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10 APR 01.doc CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 1, 2010 7:00 P.M. – 7:48 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 April 1, 2010 at the regular meeting place of the Council. Alderman Howard delivered the invocation and Mayor Fletcher led a standing audience in the “Pledge of Allegiance” to the flag. ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Rinker, Ferrell, and Howard answered roll call. Mayor Fletcher also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT SEVEN (7), ABSENT (3). Aldermen Ray, Stroud, and Twitty were absent. Others present for the meeting were: City Attorney Robert Bamburg, Director of Administration Jim Durham, City Engineer Jay Whisker, Fire Chief John Vanderhoof, Human Resource Director Jill Ross, Jacksonville Water Department Manager Mike Simpson, Director of Information Technology Barbara Daniel, Assistant Finance Director Cheryl Erkel, Police Chief Gary Sipes, 9-1-1 Director Tabby Hughes, Parks and Recreation Director Kristen Griggs, Mr. Jim Peacock, Mr. Jody Urquhart, Mr. Jack Danielson, Mrs. Glenda Fletcher, Mrs. Marie Fletcher, Mrs. Addie Gibson, Mr. Larry Smith, Mr. Jim Moore, interested citizens, and members of the press. DEVIATION IN AGENDA: th Colonial Michael Zex, Vice Wing Commander of the 19 Airlift Wing, related that they are the host Wing at the LRAFB. He announced that Jacksonville and the surrounding community around Little Rock were being considered for a community award from their parent Air Mobility Command. He then announced that yesterday they were informed that the Jacksonville community did win the award. He explained that they had submitted a 3” binder describing Jacksonville as a fantastic community supporting the men and women of the Little Rock Air Force Base. He related that the thth package represented not only the 19 Airlift Wing but also the 189 Air th National Guard Wing and the 314 Airlift Wing on the Base. He noted that many of the Bases were much larger than ours. He stated that it is named the Abilene Award because the City of Abilene has won the award so consecutively that they were asked to stop submitting packages in lieu of having the award named after their city and picking the winner. He thanked the City and City Council for all the support received from the community. He related that the Little Rock Air Force Base would not be in Jacksonville without the City’s kindness and generosity, adding that they probably would not have won the award of “Best C-130 Wing” in Air Mobility Command in the past Rodeo competition without the City’s support. He went on to say that they would not have placed second in the Commander and Chiefs Excellence Award, where the Base won $100,000.00 to contribute back to the community. He also noted that the Base would not have a new education center without joint efforts and support from the Jacksonville community. He related that the Mayor is present at every newcomer’s arrival briefing to welcome them to the local community. He expressed profound appreciation for the love, support, and kindness of the Jacksonville community. He related that the Award will be presented 1 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 1, 2010 7:00 P.M. – 7:48 P.M. by members of the Abilene Base and the trophy will be displaced in the City until awarded to a different city. Mayor Fletcher stated that he feels doubly blessed because not only is he the Mayor of a great city, but he also has the Little Rock Air Force Base. He expressed his appreciation for having the Base and for their military leadership. RESUME AGENDA: PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: The minutes of the regular City Council meeting of March 18, 2010 were included in packets for approval and/or correction at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting. APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES: No action taken. The minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of 4 March 2010 will be considered for action at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting. CONSENT AGENDA: WATER DEPARTMENT: RESOLUTION 645 (#7-2010) A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE AND GENERAL MANAGER OF THE JACKSONVILLE WATER DEPARTMENT TO EXECUTE CERTAIN DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE REVOLVING LOAN FUND PROGRAM ADMINISTERED BY THE ARKANSAS NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION. Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to read Resolution 645 (#7-2010). Water Department Manager Mike Simpson related that the Water Department is working with the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission to secure $25 million dollars in low interest funding from the ANRC to complete four major capital water improvement projects. The interest rate for ANRC funds is currently 3.5%, which is in comparison to revenue bonding companies’ current rate of 5.5%. He related that this lower interest rate will save the Jacksonville Water Works water rate payers $4.4 million dollars over the 20 year life of the loan. He added that they allowed for the payment of this loan in their last water rate increase, therefore no water rate increase will be needed to generate any additional revenue to make the loan payments. The four major capital improvement projects:  SCADA System: the supervised read and control in data acquisition; replacement and upgrades to the telemetry system. 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 1, 2010 7:00 P.M. – 7:48 P.M.  South Source 24” Water Main Project: 20,000 linear feet of new 24” waterline and 10,000 feet of 18” waterline and other improvements that will bring an additional 6 million gallons of water into Jacksonville for a total capacity of 12 million gallons in the future.  North/South Waterline: 19,600 linear feet of 18” waterline, internal lines needed to distribute the water into the water system.  Construction of a new 3 million gallon composite elevated water tank along with construction of approximately 7,300 linear feet of 24” waterline and connects to existing facilities, this project will replace the 75 year old ground storage tank at the West Water Plant, which serves Little Rock Air Force Base and the west area of the City. He stated that the Arkansas Department of Health has reviewed and approved the projects for inclusion on the Comprehensive Project Priority List, which is a requirement through ANRC for the SFY 2011 Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund (DWSRF). He stated that the process is lengthy and this is just one aspect of that process. At this time MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Resolution 645 (#7-2010). Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Howard to approve Resolution 645 (#7-2010) in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED. WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT: FIRE DEPARTMENT: POLICE DEPARTMENT: STREET DEPARTMENT: SANITATION DEPARTMENT: PARKS & RECREATION: GENERAL: a. DISCUSSION of Front Yard Fencing Alderman Howard noted that currently the City does not have an ordinance to prohibit front yard fencing and there have been some problems particularly on the east side of town. He noted that there is more concern for the chain link type of fences. He offered that it would be helpful if City Attorney Bamburg could research those types of regulations and return with an ordinance to prohibit fencing other than ornamental type fencing in the front yard. City Engineer Whisker added that from a planning standpoint front yard fencing does not add to the neighborhood, noting the issue of large dogs that can run up to the fence along the sidewalk. Pedestrians become afraid to use the sidewalks. He stated that in all instances it is not necessarily bad, noting that there are homes that have front yard fencing that are aesthetically pleasing. 3 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 1, 2010 7:00 P.M. – 7:48 P.M. Mayor Fletcher stated that he had spoken with a citizen who pointed out that if his neighbor has front yard fencing it becomes his responsibility to mow next to the fence. He noted that citizens have issued concerns for front yard fencing. Mr. Jody Urquhart informed the City Council of a concern regarding 8’ to 10’ fences in the rear yards, adding that he feels this presents a problem and a hazard for firefighters if there is a house fire. He suggested that a height requirement be incorporated into the proposed ordinance. Further discussion ensued and it was the consensus of the City Council to allow City Attorney Bamburg to research the subject and formulate an ordinance. It was also the sentiment of the City Council to grandfather existing fencing. b. DISCUSSION Leaf Burning Mr. Jody Urquhart referenced members of the audience who are in attendance to present concerns regarding leaf burning in the City. He read from the Jacksonville Municipal Code Book 8-32-010 regarding restrictions for trash incineration. “It is unlawful for any person or persons to burn or cause to be burned out of doors any hay, straw, shavings, paper, leaves, trash, or any combustible materials on any occupied or unoccupied lot within the City except in wire baskets of not more than one quarter inch mesh, rock, brick, or metal incinerators with a proper cover. No incinerator shall be located within ten feet of any building or combustible material. (Ord. 85 Sec. 1, 1957)”. He offered that in 1957 when this ordinance was adopted, the City probably did not have the pickup service that we have today. He pointed out that Jacksonville has yard waste pickup four times monthly and is currently operating, on a trial basis, a pickup service on Wednesdays for citizens that call in for a special pickup. He noted that yard waste does not have to be put in a bag for curbside pickup. He added that he feels the City should put forth a campaign asking residents not to use plastic bags for yard waste because the plastic doesn’t breakdown and it makes the mulch made from yard waste less desirable. He related that it is being proposed by citizens with concerns that it be made mandatory that citizens cannot burn yard waste in the City of Jacksonville. In response to a question from Alderman Howard, City Attorney Bamburg noted that there is another ordinance addressed in the late 80’s from the standpoint of not burning. He added that there are also State statutes that are addressed and the enforcement for those is through the State fire marshal’s office. He related that without funding for more manpower the State is not able to address all those issues, so it is deferred to local fire departments. He noted that Chief Vanderhoof has set up guidelines for citizens who call in regarding circumstances for burning. 4 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 1, 2010 7:00 P.M. – 7:48 P.M. Mr. Jody Urquhart acknowledged that the Fire Department will respond to complaints, but added that he feels that is a waste of the Fire Department’s time to have to respond to those types of calls. He issued major points to prohibit burning, saying that firstly these fires smolder and the smoke becomes a hazard for neighbors, especially those who suffer from asthma or other respiratory problems. Secondly, it presents a safety issue, explaining that with smaller lots the possibility of causing a house fire even to a neighbor’s home has increased. Thirdly, resident have numerous monthly yard waste pickups. He asked the City Council for consideration in prohibiting burning in the City. Alderman Smith related that he had spoken with a resident that could smell the smoke even inside his home, adding that this person is also on oxygen, so it presents an added problem for this resident. He supported the prohibition of burning inside the City. Alderman Howard asked that City Attorney Bamburg formulate an ordinance to prohibit burning of leaves inside the City limits. Mayor Fletcher noted that in visiting with other local mayors, the City of Maumelle may have an ordinance we could simulate and adopt, noting that the City of Maumelle does not allow burning except on a construction site. Director of Administration Jim Durham offered that Jacksonville needs to be on the cutting edge regarding progressive attitudes toward the environment. He noted Jacksonville’s “go green” efforts with the Recycling Center, also noting that the City is prohibited by ADEQ from burning waste without a permit. He also asked that the City Council consider, under present authority of the Fire Chief, to stop the burning while the ordinance is being formulated. He related that this being spring it presents itself as a nuisance and hazard. It was the consensus of the City Council to allow Chief Vanderhoof to exercise his authority to ban burning immediately. Chief Vanderhoof noted that in these situations of allowing leaf burning, the Fire Department is put into positions of being the negotiator. He stated his support to stop leaf burning. Alderman Rinker noted that currently the State has issued a no burn ban. Alderman Smith noted and Chief John Vanderhoof concurred that it has become a real problem this year. Discussion ensued regarding the possible use of burn ban signs or the implementation of CodeRED to inform residents of the burn ban. Mayor Fletcher asked press to help put the word out that the City is prohibiting leaf burning beginning immediately. 5 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 1, 2010 7:00 P.M. – 7:48 P.M. NEW WEBSITE FOR THE CITY Mayor Fletcher stated that because the new website is interactive, it has brought City Hall into resident’s homes. He related that any and all types of complaints are copied to him. Director of Information Technology Barbara Daniel stated that this project has been a dream of the City for approximately eight years, working on this particular website for approximately two years. She stated that the website went live today and everyone is very excited about what it offers users. She noted that the website address is cityofjacksonville.net, highlighting many of the features on screen for the audience to visually sample. She demonstrated several Departments, noting that all photographs featured on the website were taken inside the City. She noted that all Departments have the opportunity to participate in the Upcoming Events feature page. She then demonstrated the process for citizens to make a report or request such as potholes or code complaints. It was noted that it is not a requirement that a citizen give their name or email address. All complaints will go out immediately to the director or manager of each department and the Mayor will receive a copy. Mayor Fletcher noted that animals for adoption will also be featured on the website in efforts to raise the adoption rate. He then related that each department will be responsible for keeping their departmental page current. Director of Administration Jim Durham requested that some type of encouragement be used for citizens to leave contact information so they can be updated regarding the progress of their report or request, noting that oftentimes the resolution is more involved than the citizen may realize. Mayor Fletcher stated that he feels once everyone is familiar with the website it will draw the community closer. In response to a question from Mayor Fletcher, Human Resource Director Jill Ross explained that City job postings will also be on the website, adding that the application is also online. She then related that applicants will soon be able to fill out the application and submit it online. City Engineer Whisker stated that permits and fees will be able to be handled online. In response to a question from Mayor Fletcher, City Engineer Whisker informed the City Council that the City has applied for a grant to mitigate flooding in the Pinon and Leonard streets area in the Beachwood Subdivision. He related that as part of the grant process, the City 6 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 1, 2010 7:00 P.M. – 7:48 P.M. Council will be requested to host a public hearing. He then related that City crews dug a relief ditch from the area to a second bridge at the railroad tracks. He noted that the public hearing will be held at 6:30 before the next City Council meeting. Mayor Fletcher noted a conflict in scheduling, announcing that the Annual Police Banquet is scheduled to begin at 6:00 on the same evening. Discussion ensued and it was the consensus of the City Council to change the regularly scheduled meeting time to 7:30 p.m. versus 7:00 p.m. April 15, 2010. APPOINTMENT(S): WATER COMMISSION Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Ferrell to approve the reappointment of Phillip Keaton for a term to expire 4/20/2018. MOTION CARRIED. JACKSONVILLE HOUSING AUTHORITY Alderman McCleary moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to approve the reappointment of Brian Hagewood for a term to expire 4/01/2015. MOTION CARRIED. CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION Alderman McCleary moved, seconded by Alderman Ferrell to approve the reappointment of Cynthia Bolden for a term to expire 4/01/2016. MOTION CARRIED. ANNOUNCEMENT(S): Mayor Fletcher announced that Jacksonville Cleanup Day th will be held Saturday, April 24 starting at 9 a.m. at the Recycling Center. He then announced that the Animal Shelter is hosting a Pet Fair April th 24 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Memphis Flea Market will be held this Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 pm. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Community Center will be celebrating its 15 year anniversary next Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Fletcher adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:48 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully, ________________________ _________________________ Susan L. Davitt MAYOR GARY FLETCHER City Clerk-Treasurer 7