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93 Apr 15 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 15, 1993 7:00 P.M. - 7:40 P.M. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING - CITY HALL - #1 INDUSTRIAL DRIVE The City Council of the City of Jacksonville, Arkansas met in Regular Session on April 15, 1993, at the regular meeting place of the Council. Asst. Chief Baldridge delivered the invocation after which Mayor Tommy Swaim lead the standing audience in the "Pledge of Allegiance" to the flag. ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Smith, Lewis, Sensing, Ray, Fletcher, Williamson, Keaton, and Twitty answered ROLL CALL. Aldermen Wilson was out of town. PRESENT, nine (9), ABSENT, (1). Mayor Tommy Swaim also answered ROLL CALL and declared a quorum. Others present for the meeting: City Attorney Robert E. Bamburg, Deputy City Clerk Susan Goings, Mayoral Aide Michael Beeman, City Engineer Duane Reel, Code Enforcement Officer Wayne Cox, Public Works Coordinator Skip Spears, Asst. Fire Chief Bill Baldridge, Police Chief Don Tate, CDBG Director Tony Ply, Board of Adjust- ment Chairman and Vice President of the Planning Commission Art Brannen, Intern from ASU Betty Anderson, Mrs. Judy Swaim, NAACP Local Chapter President Betty Farris, other city employees, interested citizens and members of the press. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Swaim presented the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of April 1, 1993 for study and action at the next Regu- lar City Council Meeting. APPROVAL AND /OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES: Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Lewis that the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of March 18, 1993 be AP- PROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: a. ANIMAL CONTROL Regular Monthly Report /March b. POLICE DEPARTMENT Regular Monthly Report /March c. MUNICIPAL COURT Regular Monthly Report /March d. FIRE DEPARTMENT Regular Monthly Report /March e. RECYCLING Regular Quarterly Report f. CDBG Regular Monthly Report /March 1993. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 15, 1993 7:00 P.M.'- 7:40 P.M. ANIMAL CONTROL: MARCH 1993 Alderman Knight moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to APPROVE the monthly Animal Control Report for the month of March 1993, that report reflects the following: CONTRIBUTIONS $ 0.00, ADOP- TIONS /FINES $896.00, SECURITY DEPOSITS $475.00 for a total of $ 1,371.00 for the month of March 1993. ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Knight, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Fletcher, Williamson, Keaton and Twitty voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. POLICE DEPARTMENT: MARCH 1993 Alderman Knight moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing that the Regular Monthly Report of the Jacksonville Police Department be APPROVED. Said report revealed the following: COMPUTER COLLEC- TIONS $60,279.92, MISCELLANEOUS PAYMENTS $2,266.18, REPORT COPIES $402.00 FOR A TOTAL of $62,948.10 COLLECTED for the month of March. ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Knight, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, I Ray, Fletcher, Williamson, Keaton and Twitty voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. MUNICIPAL COURT: MARCH 1993 Alderman Knight moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing that the monthly report for March 1993 from Probation Officer Mike Mahone be APPROVED. Said report reflects cases month ending February 1993, 127. Cases added in the Month of March 1993, 4, Probations completed, Month ending March 30th 1993, 9, TOTAL CASES AS OF MARCH 1993, 122. Number of Juveniles on Probation 0. ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Knight, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Fletcher, William- son, Keaton and Twitty voted AYE. NAY 0. MOTION CARRIED. FIRE DEPARTMENT: MARCH 1993 Alderman Knight moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing that the Regular Monthly Report of the Jacksonville Fire Department for MARCH, 1993 be APPROVED. Said report reflects an estimated fire loss of $43,100.00 ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Knight, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Fletcher, Williamson, Keaton and Twitty voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. flc P I' JACKSONVILLE, CITY OF C , ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 15, 1993 7:00 P.M. - 7:40 P.M. RECYCLING DEPARTMENT: QUARTERLY REPORT 1993 Mayor Swaim pointed out that the amount of aluminum cans sold in the first quarter of 1993 should read $731.70 instead of $231.70. He cited some specifics from the report and concluded by relating that "overall the recycling program is meeting and exceeding previous expectations ". Public Works Coordinator Skips Spears related that the recycling truck recently purchased will be manufactured in May at the Ford plant and delivered June 2nd to the Kahn Company who will custo- mize the recycling additions with final delivery to the City in the first week of July. Alderman Knight moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing that the Quarterly Recycling Report be APPROVED. Said report reflects the following for the 1st Quarter of 1993. Sale of Alum. cans, Paper (Newspaper. Computer. White, Mixed), Cardboard, and Scrape Metal was $2,114.11. Total Lbs. collected for sale 176,243. Ground Yard Waste 4,615 Cubic Yards. 2.465 Number of people through Recycling Center. ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Knight, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Fletcher, Williamson, Keaton and Twitty voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. CDBG: MARCH 1993 In response to a question from Alderman Ray concerning sidewalks on King Street, CDBG Director Tony Ply related that with the accepted low bid of $120,000.00 the decision to place side walks would either have to be at a later date or not at all. He fur - ther related that with the streets and easements there is the option to come back at a later date for a decision on side walks. Mr. Ply then went on to relate that the weather has hampered efforts in the Sunnyside Addition. Alderman Knight moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing that the Regular Monthly Report of the CDBG Department be APPROVED. Said o reflects Meetings report effects the following for March: Informational s M s g 4, King Street Acquisition filed 1, Rental Rehab Mortgage filed 1 REHAB: Letters 14, Applications 2, Write -ups 2, Pre - construction Conferences 3, Interim Inspections 15, Home pro- jects submitted 1, Home Projects ready for review 1, PUBLIC WORKS: Advertisement for Proposals (Peach St.) 1, Proposal re- ceived 2, Interim Inspections 6. ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Knight, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Fletcher, Williamson, Keaton and Twitty, voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. 3 )L3 I CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 15, 1993 7:00 P.M. - 7:40 P.M. WATER DEPARTMENT: SEWER DEPARTMENT: FIRE DEPARTMENT: POLICE DEPARTMENT: a. Resource Officer for Pulaski Co. Schools /$37,500.00 matching funds. Mayor Swaim related that the proposal for funds includes the County matching the same contribution from the City. Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Fletcher to APPROVE 537,500.00 contribution for Resource Officers in the Pulaski _.unty Schools Pilot Program. MOTION CARRIED. • Mayor Swaim related that although this was a large expenditure from the Contingency Fund he is agreeable with everyone that it is well worth funding. I b. Act 206 Requires hiring of Outside City Attorney for Civil Service Cases. Mayor Swaim related that State Statues Act 206 signed in February of this year requires Cities to hire an outside Attorney regar- ding disciplinary action involving a Civil Service Employee. He further related that a police officer has recently been fired and . state law affords no option but to hire an outside Attorney. He stated the desire by himself, the City Attorney and the Civil Service Commission to choose an Attorney outside the City on the basis that many times the Police work with the Attorneys in the City. He noted the difficulty for the City Attorney to work with officers to prosecute traffic violations in relation to working for the prosecution in the event of disciplinary action against a police officer. City Attorney Robert Hamburg explained that part of the job as City Attorney is to serve as Attorney and Counselor for the . Commission which would create such appearance as "conflict of interest" in the event the City Attorney were to handle prosecu- tion in a disciplinary case. ' Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Sensing to APPROVE that an outside attorney be hired for Civil Service Cases. 4 1 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL . 7:00 7:D0 P.M. M — 7:40 7:40 P.M. Mayor Swaim related that the possibility of the Municipal League extending their services to include an attorney to prosecute Civil Service Cases has not yet been discussed at the board meetings. City Attorney Robert Hamburg noted that the Municipal League Defense Fund excludes appeals from Civil Service Actions and those actions as they carry over into Circuit Court. At this time MOTION CARRIED by a voice vote. STREET DEPARTMENT: PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT: SANITATION PLANNING COMMISSION: Final Plat /Rebsamen Medical Subdivision #2 Unit 1. Mayor Swaim related that property located between Braden Street and the Masonic Lodge was purchased by the hospital last year in an effort to draw more doctors to the community. He further related the the Hospital Commission has provided guidelines in the architectural design of the offices to be constructed so as to present continuity. City Engineer Duane Reel related that this plat contains five units with one access from Marshall Road and one from Braden Street which meets required setbacks for that major intersection. He further related that any streets constructed inside the subdi— vision will be maintained by the hospital and /or individual owners of the property. Alderman Knight moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to APPROVE the Final Plat of The Rebsamen Medical Subdivision #2 Unit 1 as submitted. MOTION CARRIED DEVIATION IN AGENDA Alderman Ray inquired as to any new developments with the County Health Facility. Mayor Swaim related that the relocation of the new health facili— ty was not moving as fast as hoped. He further related that the County is taking the responsibility of acquiring an architect to renovate the building purchased jointly by the City and County. 5 • 1(05 I CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 15, 1993 7:00 P.M. — 7:40 P.M. He pointed out that the hospital had hoped to have the old facil— ity by November of 1992. As a shared project with the County, he said the City is going with their recommendations. GENERAL: NAACP Presentation /Betty Farris Ref: Resolution 461 ( #3 -93) Mayor Swaim recognized Mrs. Betty Farris, President of the local chapter of the NAACP, to represent the organization before the City Council. Mrs. Farris expressed thanks to the Council for the opportunity to speak and especially Alderman (Rev.) Lewis for sponsorship on the agenda. She further expressed the intent by the NAACP to be more visible at the council meetings in the future relating that they are not visitors but members of the community with both black and white members in the organization. She related that she would vary from the original intent of the presentation choosing rather to make a position statement and express concerns. She related that the local chapter has been in existence since 1988 and that the NAACP, as most often referred to, has been in existence since 1909 and is the oldest civil rights organization in the United States. Mrs. Farris voiced that we need to be about the business of making this community work together. She related that most of the "isms" that come to mind, such as racism, sexism, classism are negative and that speaking out on these issues does not mean you are a radical, out of the ranks organization adding that any organization that speaks out on inequality is not an out of the ranks group; that it boils down to human decency as they see it. She related that it is not a secret that the NAACP was in support of the lawsuit against the dioxin burn. She further related that . she would like to go on record "to say that last night at the . public meeting with the EPA, a representative of the chapter made a pretty strong statement, to say that calling for an immediate evacuation of citizens directly south and east of the plant; is a serious statement but we feel very serious about that concern." She stated that they were encouraged that the recent executive director of the NAACP, Rev. Ben Chavis, has done extensive stu— dies on environmental racism being another "ism" that your not suppose to talk about. adding that if you don't talk about it, how can you get something done about it? 6 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 15, 1993 7:00 P.M. — 7:40 P.M. One concern she related was violence in the community, youth violence with regard to taking their own lives and the lives of other citizens. She suggested setting examples and offering alternatives, nurturing and directions for youth. She charged the Aldermen with the responsibility of keeping campaign prom— ises and the citizens of Jacksonville to be creative in planning programs that would encourage youth to participate. She expressed appreciation to Alderman Sansing for his efforts in Johnson Park improvements relating several ways that the park can be made a safe place for the neighborhood children. She noted that the equipment is not adequate and that there are stumps that need to be removed. She pointed out that Park & Rec Director Annabelle Davis had related to her that Dupree Park and Exceli Fark had taken all the time and money adding that she felt John— son Park was not a black park but a city park and should receive the same basic attention that other city parks receive. She said that she charged Ms. Davis with letting the NAACP know what they could do to assist her noting that money should be earmarked for every park. She said that perhaps a new pavilion had been built in the last three years and that citizens of the community have been cleaning up the park and burning trash for the last couple of weekends. She said the community should claim the park hack because it has not always been a safe place for children to PlaY or for families to have reunions. She requested police protection for park participants. She charged the City Council to assist in bringing the park up to standard because it is a city park. Mrs. Farris pointed out that fair housing is also a concern, noting block grant money is an encouragement. She also made mention of minority hiring which has been a large focus of attention since the beginning of the NAACP chapter in the City of Jacksonville and charged the City Council with making the city government reflective of the whole community. She did say that minority hiring is probably better than it has ever been and acknowledged that talking with the Mayor has been encouraging with regard to the outreach program; the nurturing and develop— ment of those employees. She charged all those present with showing human decency and the responsibility of respecting one another. Mayor Swaim pointed out that participation from the community has been a goal for improving parks and that the Park & Recreation. 111 Commission is looking for more help from the community in park 7 I il`j ' CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 15, 1993 7 :00 P.M. 7 :40 P.M. improvements; that they are empowered to expend money in the city Parks. He related that Johnson Park is not where it was but not • as good as it can be with regard to improvements. He related that communities should work with the Park and Recreation Depart— ment with regard to immediate needs in their area. He pointed out that Exceil Park, in the same neighborhood, has been built into one of the better parks in the city. He said that the City Council does not want to dictate to the Parks Commission, that representatives from the community serve on the commission and that they are charged with overseeing different parks pointing out that the schedule of their meetings are available to everyone desiring to attend. He expressed that concerns regarding housing and the chemical • plant are important to all citizens of the CitY; giving credit to Mr. Michael Beeman and Miss Betty Anderson for their work with regard to hiring practices. He related that information will be provided to anyone when requests are submitted adding that it is helpful when people in the community are interested. He noted that the local Police are mindful of Johnson Park and after dark activities there. POLICE PROTECTION / END OF MAIN TO MILITARY ROAD ' Mayor Swaim voiced that the city is looking at the possibility of more police protection for persons living in the above stated area through CDBG funding. Mr. Tony Ply related that funds are being sought to rehab a residence as a sub — station of the Police Department with "bicycle policemen" to patrol the Sunnyside and Henry Estates area where several violent crimes have been committed. He said that HUD has assured him that the project is an eligible one with the city taking responsibility when the rehab work is completed. Mayor Swaim gave formal notice of a public hearing scheduled for 7:00 p.m. May 6, 1993 regarding plans to use $25,000.00 to estab— lish a neighborhood service center in the Sunnyside Addition. He said that resource officers and policemen to complete the operation will cost, but that it will improve the quality of life of the citizens of Jacksonville. 8 IUS CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 15, 1993 7:00 P.M. - 7:40 P.M. Alderman Knight said there is more than one possibility with regard to obtaining a residence to be used in the endeavor. APPOINTMENTS: a. Water Commission: Reappointment of Pat Wilson for a eight year term to expire 4/20/2001. b. Wastewater Utility Commission: Reappointment of Joan Zumwalt for a five year term to expire 4/20/1998. • Mayor Swaim related that the appointments are recommended from the Commission and is ratified by the City Council. Alderman Knight moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to APPROVED reappointment of Pat Wilson to the Water Commission for a eight year term to expire 4/20/2001. Alderman Knight moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to APPROVE the reappointment of Joan Zumwalt to the Wastewater Utility Commis - sion for a five year term to expire 4/20/1998 ANNOUNCEMENTS: ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Swaim adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:40 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully, .4r �`+ �� Lul. . Leonard MAYOR City Clerk- Treasurer 1 9