MCHWB Vice Chair Ongoing List of Draft Recommendations - October 2022This is an ongoing/updated/edited list of the MCHWB draft recommendations that
reflect the MCHWB review, discussion, and editing through the October 12, 2022 meeting.
1
ONGOING LIST OF DRAFT RECOMMENDATIONS from the Atlantic Beach (FL) Mayor’s Council on Health and Wellbeing
Prepared and submitted on behalf of the Mayor’s Council on Health and Wellbeing by Steve Piscitelli, Vice Chair
(NOTE: The Council will continue discussing and revising
recommendations through its final meeting on November 2, 2022.
This is a WORK IN PROGRESS.)
This is an ongoing/updated/edited list of the MCHWB draft recommendations that
reflect the MCHWB review, discussion, and editing through the October 12, 2022 meeting.
2
Executive Summary
The Mayor’s Council on Health and Wellbeing consisted of eleven Atlantic Beach Residents appointed by the Mayor of Atlantic
Beach and approved by the City Commission of Atlantic Beach. It served from January 2022 through November 2, 2022. The members of the Council:
• Jim Belich
• Kyle Brady
• Joyce Freeman
• Ellen Golombek
• Lisa Herrold
• Michael Hosto
• Michael Lanier
• Tracy Marko
• Steve Piscitelli (Vice Chair)
• Jessica Ring (Chair)
• JoAnn Wallace The Council listened to expert presenters and then held
deliberative conversations that linked topics and recommendations to Atlantic Beach’s vision statement, Commission priorities, and overall quality of life. The following pages summarize the key Takeaways and
Recommendations from each meeting.
Themes that repeated themselves throughout the Council’s service included:
• Identifying local gaps in programming and services;
• Connecting recommendations to overall livability in our community;
• Enhancing pedestrian and motor vehicle safety; and
• Expanding opportunities for community connections to local Farmers’ Markets.
• Connecting the right volunteers with the right activities
and services.
• Enhancing and coordinating volunteer services for the city. The Council presents each of the following recommendations to the City of Atlantic Beach Commission and Staff for their
consideration and appropriate action.
This is an ongoing/updated/edited list of the MCHWB draft recommendations that
reflect the MCHWB review, discussion, and editing through the October 12, 2022 meeting.
3
Note about the format.
• In some cases the city staff and/or Commission took action
that addressed Council recommendations. A “Staff Note” is added to each of those recommendations.
• Each recommendation connects to one or more of the Atlantic
Beach City Commission 2022 Priorities. These are suggested connections for continued dialogue. The following
abbreviations will be used at the end of each recommendation: o L = Livability o EL = Environmental Leadership
o PB = Planning and Budgeting o M = Mayport Road Corridor & Marsh Side o T = Multi-Modal Transportation Management
o CS = City Services Submitted on behalf of the 2022 Mayor’s Council on Health and
Wellbeing by Steve Piscitelli, Vice Chair of the Council, [enter date of submission]
This is an ongoing/updated/edited list of the MCHWB draft recommendations that
reflect the MCHWB review, discussion, and editing through the October 12, 2022 meeting.
4
THE TAKEAWAYS BY MONTH AND TOPIC January 2022: Census and Youth Risk Behavior Data 1. This was the first meeting of the MCHWB. The Mayor provided an overview of the Council’s mission. See Resolution No.
21-78 passed by the City Commission on 11/22/21. The Council will support the COAB mission, vision, and its Quality-of-Life priority to enhance the “livability” of
Atlantic Beach, FL. The Council members are not expected to be subject matter experts. The Council members will bring
positive energy to each meeting and have deliberative dialogues about the topics at hand. 2. City Planner Genest delivered a presentation on the COAB latest census figures. One key point: Our 65 and older population continues to grow at a faster pace than other
demographics. And the median age of 46.6 (2019) is higher than in Duval County and the State of Florida. 3. More than 85% of COAB residents are White. A little more than 7% are Black or African American. The number of housing units has increased by more than 700 since 2000.
4. 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey trends on physical activity & dietary behavior, school safety, substance abuse, and
suicide ideation were presented for the County and Health Zone 6 (beaches). February 2022: Blue Zones 1. The Blue Zones Power 9 model engages people to make healthy
and transformative living choices regarding natural movement, stress management, healthy eating, and nurturing social connections. The City of Atlantic Beach, in keeping
with the city’s mission and vision, will promote such choices.
2. According to the Duval County Health Zone Data (2019), Atlantic Beach has an aging-in-place population. Social connections and ease of movement in the community are especially important to this demographic of our community 3. Blue Zones Jacksonville is largely funded, but the Beaches
Project(Atlantic, Jacksonville, and Neptune) still needs about two million dollars to be included as a focus area. March 2022: Bicycle and Pedestrian Connectivity Plan for Atlantic Beach, Florida
1. Presentation on bike safety (COJ): Two of the obstacles hindering more bike-friendly communities are: Lack of
This is an ongoing/updated/edited list of the MCHWB draft recommendations that
reflect the MCHWB review, discussion, and editing through the October 12, 2022 meeting.
5
appropriate pathways and a lack of funding. Jacksonville is the 10th most dangerous place for bicycling in the USA.
2. The East Coast Greenway is a 3000-mile vision from Main to the Florida Keys. It will connect existing trails. 3. A section of the East Coast Greenway, along with a road diet (lane reduction) through AB, is planned, in coordination with FDOT and the Transportation Planning
Organization (TPO). 4. The COAB Connectivity Plan seeks safe opportunities for biking and pedestrian mobility. “Given the abundance of
recreational opportunities within the city, it is important to provide safe and convenient access to these amenities.” April 2022: Senior Programming
1. Approximately 23% of the COAB population (2019) is 65+
years old. According to AARP statistics, by 2030 ~25% of the US population will be 65+.
2. Poverty rates (as of 2018) for seniors have increased. 3. Successful aging in place requires more planning, action, and expenditure than most people realize. An ongoing
challenge remains effective ways to connect in-need seniors with available resources.
4. Seniors represent a vulnerable population as they must address challenges involving housing insecurity, food insecurity, cognitive decline, reliable transportation, lifestyle changes due to physical and/or financial disabilities, and healthy social connections.
5. In addition to the above (#3 and #4), seniors need support and mentoring when it comes to nurturing a sense of life purpose. May 2022: Vulnerable Populations
1. An increasing “cost burden” has exacerbated the housing crisis (and its concomitant issues) in the beaches area.
2. The beaches are a “net exporter” of workers. Actions to increase affordable housing density need to be implemented. 3. We need to think about where we want increased housing
density and how to achieve that increase. 4. The intent of services to homeless men, women, and children is to make them self-sufficient. 5. While there has not been a major increase in the AB homeless population, there has been a “huge increase” just
west of the Intracoastal Waterway. 6. While drug overdoses are comparatively (to other parts of
Duval County) low in AB, the incidents are spreading throughout AB.
This is an ongoing/updated/edited list of the MCHWB draft recommendations that
reflect the MCHWB review, discussion, and editing through the October 12, 2022 meeting.
6
7. A grant is available for the distribution of free Narcan in AB. June 2022: Youth: Challenges and Possibilities
1. The DCPS supports numerous programs to help students
develop connections for wellness (e.g., The Grow Group; Beaches Resource Center, Wellness Wednesday). 2. Since feeling safe and being safe are different issues, student programming aims to reflect that dichotomy. 3. ABE has a Joint Use Agreement that allows the community to
use the track and playground equipment when school is not in session.
4. ABE after-school pickup of students creates traffic challenges for Sherry Drive. 5. Yesha Taekwondo represents one of the youth programs COAB
(through CRAC) supports with grant monies. 6. Food insecurity undermines emotional and physical health,
affects academic development, and creates behavioral challenges. 7. Farmers Markets in the beaches area provide quality food,
yet challenges remain like, marketing the programs; helping with transportation to and from the FMs; offering SNAP
acceptance at all FMs. July 2022: No New Topics. Council Reviewed Recommendations to Date. No new business. August 2022: Community Engagement and Purpose 1. The Atlantic Beach faith-based community can support our community by continuing to sponsor events connecting
residents east and west of Mayport Road. 2. When seeking and placing volunteers, the City of Atlantic
Beach needs to focus on a meaningful fit between person and purpose. 3. Recognizing the thin line between property rights and
neighborhood rights, city code enforcement needs the support of the city administration to keep blight and crime
in check. 4. CARAC needs volunteers and outreach for its events that promote quality of life.
5. The Environmental Stewardship Committee sees a connection between this Council’s work and the city’s comprehensive
plan. 6. Beaches Town Center continues to focus on quality of life initiatives and recommendations.
This is an ongoing/updated/edited list of the MCHWB draft recommendations that
reflect the MCHWB review, discussion, and editing through the October 12, 2022 meeting.
7
September 2022: Mental Wellbeing
1. Mental health help requires family, early and effective
intervention, and time. 2. There are three components for an effective mental health response system: Someone to talk to. Someone to respond. A place to go. 3. There are no patients or clients—just “Friends.”
4. There is a need to improve crisis response. In Duval County alone, approximately 2/3 of 9-1-1 calls deal with mental health.
5. Here Tomorrow provides services cost-free to the “Friends.” 6. After 365 days the Friends become Here Tomorrow alumni.
7. The MCHWB can help normalize the conversation about mental health. October 2022: Health Equity
1. The Jacksonville Nonprofit Hospital Partnership consists of
five healthcare systems over thirteen campuses. 2. The focus of CHNA: people most at risk to experience
health disparities. 3. There is community concern about a lack of affordable and safe housing.
4. Among the social determinants for a healthy life are access, habits, and lifestyles. 5. The MCHWB can help CHNA reach its goals by helping to identify community partners, and speak up for what the beaches need regarding health disparities. November 2022: Council Discussion and Approval of Final Recommendations
This is an ongoing/updated/edited list of the MCHWB draft recommendations that
reflect the MCHWB review, discussion, and editing through the October 12, 2022 meeting.
8
THE RECOMMENDATIONS BY MONTH AND TOPIC January 2022: Census and Youth Risk Behavior Data 1. Identify local gaps and needs for programs (like tapping into Fleet Landing sponsorship) and plans directed toward senior citizens. [L, CS] 2. Identify local gaps and needs for programs that address alarming youth trends in the areas of physical activity, substance abuse, and mental health issues. [L, PB, CS] 3. Support CARAC’s initiative and continue to improve other
tools to engage residents and improve the accessibility of programs throughout the city (like CARAC’s initiative to promote community programs). [L, T] [Staff: Created “Community Resources” page on COAB website.]
4. Insure that COAB programs and grant recipients comply with
state guidelines regarding training and background checks. [PB, CS]
February 2022: Blue Zones
1. Identify local gaps in areas of the community that may need
further outreach—and then follow up as needed. While the City of Atlantic Beach scores high on the life satisfaction
survey (Gallup Survey, 2018), people most in need of healthy living choices may not respond to such surveys. [L, M] 2. Endorse the Blue Zones of Jacksonville goals. [L, CS][Staff: COAB is staying up to date with the Blue Zones of Jacksonville project.] If the COAB is not included in the Blue Zones Jacksonville initiative, the COAB should endorse the project’s goals.
3. The Council COAB will Promote efforts to connect people and neighborhoods, healthy food choices, discourage tobacco
use, and discourage excessive alcohol use. Possible considerations include [L, CS]:
• Recommending designated no-smoking areas in parks and
beaches and/or
• Considering city outreach about policies for outdoor
no-smoking zones following the guidance of such smoking bans on school grounds. The COAB should continue reviewing best practices in other municipalities and
solicit public input.
This is an ongoing/updated/edited list of the MCHWB draft recommendations that
reflect the MCHWB review, discussion, and editing through the October 12, 2022 meeting.
9
March 2022: Bicycle and Pedestrian Connectivity Plan for Atlantic Beach, Florida
1. Explore the use of the JEA utility corridor (that does not encroach on North Florida Land Trust easement or residential property) in the marsh area (off Atlantic Blvd) for bike and pedestrian use by adding a wooden walkway to the connectivity plan. [L, M, T]
2. Consider a pedestrian and bicycle enhancement that connects
to the East Coast Greenway (an FDOT project scheduled to
commence in 2024). [L, T]
2. Equitably prioritize connectivity projects, like an established bike route, and, in the short term explore a Selva Marina walking path (northern end of Selva Marina Drive between 20th and Saturiba Drive). [L, T]
3. Consider uniformed Reconsider speed limits adjustments
(based on the recently completed COAB speed limit survey) throughout COAB based on factors such as best municipal practices in keeping with complete streets policy (excluding state roads). [L, T] [Staff: Completed a speed limit survey.]
4. Continue exploring possible legislative action that addresses what is safe on our streets/sidewalks/beaches. As the numbers and types of recreational vehicles that are capable of exceeding 15 miles/hour (like electric bikes, boards, motorcycles, and golf carts) escalate, A community
educational component should be a part of any action moving forward in this area. [L, T] [Staff: The COAB police department is working on a policy/ordinance.] 5. Explore with the FDOT the option of restricting where southbound Sherry Drive intersects Atlantic Blvd. to a
right-hand turn lane only. Further, it is recommended studies be conducted on other high-risk intersections. [T]
6. Create a more streamlined procedure for citizens to report high-risk intersections. [L, T] April 2022: Senior Programming
1. Identify local gaps and needs for programs (like tapping into Fleet Landing sponsorship) and plans directed toward senior citizens. [L, CS]
2. Create and promote an accessible/easily located link on the
COAB website for senior services contact numbers, resources, and other pertinent information. [L, CS] [Staff: Created “Community Resource” page on the COAB website.] 3. Recognizing that property tax caps limit the size of annual tax increases, ask the COAB Commission to explore and
dialogue about appropriate alternatives (legislation? regulation? Invitation?) to address rent increases.
This is an ongoing/updated/edited list of the MCHWB draft recommendations that
reflect the MCHWB review, discussion, and editing through the October 12, 2022 meeting.
10
Encourage legislation liaisons/cooperation/dialogue regarding the increased cost of renting apartments/houses. [L, CS] 4. Consider expanding grant programs and partnering opportunities with appropriate non-profit agencies (such as BEAM, Dial-a-Ride, and the Neptune Beach Senior Activity Center, as well as adding Beaches Habitat for Humanity).
Include money in the City of Atlantic Beach budget for senior programs. [PB]
5. Examine and promote the expansion of the Gail Baker Center
so the city can offer space and/or funding to host accessible senior citizen workshops, classes, courses, and events. [L, M] 6. Include age-friendly accessory dwelling unit provisions that conform with current codes/regulations in Land Development Regulations within specific zoning districts. [L, CS]
7. Pursue joining a network for age-friendly cities and communities. [L, PB]
May 2022: Vulnerable Populations
1. Seek ways to provide better services for transient populations. [L, CS] 2. Continue to build and strengthen relationships with organizations like the Sulzbacher and the Beaches Hope Team [L, PB, CS] [Staff: Mayor Glasser is working on an educational event.]
3. Explore transportation options (with, for instance, JTA) from Atlantic Beach to Mission House, the local hospital, or similar services. [L, M, T, PB]
4. Explore how to link housing density with affordable housing within commercial areas. [L, PB] that connect affordable
housing and increased housing density. Should the City of Atlantic Beach revisit height limits to increase housing density? 5. Explore options to control “flipping of houses” to increase affordable housing. 6. Recommend [CS]
• Project Save Lives expands to a dedicated emergency department/room in the beaches community.
• Development of free opioid education/distribution strategies that include information about nonprescription Narcan in the City of Atlantic Beach.
This is an ongoing/updated/edited list of the MCHWB draft recommendations that
reflect the MCHWB review, discussion, and editing through the October 12, 2022 meeting.
11
June 2022: Youth: Challenges and Possibilities
1. Promote a walkability campaign (like “Walk and Roll”) that,
among other benefits, will help to mitigate traffic and parking issues on Sherry Drive during ABE student drop-off and pick-up times. [L, T]
2. Explore a three five-pronged approach to promoting local Farmers’ Markets [L, PB, CS]:
• develop an advertising/educational campaign about the
FM benefits;
• find options for those with transportation issues;
• advocate for the Atlantic Beach Farmers Market to begin accepting SNAP payments;
• help develop symbiotic relationships between community
centers and the Atlantic Beach Farmers Market; and
• encourage people to act on/take advantage of the above points
3. Promote COAB financial assistance for new playground equipment, since ABE’s Joint Use Agreement allows the community to use its track and playground equipment. [PB] 4. Promote a deliberative dialogue examining how COAB could enhance its grant allocations to address food insecurity for residents. [L, CS, PB]
5. Increase grant opportunities and financial awards to
organizations providing physical activity programs for youth. [L, CS, PB]
July 2022: No New Topics. Council Reviewed Recommendations to Date. No new business. August 2022: Community Engagement and Purpose
1. Encourage the COAB City Commission to publish (via the COAB website) both the Mayor’s Council on Health and Wellbeing’s final report of recommendations and all actions taken to address the recommendations. [L, M] 2. Develop and support volunteer recruitment and volunteer
services to help the city’s Recreation Department outreach. [CS]
3. Identify groups already working in our community to
ascertain that appropriate background checks have been conducted on all of them. [CS]
4. Collaborate on a “Friends of the Parks” volunteer model for all Atlantic Beach parks. [EL, T]
5. Support the Beaches Town Center Agency’s suggestions to implement traffic and pedestrian safety strategies. [T]
This is an ongoing/updated/edited list of the MCHWB draft recommendations that
reflect the MCHWB review, discussion, and editing through the October 12, 2022 meeting.
12
6. Renovate or expand the Gail Baker Center to allow for additional space to better accommodate our senior citizens. [L, PB] 7. Consider implementing an Autism Awareness Program for Atlantic Beach. [L] September 2022: Mental Wellbeing
1. Consider how the Here Tomorrow model can fit in with Opioid/Overdose awareness. [L, CS]
2. Encourage the COAB Commission to dialogue about how to secure more funding for mental health services. [L, CS, PB]
3. Ask COAB departments to offer Mental Health CPR to all staff. [L, CS, PB] 4. Ask the COAB Commission to advocate (throughout the state) for the Here Tomorrow model. [L, CS] 5. Make sure the Florida Legislators are aware of “Here Tomorrow.” [L, CS]
6. Provide a focus on K-12 and college-aged student suicide prevention and opioid addiction awareness. [L, CS] October 2022: Race and Equity
1. Recommend that the City of Atlantic Beach incorporate into
its city charter procedures to determine and focus on health needs and disparities. [L, PB, CS]
2. Recommend that the City of Atlantic Beach help residents with access to healthy lifestyle options through education and screening. [L, PB, CS]
3. Use health screenings as a way to target health problems and disparities within specific localities. [L, PB, CS]
4. Encourage more health fairs and health screenings at Farmers’ Markets by using resources such as UNF nursing, nutrition, and mental health students). [L, PB, CS] November 2022: Council Discussion and Approval of Final Recommendations