JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Mayor Lenny Curry's reorganization of Jacksonville's city government included the return of the neighborhoods department that was eliminated under the previous administration.
Curry and City Council see this as essential as a one-stop department when people have trouble with neighborhood issues including animal control, housing, regulatory compliance and mosquito control.
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“This is about renewing the city’s focus on ensuring that government is supporting the needs of residents in neighborhoods across our city,” Curry said.
Curry also announced some of the leadership positions of the department:
Derek Igou, former chief operating officer for the Duval County Clerk of Courts and deputy chief administrative officer for the City, will serve as director. Kim Scott, former director of the Regulatory Compliance department, will serve as operations director. Division chiefs include Diana Seydlorsky, Housing and Community Development; Bryan Mosier, Municipal Code Compliance; Melissa Long, Environmental Quality; John Shellhorn, Mosquito Control and James Crosby, Animal Care and Protective Services. Monica Cichowlas remains in her position as manager of 630-CITY, the city’s customer service center.
Chief Derrick Lewis from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office will serve as a law enforcement liaison, further demonstrating the city’s commitment to public safety.
The reorganization legislation approved by City Council last week also eliminates the Intragovernmental Services department, moving the Procurement, Information Technology and Fleet Management divisions and the offices of Grant and Contract Compliance, Ombudsman, and Equal Business Opportunity under the renamed Finance and Administration department. The bill also created the Office of the Blight Initiative, and two new positions: philanthropic officer, and data management and analysis officer.