by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Earlier this week, City Council member Lynette Self and newly-elected Council members Art Graham and Sharon Copeland met at City Hall to discuss the possibility of establishing “satellite offices” in individual districts throughout Duval County.
Self called the meeting after learning that a higher level of accessibility was a topic of concern to several new Council members.
“It’s important to become more accessible to our constituents,” said incoming Dist. 6 member Sharon Copeland. “It’s really good for us and good for them because many people are far from downtown.”
To move forward on the proposed offices, possible amendments would have to be made to a previously existing code which limits Council expenses outside of City Hall.
“We’re not after anything great or an expense account,” said Self. “I’m thinking very minimal; maybe two phone lines. We really don’t need much of anything. Rent shouldn’t be an issue either because there is probably a suitable public facility in every district that would donate office space. It is doable.”
The Mandarin Community Club has already allowed Copeland to use its space. Council members who serve at-large would have the option of establishing their own outside office or using one that is already operating in their district.
Jeanne Miller and Margaret Sidman of the General Counsel’s Office discussed possible liabilities, citing “risk management issues that would have to be addressed.”
Maintenance costs and other office expenses, including phone and postage would also be put into writing when the group meets again May 6.
“This is something that I’m very excited about,” said Copeland. “I have been promoting this since before I was elected.”