10 AUG 19.doc
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 19, 2010
7:00 P.M. – 7:51 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 August 19, 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, Ray, Rinker,
Stroud, Twitty, and Howard answered roll call. Mayor Fletcher also
answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT NINE (9), ABSENT (1).
Others present for the meeting were: Director of Administration Jim
Durham, Finance Director Paul Mushrush, City Engineer Jay Whisker, Public
Works Director Jim Oakley, CDBG Director Theresa Watson, Police Chief
Gary Sipes, Fire Chief John Vanderhoof, Human Resource Director Jill
Ross, Director of Information Technology Barbara Daniel, Parks and
Recreation Director Kristen Griggs, Water Department Superintendent Mike
Simpson, Mrs. Glenda Fletcher, Mrs. Marie Fletcher, Mrs. Tammy Bourdo,
Mrs. Helen Stroud, Mr. Rizelle Aaron, Mrs. Addie Gibson, Mr. Jim Moore,
Mr. Larry Smith, Mrs. Mary Twitty, Mr. Mike Traylor, Mr. Tommy Dupree,
Mr. Gerald Clark, interested citizens, and members of the press.
PRESENTATION OF MINUTES:
Mayor Fletcher presented the minutes of the regular City Council meeting
of August 5, 2010 for approval and/or correction at the next regularly
scheduled City Council meeting.
APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES:
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Howard that the minutes of the
regular City Council meeting of 15 July 2010 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED.
CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/POLICE DEPARTMENT
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to approve the Regular
Monthly Report for July 2010 regarding annual crime statistical
comparisons.
REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/FIRE DEPARTMENT
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to approve the Regular
Monthly Report for July 2010, which reflects a fire loss of $20,000.00 and
a savings total of $40,000.00.
ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Ray, Rinker, Stroud,
Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED.
WATER DEPARTMENT:
WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT:
FIRE DEPARTMENT: Request to Accept Bid Mobile Data/Incident Routing
Chief Vanderhoof stated that the Mobile Data/Incident Routing would
computerize the fire trucks. He explained that it would provide mapping
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 19, 2010
7:00 P.M. – 7:51 P.M.
and routing as well as all emergency vehicles being routed to the scene
and locate area fire hydrants. He related that this would modernize the
Department’s emergency response. He then answered that the bid is a
budgeted item.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Howard to accept the bid from
OptiMetrics in the amount of $27,475.00. MOTION CARRIED.
Mayor Fletcher noted that funds would be drawn from the Equipment Fund.
POLICE DEPARTMENT:
STREET DEPARTMENT:
SANITATION DEPARTMENT:
PARKS & RECREATION:
PLANNING COMMISSION:
GENERAL: a. Recognition of Pinewood Elementary Student DARE essay
contest winner
th
Police Officer Donald Bredenberg introduced 6 grade Pinewood student
Caleb Kelley. He explained that Caleb Kelley won the Pinewood essay
contest and his essay was submitted to the State, where he won as the
Arkansas State essay winner.
Mrs. Kelley introduced her oldest son, Jalin Kelley, who received the
National Achievement Recognition for his efforts in math. She explained
th
that he received the award as a 7 grade Algebra One student, adding
that because of that award, her son was able to apply for a college
scholarship.
b. Mr. Bobby Roberts of CALS to introduce new librarian at Nixon Library
Mr. Roberts thanked the City for its support of the Library, noting that
circulation is up 41% since moving from the old building, attendance is
up 16%, computer use has increased 37%, meeting room use is up 190% and
the attendance of events has increased 390%. He stated that the real
heart of the Library is the people who use and work in the Library,
saying that he is delighted that Ms. Cindy Powell, who was the acting
manager of the Library, has been appointed as manager. He noted that
they are considering extending the hours of the Library. He reiterated
his appreciation of the support of the City Council.
Ms. Cindy Powell expressed her appreciation for the opportunity of being
chosen, inviting everyone to come to the Library. She then expressed her
appreciation for the new building and expanded services.
Mayor Fletcher expressed the City’s pride, saying that the Library is an
anchor for the downtown area. He stated that the City will begin a
project in October to revitalize the Main Street area.
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 19, 2010
7:00 P.M. – 7:51 P.M.
c. City Audit of the 2009 CAFR presented by Mr. Gerald Clark
Mr. Clark presented the City’s 2009 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
containing the 2009 financial statements and audit report. Following is
Mr. Clark’s report to the City Council:
The Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) presents a comprehensive
and detailed picture of the City’s financial transactions during the 2009
calendar year and the financial condition of the various funds as of
December 31, 2009. Information contained in this report was prepared in
accordance with guidelines set forth by the Government Finance Officers
Association (GFOA). The CAFR is intended to provide a clearly
articulated, user-friendly reporting of the City’s financial affairs.
Report Format
Section I, the Introductory Section, contains a financial overview, a
discussion of the City’s economy, and organization charts for the City.
Section II, the Financial Section, contains the auditor’s report,
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) of the financial statements,
audited basic financial statements and notes thereto, and the underlying
combining and individual fund financial statements and supporting
schedules.
Section III, the Statistical Section, sets forth selected unaudited
economic, financial trend, and demographic information for the City on a
multi-year basis.
The City was awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in
Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association for
its 2008 report. The City has been awarded this honor for 12 consecutive
years (1997-2008) and it is considered the highest form of recognition in
governmental accounting and financial reporting. Its attainment
represents a significant accomplishment by a City and its management.
This year’s report has been submitted for consideration for the award.
An award-winning CAFR shows dedication to fiscal responsibility and
outstanding financial management and reporting. It promotes improved
public finance and can increase the City’s credit rating as it presents
additional technical information not found in a standard financial
reporting package.
Management’s Representations
This report consists of management’s representations concerning the
finances of the City. Consequently, management assumes full
responsibility for completeness and reliability of all information
presented. To provide a reasonable basis for making these
representations, City management has established a comprehensive internal
control framework designed both to protect City assets from loss, theft,
or misuse and to compile sufficient reliable information for the
preparation of the City’s financial statements in conformity with GAAP.
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 19, 2010
7:00 P.M. – 7:51 P.M.
The City’s management has asserted that, to the best of their knowledge
and belief, this financial report is complete and reliable in all
material respects.
Independent Audit
The goal of our audit was to provide reasonable assurance that the
financial statements of the City for the year ended December 31, 2009,
are free of material misstatement. The audit involved examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the
financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. Based upon our audit, we have rendered
an unqualified opinion on the City’s financial statements for the year
ended December 31, 2009. The audit report is presented as the first
component of the financial section of the report.
Professional standards governing Single Audit engagements require us as
auditors to report not only on the fair presentation of the financial
statements, but also to report on the government’s internal controls and
compliance with legal requirements, with special emphasis on internal
controls and legal requirements involving the administration of federal
grant awards. We have done so and these reports are contained in the
Single Audit Section of the report.
No Material Weaknesses
The audit disclosed no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in
relation to the City’s internal control over financial reporting and
compliance with the requirements of laws, regulations, contracts and
grants, including those applicable to Federal award programs.
Management Letter
We have issued a formal management letter, included with the annual
report, which is a customary by-product of the audit process and is
intended to provide management with suggestions and guidance in the
ongoing effort to improve internal controls. Although the items noted in
the letter do not involve material financial issues, management has
agreed that improved controls are warranted and has set about to
implement the recommendations.
Following are some financial highlights of the 2009 report:
You will find the first financial statement in the CAFR on pages 24-25 to
be the “Statement of Net Assets.” This is essentially the City’s Balance
Sheet, on the accrual basis of accounting. We’re pleased to report the
City’s balance sheet remained relatively strong at the end of 2009 as
total assets of the City exceeded total liabilities by approximately
$52.7 million ($52,736,298).
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Net Assets
Governmental Activities Business-type Activities Total
200820092008200920082009
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 19, 2010
7:00 P.M. – 7:51 P.M.
Current and other assets$ 25,035,296 $ 22,355,949 $ 1,444,415$ 576,359$ 26,479,711 $ 22,932,308
The amount by which assets exceed liabilities is referred to as “Net
Capital assets 31,144,504 34,401,863 739,316 590,355 31,883,820 34,992,218
Assets”. Net assets essentially are composed of three components: the
largest of which, for the City, is it’s investment in capital assets such
as land, buildings, infrastructure, and machinery and equipment, - this
Total assets 56,179,800 56,757,813 2,183,732 1,166,712 58,363,531 57,924,526
amount was $32.7 million ($32,735,694) or 62% of total net assets. These
capital assets are used to provide services to citizens: and, as a
result, they are not available for future spending since capital assets
cannot be used to liquidate liabilities.
Long-term liabilities outstanding 3,213,671 3,107,752 15,716 6,966 3,229,387 3,114,718
An additional portion of the City’s net assets are subject to
Other Liabilities 2,101,783 1,971,463 133,859 102,046 2,235,642 2,073,509
restrictions as to how they may be used. At the end of 2009 these
restricted net assets totaled $4.3 million ($4,381,589) or 8% of total
net assets.
Total liabilities 5,315,454 5,079,215 149,575 109,012 5,465,029 5,188,227
The remaining balance, approximately $15.6 million ($15,619,015) is
considered unrestricted net assets and may be used to meet the City’s
ongoing obligations to its citizens and creditors.
Net Assets:
Summary Statement of Net Assets -December 31, 2009 and 2008
Invested in capital assets
net of related debt 28,763,585 32,145,339 739,316 590,355 29,502,901 32,735,694
Restricted 5,506,038 4,381,589 - - 5,506,038 4,381,589
Unrestricted 16,594,722 15,151,670 1,294,837 467,345 17,889,559 15,619,015
Total Net Assets$ 50,864,345 $ 51,678,598 $ 2,034,153$ 1,057,700$ 52,898,498 $ 52,736,298
The second financial statement in the CAFR is the Statement of Activities
shown on pages 26-27. This statement is essentially the City’s Income
Statement for the year on an accrual basis. Overall, the City’s net
assets decreased by approximately $162,000 ($162,200) in 2009. Net
assets of the governmental activities increased by approximately $814,000
($814,253) in 2009, which was a 2% increase over beginning net assets.
This was offset by a decrease in the net assets of the City’s business-
type activities (essentially Sanitation Services and Emergency Medical
Services), which decreased by $976,000 ($976,453) in 2009.
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Changes in Net Assets
Governmental Activities Business-type Activities Total
Revenues:200820092008200920082009
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 19, 2010
Program revenues:
7:00 P.M. – 7:51 P.M.
Charges for services$ 1,593,172 $ 1,713,058 $ 1,955,581$ 1,900,200$ 3,548,753$ 3,613,258
Operating grants and contributions 3,839,457 3,684,503 12,000 12,000 3,851,457 3,696,503
Summary Statement of Changes in Net Assets -December 31, 2009 and 2008
Capital grants and contributions 317,671 512,854 93,676 - 411,347 512,854
5,750,300 5,910,415 2,061,257 1,912,200 7,811,557 7,822,615
General revenues:
Property taxes 755,482 711,289 - - 755,482 711,289
Sales taxes 13,660,175 13,170,622 - - 13,660,175 13,170,622
Franchise taxes 1,144,223 1,131,386 - - 1,144,223 1,131,386
Investment earnings 648,896 247,304 14,319 7,793 663,215 255,097
Grants and contributions not
restricted to specific programs 516,721 511,033 - - 516,721 511,033
Gain/(loss) on sales of capital assets 41,316 365,197 - - 41,316 365,197
Other - - - -
Transfers (551,226) (400,000) 551,226 400,000 - 0
Total general revenues 16,215,587 15,736,831 565,545 407,793 16,781,132 16,144,624
Total revenues 21,965,887 21,647,246 2,626,802 2,319,993 24,592,689 23,967,239
Expenses:
General government 7,642,477 2,803,810 - - 7,642,477 2,803,810
Public works 2,487,309 3,084,831 - - 2,487,309 3,084,831
Parks and recreation services 2,586,954 2,688,917 - - 2,586,954 2,688,917
On a modified accrual basis of accounting, the City’s total 2009 revenues
Public safety 11,218,600 11,722,627 - - 11,218,600 11,722,627
were $21.6 million ($21,614,016) and total expenditures were $23.5
million ($23,577,813). Sales tax revenues - the City largest revenue
Housing and neighborhood programs 361,111 433,766 - - 361,111 433,766
source - accounted for 61% or $13.1 million ($13,149,636) of total
Interest expense on long-term debt 104,386 99,042 - - 104,386 99,042
revenues. However 2009 sales tax revenues as compared to 2008 were down
approximately $500,000, or 3.6%. State tax turnbacks and other
Sanitation services - - 1,574,915 1,579,466 1,574,915 1,579,466
intergovernmental revenues were $4.1 million ($4,102,067) in 2009 (down
4.9% from 2008) or 19% of total revenues; and utility franchise taxes
Emergency medical services - - 888,257 1,716,980 888,257 1,716,980
were $1.1 million ($1,131,386) or 5% of total revenues.
Total expenses 24,400,837 20,832,993 2,463,172 3,296,446 26,864,009 24,129,439
Changes in net assets (2,434,950) 814,253 163,630 (976,453) (2,271,320) (162,200)
Net Assets Beginning of Year 53,299,294 50,864,345 1,870,523 2,034,153 55,169,817 52,898,498
Net Assets, End of Year$ 50,864,345 $ 51,678,598 $ 2,034,153$ 1,057,700$ 52,898,498$ 52,736,298
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Other
SalesSpecialGovernmental
GeneralStreetTaxProjectsFundsTotal
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
Revenues
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 19, 2010
Property taxes$ 483,107 $ -$ -$ -$ 234,685$
717,792
7:00 P.M. – 7:51 P.M.
Sales taxes 20,986 - 13,149,636 - -
13,170,622
Licenses and permits 130,663 - - -
- 130,663
Summary Statement of Revenues & Expenditures-Governmental Funds
Intergovernmental 1,571,683 1,772,851 - 92,653 664,880
4,102,067
Charges for services 731,583 - - - 187,703
919,286
Fines and fees 561,429 - - -
- 561,429
Utility franchise taxes 1,131,386 - - -
- 1,131,386
Investment income 30,632 38,200 1,256 171,549 5,667
247,304
Miscellaneous 151,767 70,771 - 414,043 36,887
673,468
Total revenues 4,813,236.10 1,881,822 13,150,892 678,245 1,129,821 21,654,016
Expenditures
General government
General government and administration 431,154 - - 587,929
- 1,019,083
City council 118,583 - - - -
118,583
Mayor 196,910 - - - -
196,910
City clerk 145,558 - - - -
145,558
City attorney 144,010 - - - -
144,010
District court 309,205 - - -
- 309,205
Director of administration 280,331 - - -
- 280,331
Finance 502,366 - - - -
502,366
Human resources 229,936 - - -
- 229,936
Fleet services 142,185 - - -
- 142,185
Community programs 212,428 - - - 492,173
704,601
Total general government 2,712,666 - - 587,929 492,173
3,792,768
Public works
Public works coordinator 84,219 - - -
- 84,219
Engineering 238,113 - - - -
238,113
Finally, looking at the City’s General Fund - at December 31, 2009, the General
Fund reported a fund balance of $3.6 million ($3,571,855), an increase of
Code enforcement 202,050 - - -
- 202,050
$19,000 for the year. General Fund revenues were $515,000 under budgeted
Streets and drainage - 2,167,203 - 98,948 -
2,266,151
revenues for the year, while General Fund expenditures were $1.2 million under
budgeted expenditures for 2009. Of the General Fund’s fund balance of $3.6
million at year-end, $3.5 million ($3,503,551) was unreserved and undesignated.
Total public works 524,382 2,167,203 - 98,948 -
2,790,533
This amount represents 20% of 2009 actual General Fund expenditures and 18% of
2010 budgeted expenditures. As a general policy, the City’s minimum target at
Parks and recreation services 2,506,559 - - 580,936
- 3,087,495
the end of a fiscal year for the fund balance of the General Fund is 60 days
expenditures based on the most recent completed year and, at the end of 2009,
Police 6,462,897 - - 1,001,451 114,582 7,578,930
the balance on hand met this target.
Fire 4,444,935 - - 190,566 1,937 4,637,438
Emergency communication services 729,572 - - -
19,961 749,533
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Animal control 285,653 - - -
- 285,653
Housing and neighborhood programs - - - -
429,597 429,597
Debt Service
Principal - - - - 125,000
125,000
Interest - - - - 100,616
100,616
Agent fees - - - - 250
250
Total expenditures 17,666,664 2,167,203 - 2,459,830 1,284,116 23,577,813
Variance with
Final Budget
OriginalFinalPositive
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
BudgetBudgetActual(Negative)
AUGUST 19, 2010
Revenues
7:00 P.M. – 7:51 P.M.
Property taxes$ 446,000$ 446,000$ 483,107$ 37,107
This minimum level of fund balance is required due to the sometimes
Sales taxes 18,800 18,800 20,986 2,186
cyclical nature of cash flow and also, the need for liquidity in case of
a fiscal emergency.
Licenses and permits 144,850 144,850 130,663 (14,187)
Intergovernmental 2,087,575 2,087,575 1,571,683 (515,892)
Budgetary Comparison Schedule-General Fund - December 31, 2009
Charges for services 676,100 676,100 731,583 55,483
Fines and fees 588,059 588,059 561,429 (26,630)
Utility franchise taxes 1,114,705 1,114,705 1,131,386 16,681
Investment income 110,000 110,000 30,632 (79,368)
Miscellaneous 142,300 142,300 151,767 9,467
Total revenues 5,328,389 5,328,389 4,813,236 (515,153)
Expenditures
General government
General administration 785,546 785,546 431,154 354,392
City council 118,623 118,623 118,583 40
Mayor 178,523 178,523 196,910 (18,387)
City clerk 133,840 133,840 145,558 (11,718)
City attorney 140,130 140,130 144,010 (3,880)
District court 362,977 362,977 309,205 53,772
Director of administration 288,188 288,188 280,331 7,857
Finance 537,154 537,154 502,366 34,788
Human resources 215,440 215,440 229,936 (14,496)
Fleet services 174,361 174,361 142,185 32,176
Community programs 213,194 213,194 212,428 766
Total general government 3,147,976 3,147,976 2,712,666 435,310
Public works
Public works coordinator 84,608 84,608 84,219 389
Engineering 270,641 270,641 238,113 32,528
Code enforcement 261,380 261,380 202,050 59,330
Total public works 616,629 616,629 524,382 92,247
Parks and recreation services 2,627,219 2,627,219 2,506,559 120,660
Police 6,652,932 6,652,932 6,462,897 190,035
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Fire 4,795,671 4,795,671 4,444,935 350,736
Emergency communication services 719,494 719,494 729,572 (10,078)
Animal control 328,991 328,991 285,653 43,338
Total expenditures 18,888,911 18,888,911 17,666,664 1,222,248
Excess (Deficiency) of Revenues
Over Expenditures
(13,560,522) (13,560,522) (12,853,428) 707,095
Other Financing Sources (Uses)
Transfers in 13,287,350 13,287,350 13,272,569 (14,781)
Transfers out (400,000) (400,000) (400,000) -
Total other financing sources (uses) 12,887,350 12,887,350 12,872,569 (14,781)
Net Change in Fund Balances
(673,172) (673,172) 19,141 692,314
Fund Balances, Beginning of Year
3,552,714 3,552,714 3,552,714 -
Fund Balances, End of Year
$ 2,879,542$ 2,879,542$ 3,571,855$ 692,314
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 19, 2010
7:00 P.M. – 7:51 P.M.
Conclusion
To conclude – I would point out that despite challenging economic times
affecting many cities in Arkansas and across the United States,
Jacksonville remains relatively well-positioned financially, with a
balanced budget, uncommitted reserve balances in excess of $7 million at
the end 2009, and very minimal debt. This reflects the cumulative effect
of cost savings and process improvements that have been put in place not
only in 2009, but also in prior years and we commend the City’s
leadership for being fiscally responsible.
The preparation of this report would not have been possible without the
efficient and committed services of key staff in the City’s Finance
Department under the leadership of Finance Director Paul Mushrush and
Assistant Finance Director Cheryl Erkel. I would also like to express
our appreciation to all City staff whose dedicated efforts resulted in a
timely and successful completion of this year’s report.
Finally, we want to express our appreciation once again to the City and
the Council for allowing us the opportunity to serve as the City’s
auditors. We value our business relationship with the City of
Jacksonville.
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Stroud to accept the 2009 CAFR
audit presented by Mr. Gerald Clark. MOTION CARRIED.
d. ORDINANCE 1406 (#11-2010)
AN ORDINANCE SUBMITTING TO THE VOTERS OF THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE,
ARKANSAS, AND OTHER AFFECTED PERSONS, THE QUESTION OF ANNEXATION TO THE
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS, CERTAIN CONTIGUOUS TERRITORIES; DECLARING
AN EMERGENCY; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to place Ordinance 1406
on FIRST READING.
Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman Jason Wilkinson related that the
mission of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce is to promote and develop
Jacksonville by taking an active role in business recruitment and
economic development. He stated that today the Jacksonville Chamber of
Commerce Board of Directors voted to fully support the proposed
annexation by the City of Jacksonville for the future sustained and
controlled business and economic development along Hwy. 67/167-business
corridor.
Mayor Fletcher recognized Mr. Richard Roberts as the spokesman for
opposition to the proposed annexation.
Mr. Roberts thanked the City Council for allowing them to make a final
summary opposing the proposed annexation. He analogized the annexation
to a forced marriage of good intent but added that the residents do not
want the annexation. He stated that it would not be a successful union.
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 19, 2010
7:00 P.M. – 7:51 P.M.
He related that they are opposed to the annexation because they prefer
less government intervention, less government control, less government
regulation, and less government bureaucracy. He stated that many of the
residents live on lands that are not suitable for urban development;
farmland, agricultural, timberland, swampland, and flood land. He
pointed out that much of the land is very close to the LRAFB flight line,
a base that is vital to our Country’s military defense and to the local
economy in Central Arkansas. He related that he feels it would be wise
to encourage residents to continue to live on rural acreages. He stated
that in twenty or thirty years, the people of Central Arkansas would be
very unhappy, if we encourage or permit “a bunch of Oak Ridge
Subdivisions to dot this annexed area”. He stated that he is aware that
the Oak Ridge Subdivision is a “sore subject” for the City of
Jacksonville. He recapitulated the flooding issues in the Subdivision,
which he stated are very real and serious, noting that the Subdivision
was approved by the City of Jacksonville. He stated that a significant
portion of the proposed annexation area is similar or worse flood plain
property. He posed the question of why Jacksonville would want to annex
swamp and flood land. He stated that there are serious environmental
questions involved with many Federal regulations and oversight of flood
lands and wetlands. He questioned if Jacksonville would really want to
get involved with this “tar baby”. He related that he is aware that the
City has been approached about amending the annexation to remove some of
the more obvious unsuitable lands. He stated that he would hope that it
is not too late for compromise and to find common ground. He added that
compromise and working out problems together is a great American
tradition. He reminded the City Council of the strong outpouring of
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opposition at the August 5 meeting, adding if it would be conceivable
that these people would fund a legal effort to stop or delay the
annexation if approved as is. He proposed the possibility of those
residents mounting an advertising campaign against the annexation as is.
He stated that he does not feel that it would be healthy for Jacksonville
to find out. He asked that the City Council reconsider or modify the
proposed annexation.
Alderman Elliott related that he has spoken with many on both sides of
the issue, adding that he feels everyone has valid concerns. He stated
that he believes that rural acreage should be handled differently
regarding possible future development. He related that the City Council
should work to protect the rights of the rural landowners so as not to
affect their way of life. He stated that the City Council needs to make
sure that current property use is grandfathered. He added that rights of
hunting should be protected as well as the right to have horses or cows.
He reminded everyone that if the area is annexed, the City Council would
also be representatives for the newly annexed people and should be
responsive to their rights and wishes. He supported having ordinances in
place prior to the Election that address these concerns so that the
residents have something in writing.
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 19, 2010
7:00 P.M. – 7:51 P.M.
Alderman Smith concurred, saying that he understands that these residents
have concerns and it is recognized that they live in a different
environment. He assured the residents that the City Council would work
with them to ensure their way of life. He related that he and Alderman
Elliott would be their Ward representatives and they stand ready to work
with the residents of the proposed annex area. He related that it is not
always easy to sit on the City Council and make the hard decisions but
they are willing to work with the residents. He agreed that ordinances
need to be put in place to address those concerns.
Alderman Sansing stated that while many people have spoken against the
annexation he does not believe that is 100% of the people’s view. He
read an email excerpt from a County resident who expressed support of the
annexation. He noted that it stated some residents were too intimidated
to speak in favor of the annexation. He related that the email offers
fire and police protection as the top reasons they support the
annexation, adding that controlled development of the 67/167 corridor is
also important.
Alderman Stroud acknowledge the concerns as presented to the City Council
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at the August 5 meeting, saying that there are ways the City Council
can address their concerns and not bother their quality of life. He
stated that in five years he feels those same residents will feel that
the annexation was a good thing for them. He stated that the City
Council will address their concerns prior to the Election.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Stroud to call for a question to
the vote.
A member of the audience disrupted protocol for the call to question.
Mayor Fletcher explained that a call to question ends all discussion as
prescribed by Roberts Rules of Order.
ROLL CALL for call to question: Alderman Elliott, Smith, McCleary,
Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard. MOTION CARRIED
unanimously.
ROLL CALL to place Ordinance 1406 on FIRST READING: Alderman Elliott,
Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard. MOTION
CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance
1406 (#11-2010).
Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to accept Ordinance 1406
on FIRST READING and to suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1406 on
SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing,
Ray, Rinker, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. (0) NAY.
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 19, 2010
7:00 P.M. – 7:51 P.M.
Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to accept Ordinance 1406
on SECOND READING and further suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1406
on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith,
McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. (0)
NAY.
Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Ray that Ordinance 1406 be
APPROVED AND ADOPTED.
Alderman Elliott stated that the City Council would be seeking, in the
spirit of compromise, good and constructive comments as to what needs to
be worked into the ordinances protecting rural landowners and what best
addresses their needs and concerns.
ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker,
Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. (0) NAY.
Alderman McCleary moved, seconded by Alderman Smith that the EMERGENCY
CLAUSE be approved and adopted. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith,
McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. (0)
NAY.
TH
ORDINANCE 1406 (#11-2010) APPROVED AND ADOTPED THIS 15 DAY OF AUGUST,
2010.
APPOINTMENT(S): PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Alderman Howard moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary to approve the
reappointment of Ronnie Higgins for a term to expire 5/09/2015.
ANNOUNCEMENT(S): Mr. Patrick Thomas related his efforts to raise
awareness for the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation regarding a
fundraiser. He explained that the “pink pig” mascot from area business,
the Bar-B-Que Shack, has been absconded and is being held for a $5,000.00
ransom, which will be donated to the Foundation. He stated that the
mascot has been tracked down to the City Council Chambers, but they are a
little short on the ransom. He recognized Ms. Georgia Lewis, a Triple
Negative Breast Cancer patient.
Ms. Lewis related that when she was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast
Cancer in February of 2010 she had never heard of Triple Negative Breast
Cancer. She explained targeted therapies for the disease, noting that it
is unresponsive to the most effective treatments for breast cancer. She
stated that this type of cancer is highly aggressive, having a high rate
of metastasis to the brain, liver, GI tract, and ovaries. She related
that it is more likely to recur in three to five years than other
subtypes of breast cancer. She explained the need to create awareness for
this type of breast cancer, adding that she is trying to bring awareness
to the Jacksonville community. She thanked the City Council for allowing
her to bring her message before them.
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 19, 2010
7:00 P.M. – 7:51 P.M.
ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Fletcher adjourned the meeting at
approximately 9:51 p.m. MOTION CARRIED.
Respectfully,
________________________ _________________________
Susan L. Davitt MAYOR GARY FLETCHER
City Clerk-Treasurer
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