Jacksonville · Finance Committee · May 19, 2026 · 11:00 AM UTC-04:00

Full agenda

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event-item-117922

Meeting Convened: 11:02 am Meeting Adjourned: 11:48 am Attendance: Finance Committee Members J. Carlucci, Lahnen, Diamond, Salem and Arias; CMs Boylan and Carlucci Also: Mary Staffopoulos, OGC; Kim Taylor and Phillip Peterson, Auditor's Office; Jason Teal, Legislative Counsel; Colleen Hampsey, Council Research

Call to Order Chair J. Carlucci convened the meeting at 11:02 am.

Introductions The Chair called for introductions.

Presentation by Jason Teal re: SIC Update Jason Teal, Legislative Counsel, provided an overview of the Special Investigatory Committee on JEA activities to date. Mr. Teal talked about the SIC's original charge, and the expanded scope as created through the amended charge. He talked about the purpose of the SIC, which is to look at the issue with uncollected capacity fees, allegations of workplace toxicity and racism, and the combined cycle plant project and associated financial risks. Mr. Teal distributed the SIC charge memorandums, as well as the minutes from the SIC meetings for the committee members' reference. Mr. Teal spoke about the timeline of events, beginning with an IG investigation and interview with Regina Ross related to the capacity fee issue. Mr. Teal talked about Ms. Ross' assertion of privilege connected to her representation of JEA when she was chief legal counsel, and the request to waive that privilege that was denied by the JEA Board. Mr. Teal talked about the JEA management survey commissioned by the SIC, for which the vendor (Selectionlink) contract was approved by council May 12th. He mentioned the internal JEA survey of all employees that is in the works, issues with trust in the anonymity of the internal JEA survey, and how the results of the Selectionlink survey will be presented to the JEA board. Mr. Teal talked about the progress the Auditors are making with their capacity fee analysis. Mr. Teal reviewed the testimonies received by the SIC, from Kurt Wilson, Diane Moser and Regina Ross. He said that invitations to appear were sent to Vickie Cavey and Jody Brooks, JEA. Mr. Teal discussed Ms. Ross' testimony and how it was limited because of both privilege and confidentiality concerns. He explained the impact of compelled testimony, through subpoena, for Ms. Ross who would then be permitted to speak about observations from her time at JEA not covered by privilege. Mr. Teal spoke about the need for issuance of 3 subpoenas, for Ms. Ross, Ms. Brooks and Ms. Cavey with dates certain based on the availability they provided. He mentioned the additional request for documents to be provided by Ms. Brooks and Ms. Cavey, related to the proposed settlement with Mayo on capacity fees, capacity fee calculations, employee demotion records and employee filed complaints.

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Council Member Discussion, Question and Answers CM Salem talked about the JEA Board's awareness of capacity fee collection issues, employee complaints about the workplace, and the SIC survey and the JEA internal survey. CM Lahnen spoke in support of JEA Board member Arthur Adams, and he asked about how long the SIC will be in operation. The SIC's charge runs through June 30, 2026 unless continued by the next council president, and the intent is that the testimonies will all be received by June 22, with the Selectionlink survey hopefully completed by the end of June/early July. CM Lahnen said he is most interested in the capacity fee component. CM Diamond said he feels like JEA is stonewalling the investigation and thus subpoenas are needed to compel cooperation. CM Arias asked when the Auditor's analysis of capacity fees will be finished and he asked what entities are on the list of those for which the full fees were not collected. CM Boylan asked about the documentation of JEA employee complaints, the validity of the notion that employees cannot trust an internal survey, and whether employees who were working on the capacity fee assessment were demoted in retaliation for something as intimated. Mr. Teal said that he will bring the subpoenas to the Finance Committee meeting and the body will approve or disapprove of the issuances. Michael Fackler, General Counsel, indicated that subpoenas for OGC attorneys are not good policy and set precedent. He said that compelled testimony puts Ms. Ross in an awkward position and at risk to violate privilege. He said such actions impact client trust. CM Diamond said that the JEA Board should have waived privilege as they are a public entity and as such this is all public information.

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Public Comment - None Chair J. Carlucci adjourned the meeting at 11:48 am. Minutes: Colleen Hampsey, Council Research CHampsey@coj.net 904.255.5151 Posted: 5.21.26 5:00 pm