• According to Tax Collector Mike Hogan, he could use some help. In a correspondence to most of City Council, Hogan said at the office’s nine branch locations, there were 1.09 million transactions from Oct. 1, 2008 through Aug. 31. He said his office’s goal is 20 minutes or less per customer, which would require 139 employees. However, the current average is 36 minutes with 99 positions. Overall, the Tax Collector’s office processed 1.9 million payments with a total collection of $1.95 billion over the 11 months.
• Also from Hogan, in case you are wondering, his office handles 91 different types of fines, licenses, taxes, etc.
• A couple of gems from Wednesday’s budget meeting between City Council President Richard Clark, Mayor John Peyton and several other Council members. “I think we were both 6-2 (tall) when this process started,” said Clark to Peyton. Also, “We will look at some hazard pay for you after the sheriff tases,” said Clark to Finance Committee Chair Stephen Joost.
• The North Florida Transportation and Planning Organization Regional Task Force Authority will meet Sept. 28 from 10 a.m.-noon at the University Center at the University of North Florida.
• If you are a fan of mixed martial arts and the UFC, you are probably familiar with the TapouT Crew. They’ll be at Spencer’s in the Orange Park Mall Sept. 27 from 2-4 p.m.
• At Wednesday’s annual policyholders meeting at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Executive Vice President and CEO Duke Livermore announced increased membership and positive growth for the 20th year in a row. Also, Robert Beall II, Tracy Leinbach and Frank Scruggs were re-elected to three-year terms as directors while Edward Boykin was re-elected to a one-year term.
• The Meninak Club of Jacksonville will continue its annual giving during its Monday meeting when the civic organization announces the winner of its $30,000 Charity Project Award. The three finalists include the Boy Scouts of America, the Sulzbacher Center and the Youth Crisis Center, with the funds going toward capital improvement projects.
• The Don Davis Memorial Golf Classic, a golf tournament to benefit Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, has launched a new Web site. It offers entry and sponsorship information about the inaugural tournament and also gives insight into the life and legacy of one of Jacksonville’s public service and community leaders. The tournament is Nov. 16 at Deerwood Country Club where Davis and his wife, Alice, lived and raised their family. For more, visit www.DonDavisMemorialClassic.com.
• RS&H has been recognized by the Associated Builders and Contractors Florida First Coast Chapter’s “Excellence In Construction Awards” for its work as the architectural and engineering firm for the CSX Redi Training Center in Atlanta, the Assumption Parish Family Center in Jacksonville and The Plantation at Ponte Vedra Clubhouse renovations. RS&H was also recognized for its work on the Jacksonville International Airport expansion.
• The board of directors for The Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens, Inc. has announced new appointments: Lynda Aycock, Elyse Bekiempis, Zimmerman Boulos, Chris Edmonson, Meg Gaffney, Shay Gillette, Becky Hamilton, Lad Hawkins, Michelle Hendryx, Robert Mitchell, Rachel Sulkers, Shirley Trier and Merrill Varn. Officers for the year are Lynda Aycock, chair; Chris Edmonson, treasurer; and Michelle Hendryx, corporate secretary. The Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens is a nonprofit corporation formed to educate the public concerning native and cultivated plants, improve the beauty and atmosphere of Northeast Florida, promote conservation and preservation of natural resources and provide public service. The Arboretum is located at 1445 Millcoe Rd. near the intersection of State Road 9A and Monument Road.