93 Jun 17 11 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 17, 1993
7:00 P.M. 8:19 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 June 17, 1993 at the regular meeting place of
the Council. Alderman Ray delivered the invocation after which
Mayor Tommy Swaim led the standing audience in the "Pledge of
Allegiance" to the flag.
ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Knight, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson,
Fletcher, Williamson, Keaton and Twitty answered ROLL CALL.
PRESENT NINE (9), ABSENT ONE (1). Alderman Lewis arrived at
approximately 7:15 p.m. Alderman Smith was absent.
Mayor 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, Asst.
to the Mayor Betty Anderson, City Engineer Duane Reel, Public Works
Coordinator Skip Spears, Finance Director Paul Mushrush, CDBG
Director Tony Ply, Fire Chief Rick Ezell, Police Chief Don Tate,
Asst. Police Chief Hibbs, Chairman of the Board of Adjustment Art
Brannen, Auditors Gerald Clark and Mark McAlister, 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 June 3, 1993 for study and action at the next Regular
City Council Meeting.
APPROVAL AND /OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES:
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson that the minutes of
the May 20, 1993 Regular City Council Meeting be APPROVED. MOTION
CARRIED.
CONSENT AGENDA: a. CDBG Regular Monthly Report /May, 1993. b.
FIRE DEPARTMENT Regular Monthly Report /May 1993.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: MAY 1993
Alderman Knight moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson that the Regular
Monthly Report of the CDBG Department be APPROVED. Said report
reflects the following for May. Informational meetings 3,
Sunnyside Drainage Acquisition Deed 1, REHAB: mortgage filed 1,
Application letters 4, Work write -ups 1, Bid openings 3, Pre-
, construction conference 3, Interim Inspections 20, Project close-
outs 2. PUBLIC WORKS: Advertisement for bid (water project) 1,
Proposals received (water project) 1, Interim Inspections 10, HUD
Workshops 3. ROLL CALL: Alderman Knight, Sansing, Ray, Wilson,
Fletcher Williamson, Keaton and Twitty. MOTION CARRIED.
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 17, 1993
7:00 P.M. - 8:19 P.M.
FIRE DEPARTMENT: MAY 1993
Alderman Knight moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson that the Monthly
Report of the Jacksonville Fire Department for May 1993, be
APPROVED. Said report reflects an estimated fire loss of
$500,900.00. ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Knight, Sensing, Ray,
Wilson, Williamson, Keaton and Twitty voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED.
WATER DEPARTMENT:
SEWER DEPARTMENT:
FIRE DEPARTMENT:
POLICE DEPARTMENT:
STREET DEPARTMENT: Report from City Engineer Ref: Oakhurst and
Stonewall Drainage Bids.
Mayor Swaim introduced the item of business and invited the City
Engineer Duane Reel to speak in regard to his findings.
City Engineer Reel related that Lambert Construction who submitted
the second low bid on the Oakhurst Drainage Project, has been a
sub - contractor for Lawrence Brothers who offered a glowing reported
on Lambert Construction. He further related that the Highway
Department said "they do good work if you stay with them ". He
stated he has no problems awarding the contract to Lambert
Construction upon Council's approval.
He stated that he received documentation from Building and
Utilities Construction, who asked to be relieved from his bids on
the Oakhurst and Stonewall Drainage Projects. He related that the
documentation did not go into depth in regard to major difference
such as construction stake -out and excavation. He stated that he
was not sure that Building and Utilities Construction thoroughly
looked at the project.
In reference to the Stonewall project he stated that all prices
were in line with the next low bidder.
City Engineer Reel recommended asking Building and Utilities
Construction to forfeit their bid bond on the Stonewall Project and
allow them to retain their bid bond on the Oakhurst Project.
Alderman Williamson stated that Building and Utilities should not
be allowed to retain the Oakhurst bid bond.
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 17, 1993
7:00 P.M. 8:19 P.M.
In response to a question from Alderman Knight in regard to the
claim made by Building and Utilities that the major price
difference was due to a mistake on the labor, City Engineer Reel
related that documentation enclosed a five thousand dollar labor
difference on the installation of a pre -cast box culvert, adding
that it does not make up a 60,000.00 dollar labor difference
claimed by Building & Utilities Construction.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Williamson to request
forfeiture of both bid bonds from Building & Utilities Construction
for the Oakhurst and Stonewall Drainage Projects.
j Alderman Keaton questioned the legality of asking for forfeiture of
a bid bond without extending the option to do the job adding that
the contract has already been awarded to the second low bidder.
He stated that he did not feel the bonding company would cover the
bid bond without the option to do the job.
He further stated that Building and Utilities should not be held in
penalty for the miscalculations in regard to the Oakhurst project,
however he felt the Stonewall project bid should be retained.
I Discussion ensued as to the intent of the contractor and the
purpose surrounding bid bonds.
-- City Attorney Bamburg concurred with Alderman Wilson that in light
of the mistake which occurred with the Oakhurst bid, it is
reasonable for the city to feel uncomfortable with the bid from
Building & Utilities Construction on the Stonewall project.
Further discussion ensued as to the credibility of the Building and
Utilities Construction Company.
Alderman Keaton, moved seconded by Alderman Sansing to amend the
motion on the floor to accept the rejection of his bid without the
forfeiture of his bid bond on the Oakhurst Project and ask for the
forfeiture of bid bond on the Stonewall Project.
Alderman Ray expressed that a precedence could be set by letting
Building & Utilities Construction out of the contract and allowing
them to keep the bid bonds.
Mayor Swaim asked the Council to prepare to vote on the AMENDMENT
which would allow the City to retain the Stonewall bid bond only as
opposed to the previous motion that both bid bonds be retained.
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 17, 1993
7:00 P.M. - 8:19 P.M.
ROLL CALL: Aldermen Sansing, Wilson, Fletcher, Keaton and Twitty
voted AYE. Alderman Knight, Ray and Williamson voted NAY.
Alderman Lewis ABSTAINED. Five (5) voted AYE. Three voted (3)
NAY. One (1) ABSTAINED. MOTION CARRIED.
Mayor Swaim announced that the motion carried on the amendment and
asked Council to prepare to vote on the original motion to retain
the bid bond on the Stonewall project.
ROLL CALL: Aldermen Knight, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher,
Williamson, Keaton and Twitty voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED.
PARES & RECREATION DEPARTMENT:
SANITATION DEPARTMENT:
PLANNING COMMISSION: Request to accept Final Plat on the Foxwood
Subdivision Phase IX
Mayor Swaim introduced the item of business and stated that the -
Final Plat had received the approval of the Planning Commission.
Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to ACCEPT the
Final Plat Foxwood Subdivision Phase IX with the stipulations as
submitted by the Planning Commission for approval on utilities and
lots 405F, 407F, 408F and 409F designated as being in the flood
plain.
Alderman Ray noted that he has received complaints from some of the
plumbers contracted in the Stonewall Subdivision regarding
difficulty in locating sewer taps.
City Engineer related that the information would be forwarded to
the Sewer Commission and Dick VanPelt.
Mayor Swaim re- introduced the current item of business.
City Engineer Reel related that the Planning Commission voted to
accept the Final Plat of the Foxwood Subdivision Phase IX pending
final letters of acceptance from the Sewer Commission and the Water
Commission which will meet the following week. Re further related
that four lots would be labeled with the letter F as a flood plain
designation for lots 405, 407, 408, and 409.
MOTION CARRIED.
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 17, 1993
7:00 P.M. - 8:19 P.M.
GENERAL:
a. Presentation of 1992 Audit.
Mayor Swaim introduced Mr. Mark McAlister to address the Council in
regard to the 1992 Audit Presentation.
Mr. McAlister thanked the Council for the opportunity to perform
the 1992 audit. He pointed out that the format and style was
changed in order to make the report more comprehensive. He pointed
out that total revenues for 1992 were nine million four thousand
dollars which represent a 3.5% increase over the 1991 revenues with
38% from the Pulaski County 1% Sales Tax and Turnbacks from the
state contributing another 22% percent. Total operating
expenditures in 1992 were eight million seven hundred ninety five
thousand representing a 15% increase over 1991. Overall the
operating revenues exceeded expenditures by two hundred nine
thousand dollars. The City's reserves in its operating funds
increased to five million three hundred seventeen thousand at the
end of 1992, which is equal to 60% of the total revenues for the
year. He pointed out that the expenditures of the following
departments were under budget in the general fund which reflected
excellent budgetary controls during 1992 and effective cost
containment by city management. He stated that Federal and State
Laws and regulations governing financial activities had been
complied with. He expressed appreciation to the City Finance
Department for their help in the audit process. There were no
recommendations carried over from 1991 and Mr. McAlister related
that recommendations in the 1992 audit are being addressed. Other
data relating to the audit report is on file in the office of the
City Clerk.
Alderman Knight expressed appreciation regarding city management
and the McAlister Firm.
Alderman Knight moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to APPROVE the 1992
audit report as presented. MOTION CARRIED.
b. DISCUSSION: Communications Equipment
Mayor Swaim related that recently under emergency situations the
entire city responded well especially the two emergency
departments. He commended the Pulaski County School Department,
Little Rock Air Force Base, the County Emergency Services
i Department as well as other departments within the City of
Jacksonville.
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 17, 1993
7:00 P.M. - 8:19 P.M.
He commented that since 1987, communications equipment has needed
to be updated and that the recent emergency verified the need. He
related that to get the type of equipment that the city needs it
would cost approximately one million dollars. He related that the
City of Little Rock has bought a eight hundred trunking system and
has reserved space for cities in Pulaski County who desire to
participate in the system. He made note of efforts being made by
the Mayors and the County Judge in updating communications over the
county. He said that dispatcher location was a major concern in
said negotiations. He pointed out that at present the Fire
Department has only one frequency, that only one person can
communicate an emergency at the time. While the Police Department
has more frequencies, there is still a need for more.
Alderman Fletcher questioned a recent incident at the Vertac site
and Mayor Swaim related that EPA is doing a full investigation and
that the circumstances are under control at this time. He said
that the reports for salt and air emissions are negative. He
related that he would request a representative attend a Council
Meeting when the investigation is complete.
Mayor Swaim related that buying into the County Trunking System for
Fire and Police alone is estimated to cost seven hundred forty
thousand dollars and that meant with all of North Pulaski County.
Mayor Swaim related that he wanted to apprize the Council of the
existing need with regard to radio activity for City Departments.
In response to questions posed by Aldermen Knight and Wilson
regarding grants and equipment, Mayor Swaim stated that no grants
are available and that Motorola Equipment would have to be
purchased for the City to comply with the Pulaski County Trunking
System. He expressed concerns regarding delaying radio dispatching
to another area. He said he felt more comfortable dispatching from
our area.
The Mayor commented that cellular phones were used during the
recent evacuation process. He commended the following for their
aid and support: Little Rock Air Force Base, North Little Rock,
Gravel Ridge, State OES, County OES. He noted that a cascade bank
was used, donated by LRAFB, and that a portable cascade bank will
be proposed for purchase by the City.
Other discussion ensued but no decisions were made by the Council
regarding the Pulaski County Trunking System.
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
, i REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 17, 1993
7:00 P.M. - 8:19 P.M.
Alderman Knight related that for seven or eight years she has
promoted the expansion of the emergency services dispatch service.
She said that this example has modified that desire asking what the
cost would be to have a dispatcher in Jacksonville with regard to
the trunk system.
Mayor Swaim related that the city can have its own trunking system
and still be able to communicate with the office of the County
Sheriff. He said that a repeating tower would have to be built by
the city relating that the present equipment is sufficient to reach
to North Pulaski County at this time.
Chief Tate said that components have to be compatible on the eight
hundred system in reply to a question by Alderman Knight regarding
whether or not LRAFB could be a part of it.
Mayor Swaim related that the City of Little Rock spent
approximately five million dollars with regard to implementing the
trunking system.
A special meeting was suggested by Alderman Wilson as he suggested
that cost estimates and options be presented to the Council.
Chief Tate pointed out that a purchase at this time would not be
available for six to nine months. He replied to a question from
Alderman Ray that information could be made available to the
Council at the next meeting with regard to purchasing the equipment
needed for emergency service situations.
Alderman Ray commended the efforts of the Mayor during the recent
emergency. He said that Mayor Swaim's decisions with regard to the
radius of evacuation, closing the freeway and the school children
were very good ones in his opinion.
The consensus of the City Council was that pertinent information be
presented after the next Regular City Council Meeting.
c. DISCUSSION: Purchase of a Mobile Command Post
Mayor Swaim related that an old ambulance was considered as a
command post but was inadequate, that a motor home is being
considered at this time. He related that it will hopefully not be
often used, but that it is necessary. He said that control is the
key in an emergency situation and that a command post in a motor
home would comply with the need as he related the recent situation.
Chief Ezell voiced that he has researched Haz -Mat Centers and that
his recommendation is for the purchase of a motor home.
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 17, 1993
7:00 P.M. - 8:19 P.M.
He said that a used motor home would not be a wise purchase
explaining that its use on a limited basis is the major factor. He
stated a proposed cost range from nine to twenty five thousand
dollars without the equipment installed that would be needed for
emergency operations.
Mayor Swaim recommended the purchase of a motor home with
renovations by members of the Fire Department.
Alderman Keaton recommended that the Council pursue the purchase of
a motor home for use as a command post and a communications system.
Mayor Swaim recommended that the two chiefs be allowed to search
for a proper command post with the ability to place it on hold and
refer back to the Council.
Alderman Keaton noted that a steel bodied truck would be needed in
order to accommodate the attachment of heavy equipment.
APPOINTMENTS: Hospital Commission: Mr. Roy Hart to fill the un-
expired term of Mr. Mike Fisher ending June 30, 1995.
Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Keaton to APPROVE the
appointment of Mr. Roy Hart to the Hospital Commission for a term
to expire 6/30/1995. MOTION CARRIED.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mayor Swaim related that the dedication ceremony
for the Marshall L. Smith Memorial Playground will be held July 1,
1993 at 10:30 a.m.
ADDITION TO AGENDA: a. Discussion: Health Insurance
Mayor Swaim related that a rate adjustment with the health
insurance at six month intervals has occurred adding that a
committee may need to be formed to investigate benefits and
additional cost.
Mayor Swaim recommended that at this time we remain with the
Municipal League who is the current insurance provider. He related
that they are offering some additional benefits and with the
opportunity to waive the deductible in regard to participating
doctors and clinics. He further related that eye care would be
added in January at the same cost. He stated that the increase
would make an eleven thousand dollar difference in the general fund
budget for this year. Total cost for the remainder of the year
including outside the general fund would be fourteen thousand
dollars.
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 17, 1993
7:00 P.M. - 8:19 P.M.
b. Resolution 462 ( #4 -93)
A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR ARKANSAS' LIBRARY MILLAGE
CAMPAIGN; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Alderman Wilson who sponsored the resolution stated that he would
like the resolution acted upon at the July 1, 1993 meeting.
c. Crime Update:
Mayor Swaim commended the Police Department and the results brought
from diligent police work. He related that a long standing crime
has now been solved adding that the police department has not
forgotten any crimes and are investigating other long standing
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ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Swaim adjourned the meeting at approximately 8:15 p.m.
I Respectfully, -,C.ct.A.),OZ.A...„.„
/Leonard MAYOR '
City Clerk- Treasurer
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