

Staff: None

Meeting Adjourned: 8:00 pm - Had lost quorum.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING AGENDA

Monday, September 16th

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

CALL TO ORDER               John S

1. LEARNING SEGMENT                                                          
2. COMMENTS FROM GUESTS                                                                             Groundwork Jax- Kay Ehas    
3. CONSENT AGENDA MAY BOD MEETING MINUTES/COMMITTEE REPORTS Ryan M
4. REVIEW OF TREASURER’S REPORT Mallik
5. COMMITTEE OVERVIEWS
   1. Asset Management - Mallik
   2. CC/SAMBA - Tyler
   3. Governance - Tyler
   4. Fund Development – Michael
   5. CPAC – Bryant
   6. CRIC- Bryant
   7. TAP Task Force- Katie
   8. Community Engagement- Alison
   9. Home Tour- Margie
   10. Demolition by Neglect Task Force
6. NEW BUSINESS and RECOMMENDATIONS TO BOARD FROM EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
   1. Tap Task Force/Zoning Overlay Revision- RMD-S 
   2. Karpeles Grand Rehab Funding letter of support, EVOTE- passed
7. OLD BUSINESS

1. STAFF REPORT Staff Report John S
2. ITEMS REFERRED TO COMMITTEES
3. ANNOUNCEMENTS 
   1. Prudential account changes
   2. Bold City Ball
   3. Porchfest Sponsorship
4. ADJOURN

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

Monday, August 19, 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- Endowment/Quotes

Present:  Board Attendance

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

Absent: Jason Hardwick, Bryant Shumaker, Kelly Lezama

Guests:

Staff: Michael Haskins

Consent Agenda - Approved

Motions:

1. Motion to approve the current revisions to Zoning Overlay as written (Aprroved)

Meeting Adjourned: 7:08

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING AGENDA

Monday, August 19th

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

CALL TO ORDER               John S

1. LEARNING SEGMENT                                                           Endowment/Cleanup Statements                                        
2. COMMENTS FROM GUESTS 
3. CONSENT AGENDA MAY BOD MEETING MINUTES/COMMITTEE REPORTS Ryan M
4. REVIEW OF TREASURER’S REPORT Mallik
5. COMMITTEE OVERVIEWS
   1. Asset Management - Mallik
   2. CC/SAMBA - Tyler
   3. Governance - Tyler
   4. Fund Development – Michael
   5. CPAC – Bryant
   6. CRIC- Bryant
   7. TAP Task Force- Katie
   8. Community Engagement- Alison
   9. Home Tour- Margie
6. NEW BUSINESS and RECOMMENDATIONS TO BOARD FROM EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
   1. Tap Task Force/Zoning Overlay Revisions 
7. OLD BUSINESS
   1. Groundworks Jax will be presenting at September board meeting

1. STAFF REPORT Staff Report Michael H
2. ITEMS REFERRED TO COMMITTEES
3. ANNOUNCEMENTS 
4. ADJOURN

Springfield Preservation and Revitalization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We are grateful to our donors and funders and are committed to responsible financial stewardship. To demonstrate that commitment, we complete an independent audit of our finances on an annual basis. Our Form 990 provides financial information about our work based on our annual independent audit. Our Form 990 can be accessed via the Check-A-Charity registry maintained by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. To find our most up-to-date, independently audited financial information, visit the Check-A-Charity registry and search our registration number (#CH12588).

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE  1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) OR ONLINE AT WWW.FDACS.GOV. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. REGISTRATION #: CH12588

Applications for the Board of Directors of Springfield Preservation and Revitalization Council, Inc. are open from August 11, 2025 through September 12, 2025. Board Members elected during this process will serve a three-year term from January 2026 through December 2028.

If you are interested in serving on the Board, please complete the 2026 Board of Directors Application. Applicants must be current members of Springfield Preservation and Revitalization.

In addition to completing the application, applicants should review the organization's bylaws, review the Board Member Expectations Statement, and submit a resume to [email protected] by the application deadline.

Please contact us at [email protected] with any questions or concerns.

Sign up for the SPAR Scoop, the monthly newsletter of Springfield Preservation and Revitalization.

Our monthly newsletter contains important information and updates about Springfield, including upcoming events, construction updates, and proposed changes to the neighborhood.

Sign up today to stay up-to-date on the latest happenings in Springfield and please be sure to like and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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

Applications are currently closed.

Thanks to the generous support of NexGen Roofing and the NexGen Foundation, our 2025 Residential Revitalization Project will provide a roof replacement to a neighbor in the Springfield community.

Applications will be reviewed based on our 2025 Residential Revitalization Scoring Criteria. All applications must meet the following requirements:

• Property must be located in the Springfield neighborhood in Jacksonville, Florida.
• Property must be owner-occupied (i.e., person living at the property must be on the deed).
• Current condition of roof must affect livability and/or insurability of home.
• Current roof must be asphalt shingles and will be replaced with asphalt shingles.
• Predominant pitch should be less than 6/12.
• Property must have adequate access for a dumpster and roof material loading.
• Property cannot be taller than two stories.
• Property must pass inspection to ensure that there are no issues with wood rot or structural integrity that would compromise safety.
• Roof should be no more than 30 squares in area.
• Certificate of Appropriateness must be approved prior to the start of construction.

Thank you to NexGen Roofing and the NexGen Foundation for your support!

The Springfield Cleanup Corps, a program of Springfield Preservation and Revitalization in partnership with the City of Jacksonville, hosts 12-15 Community Cleanup events each year to beautify our neighborhood.

One of the best ways to support our work is to volunteer at a Community Cleanup. We track volunteerism in Springfield and use those numbers to show the City of Jacksonville and other partners the impact our programming has on our neighborhood.

Please consider joining one of our upcoming Community Cleanups or contact [email protected] if you would like to organize a community cleanup event with your company. Learn more about other ways to support the Springfield Cleanup Corps and our work to beautify the neighborhood.

The Springfield Cleanup Corps is a program of Springfield Preservation and Revitalization in partnership with the City of Jacksonville that brings enhanced public services to the Springfield community. A dedicated team provides daily cleaning, litter removal, and blight reduction services to create a cleaner, safer, and more vibrant community.

The Cleanup Corps creates a multiplier effect by leveraging resources from local businesses and community organizations to complement city services and provides a mechanism for flexible response that can address issues at the local level in the most efficient and timely manner possible.

This program represents an important investment in revitalizing Jacksonville's Urban Core by enhancing quality of life and elevating the city's reputation as a great place to live, work, and visit. The program also represents our investment in a more resilient Springfield through our focus on eco-restoration and climate resiliency at a hyper-local level. The program provides workforce development for future green jobs and local education on the interconnected relationship between litter, waterway health, and environmental stewardship.

Focus Areas

Our dedicated team rotates throughout the Springfield neighborhood, with a special emphasis on Main Street and 8th Street. If you see an area of particular need, please contact us at [email protected] and we will send the team to assist.

• Blight reduction including litter abatement and graffiti removal.
  
  
• Outreach and hospitality including wayfinding, business check-ins, and connections with city services.
  
  
• Beautification including public art installation and maintenance, commercial corridor revitalization services, and public realm management.

Ways to Support

Your support plays a vital role in preserving the charm and character that makes Springfield special and enables our work reducing litter, beautifying our commercial corridors, and revitalizing our green spaces. Your support is an investment in the well-being of our home, and a commitment to a cleaner, greener tomorrow. Become part of the community driven solution that keeps Springfield shining bright and thank you for your support.

• Sponsor and donate by contacting [email protected] to discuss sponsor opportunities with marketing benefits for your business or provide a one-time or monthly donation to support our work.
  
  
• In kind gifts including cleaning materials, supplies, and equipment. Check out our Amazon Wish List or Contact [email protected] to learn more about our needs.
  
  
• Volunteer by adopting a block and commit to cleaning a stretch of road on an ongoing basis. You can also join our community cleanups or organize a cleanup day with us and the staff from your workplace.
  
  
• Membership in Springfield Preservation and Revitalization or the Springfield Area Merchants and Business Association supports our work and provides unique benefits eligible only to members.

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

The Springfield Area Merchants and Business Association (SAMBA) provides a variety of business support programming and technical assistance to its members, including:

• Bi-monthly speaker series with experts in fields such as financial planning, marketing, human resources, etc.
• Research-backed peer-to-peer business mentoring program
• Individualized, no-cost business advising with professional business consultant
• Resources and referrals to partner organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, Office of Economic Development, Jacksonville Small and Emerging Businesses, etc.

For more information on our programming, please see our 2026 SAMBA Programming Calendar.

In addition to our programming, our business association also provides a variety of benefits, including:

• Access to grants and marketing opportunities
• Social media spotlights
• Event-based marketing initiatives

Membership supports our work and provides unique benefits specifically for local businesses, including access to our facade and marketing grants, preferred vendor status, and networking opportunities. Please consider a business membership today!

CONNECT WITH SAMBA

Thank you to LISC Jacksonville, The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, and Wells Fargo for their support of Springfield's small business community.

Joining a committee or taskforce is a great way to get involved, learn more about upcoming developments impacting Springfield, and ensure that your voice is heard in our neighborhood. Our committee members provide valuable input and planning for a variety of Springfield initiatives.

To join a committee or taskforce, email us at [email protected] or call us at 904-353-7727 and we'll send you more information on how to join the committee. Please note that we ask our committee members to maintain general membership in Springfield Preservation and Revitalization.