by Karen Brune Mathis
Managing Editor
City Council President-elect Stephen Joost warned Monday that a projected $60 million City budget shortfall will involve everyone’s help in resolving.
“The message needs to be ‘shared sacrifice’ for everybody,” said Joost, who takes over the Council presidency July 1. “Everybody is going to have to give up something.”
Joost, a Republican representing At-Large Group 3, spoke at the annual Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce City Council Appreciation Lunch. About 300 people attended the event at the Hyatt Downtown, including at least 14 current and incoming Council members.
Joost, CFO of Firehouse Subs, said he preferred to cut “things” rather than services, especially those that assist young people. “We’re not going to let these children fall behind,” he said.
Joost mentioned cutting “underutilized” budget items, saying those could be restored once the economy improves and the budget improves.
“I look forward to all of our bright minds,” he said. “We’re going to get through this.”
Joost also thanked Council President Jack Webb, who was unseated in the May 17 general election, for his leadership during a tough budgetary time.
“You proved what the presidency means,” said Joost, “passing a very difficult budget.”
“We got it done,” he said.
Last year, Joost challenged Webb for the presidency, but Council elected Webb president and Joost was elected as vice president.
Webb thanked the group for its attendance and said it was a privilege and an honor to serve on the Council.
He called his year as president “a year of challenges” as well as “a year of chagrin and some fun.”
Webb, a lawyer with the Brennan, Manna & Diamond firm, served as Council president during the fourth year of his term.
“It’s been a year of great personal growth,” he said. He referred to “the need to make hard choices” and said he had promised that he would “not permit myself to compromise the City of Jacksonville.”
Webb said he had decided to seek re-election, but results were “not what I anticipated.”
Webb, a Republican representing District 6, was defeated by Matt Schellenberg, also a Republican.
“It is what it is and it’s God’s will,” said Webb.
Mayor-elect Alvin Brown also spoke to the group, thanking the chamber for its focus on economic development and job creation. “I believe in the chamber,” said Brown. “I love the chamber.”
Some high-profile chamber leaders supported Brown, a Democrat, over Republican Mike Hogan.
“I ran a campaign on a vision to take our city to the next level,” said Brown, outlining his emphasis on education, the port, small business, Downtown, a balanced City budget and public safety.
“I want to put Sheriff Rutherford out of business,” said Brown, referring to plans to focus on job creation and crime prevention, including the Jacksonville Journey efforts launched by Mayor John Peyton.
“You and I and Cuba are going to work together,” said Brown, speaking to Rutherford and local Fraternal Order of Police President Nelson Cuba.
Brown, Joost and Council will be working with Cuba on more than prevention. They also face continued contentious contract negotiations.
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City Council committees
City Council President-elect Stephen Joost released 2011-12 Council committee appointments and meeting dates. Committee members are still under review.
Standing committee meetings take place in Council chambers on the first floor of City Hall. Agenda meetings are scheduled in City Hall in 4th floor Conference Room A.
Standing committees
Rules Committee
Chair: Bill Bishop
Members: Vice Chair John Crescimbeni, Ray Holt, Matt Schellenberg, Johnny Gaffney, Clay Yarborough, Lori Boyer
Meeting time, date: 10 a.m., first and third Monday, preceded by 9:30 a.m. agenda meeting
Finance Committee
Chair: Richard Clark
Members: Vice Chair Warren Jones, Clay Yarborough, Bill Bishop, Greg Anderson, John Crescimbeni, Bill Gulliford
Meeting time, date: 10 a.m., first and third Tuesday, preceded by 9:30 a.m. agenda meeting
Land Use & Zoning Committee
Chair: Reggie Brown
Members: Vice Chair Ray Holt, Jim Love, Robin Lumb, Don Redman, Doyle Carter
Meeting time, date: 5 p.m., first and third Tuesday, preceded by 3:30 p.m. agenda meeting
Transportation, Energy & Utilities Committee
Chair: Greg Anderson
Members: Vice Chair Richard Clark, Don Redman, Jim Love, Johnny Gaffney, Robin Lumb, Kimberly Daniels
Meeting time, date: 2 p.m., first and third Monday, preceded by 1:30 p.m. agenda meeting
Recreation, Community Development & Public Health & Safety Committee
Chair: Bill Gulliford
Members: Vice Chair Reggie Brown, Kimberly Daniels, Matt Schellenberg, Doyle Carter, Robin Lumb, Lori Boyer
Meeting time, date: 2 p.m. first and third Tuesday, preceded by 1:30 p.m. agenda meeting
Special assignments
Chaplain: Clay Yarborough
Floor leader: Clay Yarborough