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14 MAR 06 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 6, 2014 7:00 P.M. – 7:29 P.M. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING - CITY HALL - #1 MUNICIPAL DRIVE The City Council of the City of Jacksonville, Arkansas met in regular session on March 6, 2014 at the regular meeting place of the City Council. Alderman Bolden delivered the invocation and Mayor Fletcher led a standing audience in the “Pledge of Allegiance” to the flag. ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Robinson, and Howard answered roll call. Mayor Fletcher also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT EIGHT (8), ABSENT (2). Aldermen Elliott was absent. Others present for the meeting were: City Attorney Robert Bamburg, Finance Director Cheryl Erkel, City Engineer Jay Whisker, Director of Administration Jim Durham, Public Works Director Jim Oakley, Police Captain Kelley Smiley, Parks and Recreation Director Kevin House, CDBG Director Theresa Watson, IT Director Barbara McDaniel, Human Resource Director Jill Ross, 911 Communications Director Tabby Hughes, Water Department Superintendant Jake Superintendant Short, Water Commission Chairman Jim Peacock, Water Department Field Manager Sal Pappalardo, Planning Commissioner Jim Moore, Mrs. Glenda Fletcher, Johnny Simpson, Joe Douglass, interested citizens, and members of the press. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Fletcher presented the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of February 20, 2014 for approval and/or correction at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting. APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES: Alderman Howard moved, seconded by Alderman Ray that the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of 16 January 2014 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden to approve the regular monthly report for January 2014. PERMITS/LICENSE ISSUED INSPECTIONS PERFORMED Building Permits 9 Building Inspections 32 Business Licenses 11 Electrical 26 Plumbing 26 HVACR 9 ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Bolden, McCleary, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Robinson, and Howard voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. WATER DEPARTMENT: RESOLUTION 702 (02-2014) 1 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 6, 2014 7:00 P.M. – 7:29 P.M. Mayor Fletcher noted that he had withdrawn Resolution 702 but would like Water Superintendant Jake Superintendant Short to offer some information regarding the Lonoke/White Project. Superintendant Jake Short informed the City Council that they received word from Lonoke/White at the first of the year that the Jacksonville Water Department would be assessed a pass-through charge starting April st 1. He stated that the pass-through charge will beginning being bill to Jacksonville water users in March. He offered a brief history regarding “Lonoke/White”, explaining that Jacksonville along with seven other community utilities make up the Lonoke/White Public Water Authority. He related that the Authority is building an intake water treatment plant with over fifty miles of transmission mains to pump water out of Greers Ferry Lake, treat the water and bring the water into the various seven communities. He stated that part of that process included having USDA World Development and ARC funding totaling close to 56 million dollars. He added that in order to pay that debt service, each utility was assessed a monthly fee that is based on the total number of meters in the system at that time. He related that the formula was the number of meters X $5.00. He stated that when Jacksonville was assessed there were 9,667 meters X $5.00 equaling $48,335 monthly as Jacksonville’s portion of the debt service. He recalled that there was a significant rate increase during the years of 2009 through 2012, explaining that as part of that rate increase only half of debt service fee was included in the rate. He stated that the Water Commission has held off as long as possible in assessing the other portion, mentioning that Lonoke/White began collecting from Jacksonville in January 2012. He explained that it began as $0.50 and as time has progressed it has gone to $1.00, $2.50 and is now up to $3.00. He stated that they do not have enough left in reserves to continue to pay the increases. He stated that they have elected to put the pass-through in the water rates, adding that other utilities have elected to have a separate line item on their billing for $5.00. He reiterated that they have elected to put it into the rates and tie it to consumption. He explained that the methodology is that they do not want to impact the low-income lower water users with the pass-through charge, adding that the customers using larger quantities of water will shoulder more of the burden. He stated that the charge is nominal for a minimal user, pointing out that the bill would increase $0.81. He related that they sympathize, knowing that increases are hard for customers, this is an important project for Jacksonville and the surrounding communities. He stated that it is important to have a secondary source for Little Rock Air Force Base. He pointed out that Jacksonville has ownership with a seat at the Board and any future rate decisions regarding Lonoke/White – Jacksonville would have decision making power. Alderman Traylor questioned how much the charge would be per 1,000 gallons. 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 6, 2014 7:00 P.M. – 7:29 P.M. Superintendant Jake Short stated that per 1,000 gallons the rate would be $1.25. Alderman Traylor concurred with Superintendant Short that Jacksonville is being assessed on the number of meters, and Jacksonville will charge based on per 1,000 gallons. City Attorney Bamburg clarified that the rate per 1,000 gallons is $1.25 but the pass-through charge (the meter fee) was implemented in 2009 at st $2.50 and $2.50 will be implemented as of March 1. He stated that the meter fee is separate from the $1.25 per 1,000 gallon rate. Alderman Traylor asked Superintendant Short if every meter fee would go up by $2.50 with the pass-through charge. Superintendant Short answered that they elected not to implement the charge in that way, explaining that they worked with their rate analyst to determine how much money is needed to cover the costs and it was placed in the rates. He clarified that instead of trying to get $2.50 per customer per meter fee; they decided to tie it to consumption. He stated that they need to collect approximately $280,000 monthly, which is disbursed among the rate payer. He reiterated that in that way the lower users will not be paying as much as a customer using 50,000 gallons. He continued saying that the higher consumption user would be shouldering more of the burden. Alderman Traylor questioned again, how much that would be per 1,000 gallons. Superintendant Jake Short stated that it would vary depending on how much water is used, citing that if a customer uses 2,000 gallons it would be $0.80 and with 3,000 gallons it would be a little more. He reiterated that it varies with consumption. Alderman Howard noted that there was very recently a $0.50 pass-through from CAW. He questioned if more pass-through charges are anticipated. Superintendant Short responded that it would be difficult to determine. He related that he met with CAW and there may be something coming in 2015. He then explained that they are currently in the process of renegotiating their contract with CAW and that will change how much water Jacksonville purchases from CAW. Mayor Fletcher stated that one thing the Lonoke/White Project will bring to Jacksonville is some stability regarding future rate increases, noting that Jacksonville has not had that leverage in the past by having more than one water source. He stated that if you keep up with the national news, water is going to be a very important commodity especially for industries that are water consumption type based. He cited various 3 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 6, 2014 7:00 P.M. – 7:29 P.M. cities across the Country that suffered drought situations. He then stated that Commission began in 2008 to look at those trends and secure a second water source for the City of Jacksonville. He recalled that Jacksonville had water rationings at one point during the 70’s, adding that it was the Commission’s charge to make sure Jacksonville never got into that situation again. He stressed that water will determine cities’ growth in the future. He added that water is not cheap and it will not be cheap in the future. He stated that Jacksonville has positioned itself well going into the future. Alderman Bolden, a former Water Commissioner, stated that the Commission analyzed all aspects of the Lonoke/White project before agreeing to enter into this venture. He stated that if Jacksonville only has CAW as a water source they can raise prices whenever they want, whereas being a member of the Lonoke/White project offers Jacksonville an alternative plan. He stated that this venture is a solid decision. He then pointed out that the current water rate is coming from CAW because Lonoke/White has not entered into that part of the equation yet. Alderman Traylor asked for clarification regarding the difference between a rate increase and a pass-through. He surmised that a pass-through would be charged by meter and if it is a rate increase collections are to cover what is being charged. City Attorney Bamburg stated that this is a pass-through not a rate increase. He stated that it is a required fee from Lonoke/White to be setup regarding Jacksonville participation in the process. He stated that it was initially approved in 2009 for the first $2.50 and this is the second phase of $2.50 to be implemented when we go line. He added that Jacksonville Water is scheduled to go on line next month. Alderman Traylor pointed out that it is not being applied the same way it was in 2009, saying that this is a rate per thousand gallon rate increase. City Attorney Bamburg stated that Superintendant Short was relating the 1,000 gallon per rate that Jacksonville Water will receive from Lonoke/White, adding that is different than the meter pass-through. Superintendant Short concurred with City Attorney Bamburg, saying that it is a pass-through, it is a monthly fee to Lonoke/White. Alderman Robinson stated that the average customer that uses 5,000 at $0.81 is almost $5.00. Superintendant Short corrected that the minimum bill is for 2,000 gallons and that bill will increase $0.81 but it is not $0.81 per thousand. Alderman Robinson questioned if it would be $0.40 per thousand and Superintendant Short stated that could be said. 4 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 6, 2014 7:00 P.M. – 7:29 P.M. City Attorney Bamburg stated that you cannot tie it to per thousand, it is per meter. He added that he need to clarify this is a pass-through charge, saying that if it is a rate increase it would be addressed differently. Alderman Robinson questioned if it would be listed as a separate item on the water bill as a charge from Lonoke/White. City Attorney Bamburg stated that as he understands it has been worked into the rate so that it is under that one line item. Alderman Robinson stated that it is not a pass-through. City Attorney Bamburg disagreed. Mayor Fletcher offered to clarify, saying that the number of 9,667 meters was used when Jacksonville went under contract with Lonoke/White at $5.00 per meter. He stated that amount is what Lonoke/White is charging, adding that how Jacksonville comes up with that amount is of no concern to Lonoke/White. Superintendant Short stated that it comes to $48,000 monthly. He stated that according to the water purchase contract that City Council approved in 2010, $48,000 monthly is the fee amount. Alderman Traylor stated that if it is not a rate increase, he is confused as to how it is being billed. City Attorney Bamburg suggested that Superintendant Short could meet with and outline the billing charges at a different time. He stated that it has already been implemented per the authority that was given by City Council to the Water Commission in 2009. He reiterated that this is a pass-through charge, adding that how it has been implemented on the bill is to accommodate the $47,000 that is owed on a monthly basis. He emphasized that this is a pass-through charge not a rate increase. Alderman Howard stated that citizens would view it as a rate increase. Mr. Joe Douglass questioned what the charge would be per 1,000 gallons following the $0.81 charge for the minimum usage of 2,000 gallons. He stated that the last time there was a pass-through charge a few months ago it turned out to be higher than the $0.48 that was discussed in City Council. He added that it amounted to almost $3.00 on a zero consumption bill. He stated that he wanted to make sure there is not a rapid increase after you pass 2,000 gallons. Director of Administration Jim Durham suggested that the Water Department offer some linear chart information so customers could see the charges based on the number of gallons used. He added that customers are apt to see it as a rate increase. 5 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 6, 2014 7:00 P.M. – 7:29 P.M. WASTEWATER DEPARTMENTS: FIRE DEPARTMENT: POLICE DEPARTMENT: STREET DEPARTMENT: SANITATION DEPARTMENT: PARKS & RECREATION: PLANNING COMMISSION: GENERAL: ORDINANCE 1510 (#3-2014) AN ORDINANCE AMENDING JACKSONVILLE MUNICIPAL CODE § 9.12; PROHIBITING THE DISCHARGE OF ARROWS WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Mayor Fletcher recognized Alderman Bolden as the sponsor of Ordinance 1510. Alderman Bolden stated that this was brought to his attention by constituents, saying that it is a community safety issue. He urged for that reason that City Council members support passage of the Ordinance. He explained that as people move into the City, we need to be protective of the future. He stated that without Ordinance 1510, someone could walk down the street with a bow and arrows. He stated that it could be discharged within the City limits. Alderman Bolden moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary that Ordinance 1510 be placed on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Alderman Traylor stated that he understands the issues regarding the discharging of a bow inside the City limits, but added that he feels the Ordinance should go further and set parameters. He stated that the City Council may want to consider allowing that activity if someone has a large lot and the arrow will not travel that far. He stated that he does not have a problem with someone doing practice target shooting, adding that he agrees he would not want anyone walking the streets with a bow and arrows. He stated that he would like to see parameters set rather than an outright ban. Alderman Sansing agreed with Alderman Traylor, saying that if a resident has enough space to do it safely, then there is no reason to totally ban it. He went on to say that one day we may have to do something about the deer population inside the City and that would be one of the recourses. Alderman Bolden related that he is not speaking of a small town mentality but the future growth of a community. He added that he can understand about the size of property and being able to practice. He then related that being from Texas he understands that philosophy, however it should not be allowed in the City limits because someone might get hurt. He added that he felt the Ordinance could be amended to make provisions for a certain amount of acreage if that is the wish of the City Council. 6 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 6, 2014 7:00 P.M. – 7:29 P.M. He pointed out that anyone with that much acreage is probably not living within the City limits. He stated that he feels this is very important regarding the safety issues and keeping children’s safety first. He stated that people come in from other communities and the City needs to be safeguarded for the future. He reiterated that the issue regarding Ordinance 1510 is public safety. Alderman Howard stated that he feels a complete ban would be a little bit of overkill, adding that he has spoken with the Police who said they never get calls regarding bow and arrow shooting. He related that he also spoke with the Mayor from Batesville who told him that they have a large archery program in their school. He added that he was told that the students practice in the gym but they also practice at their houses as long as they have a backstop, adding that he was told they have never had a problem and never saw a reason for this type of ordinance. He went on to say that he feels Jacksonville will develop school archery programs as well. Alderman Robinson questioned the statistical data involved with the development of the Ordinance. Alderman Bolden pointed out that his research included the mindset of people moving into the community who may not have the same reverence for the public’s safety. He stated that the bottom line is protecting Jacksonville’s future. Alderman Robinson related that there will be a state of the art archery range in the very near future and there will be an increase in archery within the City. He added that he believes there is already a large interest in the area that was annexed to the north. Alderman Traylor asked Alderman Bolden if he would be opposed to further considerations for restrictions. Alderman Bolden stated that he would not mind looking at restrictions and stipulations, mentioning the schools. He added that he would be in favor of further considerations regarding parameters, but he asked that the City Council bear in mind the consequences for the future growth of Jacksonville and the mindset of people coming into Jacksonville. Alderman Bolden moved seconded by Alderman Traylor to table Ordinance 1510 (#3-2014) to the first meeting in May. MOTION CARRIED. APPOINTMENT(S): ANNOUNCEMENT(S): Mayor Fletcher thanked the Street Department employees for their efforts during the recent ice storm, saying that he always receives numerous compliments from citizens familiar with other cities who say that Jacksonville is far and above. He stated that Public Works 7 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 6, 2014 7:00 P.M. – 7:29 P.M. Director Jim Oakley has a great crew who work 12-hour shifts to make the roads safer for Jacksonville. He noted that the crews began a few hours before the ice storm hit Jacksonville. Mayor Fletcher recognized Andre Veasey and his brother Dairreyel Veasey. Dairreyel Veasey explained that they attend Pulaski Academy where they were required to do community service hours. He related that they started out with the Habitat for Humanity to perform their service hours but then decided it would be better to do something that would change the community. He added that they decided to start a program to collect blankets for the homeless. He stated that they have completed their required service hours but are doing extra by collecting blankets for the homeless. He stated that their goal is to collect 2,014 symbolic of the 2014 year, adding that currently they have collected 512 blankets. He stated that the program is going very well. Mayor Fletcher stated that he is pleased to recognize them for their efforts in collecting blankets for the homeless by creating “Cover Up 2014”. He stated that he loves the heart they have demonstrated and is moved that while most teens are thinking of themselves these two young men have reached out to others in need. He went on to say that Dairreyel and Andre are inspirations to others, expressing his pride, and saying that he hopes their peers will see them as role models. Andre and Dairreyel were recognized with Certificates of Achievement. ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Fletcher adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:29 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully, ________________________ _________________________ Susan L. Davitt MAYOR GARY FLETCHER City Clerk-Treasurer 8