FEBRUARY 2024

Distributed at the beginning of each month, this newsletter provides updates on events and relevant City & community activity. Thank you for reading!

LINCOLN PARK TRAIL

At the January meeting, the City Council approved an inter-local agreement with JEDCO for a walking trail at Lincoln Park. This project is a part of a larger Lincoln Park revitalization effort made possible in part by the community and the Fred Douglass Community Development Corporation. Watch our website project updates page for more information about construction and the larger Lincoln Park revitalization effort!

PARKS AND RECREATION

Please join us in welcoming Devin Fredrickson as our new Parks and Recreation Director. The current budget included the addition of the Parks and Recreation Director position as a part of the City Council’s commitment to strengthen neighborhoods along with the underlying goal of parks and recreation enhancement.

Fredrickson has worked in local government since 2012. Throughout his career, he has worked for several municipalities including the cities of Georgetown, Cedar Park, and Castroville. Mr. Fredrickson has a passion for parks and recreation, with an extensive background in sports fields, aquatics, programming, and special events. He also holds several licenses including Certified Park and Recreation Executive and Aquatic Facility Operator. Devin will be relocating to Jacksonville with his wife, Lynsie, and their daughter Lillie (3), and son Carter (1).

WATER AND TRASH RATES

Trash rates increased slightly in 2024. This increase follows the agreement with Republic.

Water and Sewer rates have also increased. These rate increases are necessary to fund needed improvement projects that will ensure we continue to deliver quality services into the future and that we meet State requirements. Information about these improvements will come soon on our website on the project updates page.

ASPHALT CRACK SEALING

The City Council approved a contract with Morton Enterprise for road surface treatments. Specifically, they will be crack sealing roadways around town. This process prevents water and ice infiltration under the road to help prevent washouts and potholes. The contracts include sections of Burma Road, Loper Street, Forest Trail, Pineda Street, Lakeshore Drive, Pecan Street, Magnolia Street, Elberta Street, Quevado Street, Sims Avenue, and Griffin Street.

THE JACKSON GRAND OPENING

Mark your calendars! The Grand Opening of The Jackson at Cherokee Ranch will be held on Tuesday, February 20th! A ribbon cutting will be at 4p and tours will be provided from 4:15p until 6p.

DID YOU KNOW?

Below are a few services the City offers that you might not know about:

Our yard waste pickup program occurs on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month. There is no cost to residents. To request a pickup, you must call or email at least 2 days before pickup day. Click the link below to schedule a pickup!

Schedule Here

Our bulky pickup program is available as a monthly subscription or one time basis. The monthly subscription is $5 per month and gets you one bulky pickup of any size per month.

If you only need the service one time, a pickup truck load costs $45 per-load, a dump truck load costs $65 per-load and debris and vegetation only costs $35 per-load.

Schedule Here

We are Hiring!!

While we do not currently have any open positions, you may submit an application and may be contacted about any openings for which you are eligible for.

Apply Today!

January City Council Meeting

The January City Council meeting included the reappointment of Judge Paul Mascot, various board appointments, award of a contract for asphalt crack sealing, and an interlocal agreement with JEDCO for park improvements.

Watch the Council Minute

Watch the Live Stream

UPCOMING EVENTS

Coffee with a Cop

Coffee with a Cop will be held at the Family First at 2114 E Rusk Street on February 7 at 8am. Join your local officers for coffee, snacks, and conversation.

Family Movie Night

This month, family movie night is on February 15 at 5:15pm at Jacksonville Public Library! Enjoy Mavka the Forest Song and dinner at the library with the whole family!

THE GREAT JACKSONVILLE CLEANUP

Mark your calendars for April 13, 2024. The Third Annual Great Jacksonville Cleanup will be held at the John Alexander Gym. More information including volunteer opportunities will be shared soon!