10 JAN 21.doc
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 21, 2010
7:00 P.M. – 7:36 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 January 21, 2010 at the regular meeting place of the Council.
Alderman Smith delivered the invocation and Mike Wilson, Jr. led a
standing audience in the “Pledge of Allegiance” to the flag.
ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker,
Ferrell, Stroud, and Twitty answered roll call. Mayor Fletcher also
answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT NINE (9), ABSENT (1).
Alderman Howard was absent. Mayor Fletcher noted that Paulette Howard is in
the hospital.
Others present for the meeting were: City Attorney Robert Bamburg,
Director of Administration Jim Durham, Fire Chief John Vanderhoof,
Battalion Chief Joe Bratton, Police Chief Gary Sipes, IT Systems
Administrator Barbara Daniel, Assistant Finance Director Cheryl Erkel,
Public Works Director Jim Oakley, Human Resource Director Jill Ross, City
Engineer Jay Whisker, CDBG Director Theresa Watson, Parks and Recreation
Director Kristen Griggs, Mrs. Glenda Fletcher, Mrs. Marie Fletcher, Chad
and Jennifer Wentz, Wastewater Superintendent Thea Hughes, Sewer
Commission Chairman Joan Zumwalt, Water Manager Mike Simpson, Water
Commission Chairman Jim Peacock, Mrs. Addie Gibson, Mrs. Nola Ferrell,
Mr. Jim Moore, Mr. Mike Wilson, interested citizens, and members of the
press.
PRESENTATION OF MINUTES:
Mayor Fletcher presented the minutes of the regular City Council meeting
of January 7, 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 Ray that the minutes of the
Regular City Council Meeting of 17 December 2009 be APPROVED. MOTION
CARRIED.
CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/POLICE DEPARTMENT
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Stroud to approve the Regular
Monthly Report for December 2009 regarding annual crime statistical
comparisons.
REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/FIRE DEPARTMENT
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Stroud to approve the Regular
Monthly Report for December 2009 from the Jacksonville Fire Department,
which reflects a fire loss of $59,700.00 and a savings total of
$497,300.00.
ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker,
Ferrell, Stroud, and Twitty voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED.
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 21, 2010
7:00 P.M. – 7:36 P.M.
WATER DEPARTMENT: 2009 Annual Report
Water Superintendent Mike Simpson acknowledged his Water Commission
Chairman, Mr. Jim Peacock. He stated that in 2009 the water utility had
zero water quality violations and has had zero violation for the past ten
years. He related that in 2010, the Safe Drinking Water Act will become
even more stringent and the utility is working with Central Arkansas
Water to continue to provide the best quality water while continuing to
meet or exceed all SDWA standards.
He related that Jacksonville Waterworks has applied for and secured
financing from the Arkansas Natural Resource Commission for up to 25
million dollars in low interest loans, which will be utilized for
completing major infrastructure projects that will provide a safe and
plentiful water supply to the City of Jacksonville beyond the year 2050.
He announced that the ANRC provided financing at an interest rate of
3.5%, which reflects a savings of 4.4 million dollars over the twenty-
year payout.
He related that Jacksonville Waterworks is working to accomplish the
goals set forth in the 2008 Master Plan regarding participation in the
Northbelt Transmission main improvements, coming to Jacksonville from the
Jack Wilson Water Treatment Plant, supplying up to 12 million gallons of
water daily. This project is slated to be completed in 2011. He related
that Jacksonville Waterworks purchased property along Highway 107 for the
future site of the West Area 3 million gallons elevated water tank, which
will provide improved service to west Jacksonville, including the LRAFB.
He noted that this project will replace a sixty-five year old – 5 million
gallons ground storage tank, allowing for future development in west
Jacksonville. He explained that this project would improve water pressure
to LRAFB, which will lower their water pumping costs by approximately
$60,000.00 annually. He stated that they are working with LRAFB to
procure participatory funding for this 9.9 million dollar project.
He then related that Jacksonville Waterworks has secured 1.24 million
gallons per day water allocation from Greers Ferry Lake through the Mid-
Arkansas Water Alliance, which in the future will be used as a back up
water source. He stated that they are also working diligently through
their membership with the Lonoke White Public Water Authority to build
infrastructure to include an intake structure and water treatment plant
with 50 miles of 24” water transmission main providing water to
communities further north of Jacksonville.
He related that the utility is looking toward new horizons with an offer
and acceptance of the Sutherland property on West Main, allowing
Jacksonville Waterworks to consolidate facilities on one centralized
property, with plans to move into the new facility by 2012.
He stated that projects completed in 2009 include the installation of
12,309 linear feet of pipe, 18 additional fire hydrants, 45 valves, and
updating 62 existing water services. At the end of 2009 there were
10,858 water meters including 71 new water services.
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 21, 2010
7:00 P.M. – 7:36 P.M.
He stated that the utility currently has a workforce of 36 employees; 9
employees are licensed by the Arkansas Department of Health and 3
employees are currently working toward completion of their water operator
licenses.
He then noted remodeling improvements to the cashier and receptionist
areas, mentioning plans to incorporate the ability for customers to on
their Internet site and pay their water bills.
He related that water production was down in 2009. On June 26, 2009,
they reached their peak demand of the year with 5.9 million gallons below
last year’s demand of 6.7 million on the same day in 2008. Water
production for 2009 was 13 billion gallons, a 12.8% decrease from the
previous year. Average 2009 daily flow is 3.6 million gallons.
Mayor Fletcher commended the progress of both utilities, recalling that
in the early 70’s the City was faced with water and sewer difficulties.
He noted that during that time most of the City’s water was well water.
He stated that with the creation of both Commissions, the City has well
advanced. He extended appreciation to the Water Commission and utility.
WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT: 2009 Annual Report
Wastewater General Manager Thea Hughes recognized her Sewer Commission
Chairman Joan Zumwalt and Administrative Operations Manager Sam Zehtaban.
She related that it was a difficult year with uncommon amounts of rain,
th
but added that the utility completed its 14 consecutive year with zero
treatment plant permit violations. She stated that the utility received
the 2009 Arkansas Water Environment Association Safety Award for cities
over 20,000 to acknowledge their safety program and record. She then
added that they also received EPA’s 2009 P2 Challenge Award to
acknowledge their pretreatment program’s work with local industries.
She related that 87 inches of rain was recorded at the Plant,
successfully treating 2,758,711,000 gallons of wastewater. Accepting
5,472,000 gallons of leachate water from Two Pine Landfill, and performed
610 restaurant inspections for proper grease trap usage. She stated that
the utility passed all annual inspections by ADEQ and all industries are
in compliance with their discharge permits.
She stated that rehab continues to be their main focus since EPA closed
the administrative order in 2004, requesting that the utility continue
rehabilitation of existing lines to eliminate overflowing manholes. She
related that efforts in 2009 resulted in 15,287 rehabilitated feet of
main line, replaced 11 manholes, repaired 133 manholes, and completed 24
spot repairs. Responded to 187 customer calls regarding main lines and
service lines, noting that 34% related to grease. She noted that this is
down from last year’s 49% and significantly down from the previous year’s
71%. She noted significant cost to respond to a grease call, estimating
approximately $595.00 because of the need to use specialized equipment.
In 2009, that cost equated to $17,850.00.
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 21, 2010
7:00 P.M. – 7:36 P.M.
She then related that the utility televised 111,257 feet of line for
investigative purposes as well as inspecting 275 private service lines,
adding that 77 property owners made repairs to their service lines in
2009.
She stated that operating revenue from sewer user fees were down from the
previous year by approximately 1.75% due to a continued decrease in water
consumption. She noted that this is evidence of a three-year trend of
public water conservation, which is good but it also causes the revenues
to decline.
She stated that they closed on an 18 million dollar bond issue in
December, which will fund projects in 2010 through 2012. She related
that this would include upgrades to the treatment plant, new sewer
interceptors, and continued rehabilitation of sewer mains.
Licenses:
Class I Wastewater = 1
Class II = 3
Class III = 9
Class IV = 4
CDL = 10
Solid Waste = 6
APIA (plumbing) = 6
Mayor Fletcher reiterated his appreciation for their continued success.
FIRE DEPARTMENT:
POLICE DEPARTMENT:
STREET DEPARTMENT:
SANITATION DEPARTMENT:
PARKS & RECREATION: a. RESOLUTION 639 (#1-2010)
A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING SUPPORT AND WILLINGNESS OF THE CITY OF
JACKSONVILLE TO IMPROVE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR THE CITIZENS OF
JACKSONVILLE AND TO SEEK GRANT FUNDING ASSISTANCE FOR PARKS AND
RECREATION DEPARTMENT TO DO SO; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Stroud to read Resolution
639 (#1-2010). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the
heading of Resolution 639 (#1-2010).
Parks and Recreation Director Kristen Griggs explained that they are
applying for three grants; one in the amount of $20,000.00 for new
playground equipment to replace the rocket slide that has rusted, the
second would be for a new sprinkler system on field one at Dupree Park,
also for $20,000.00, and the last is a grant to move forward with a golf
program, grant amount would be up to $100,000.00.
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 21, 2010
7:00 P.M. – 7:36 P.M.
She explained that the golf program would be a year-round program. She
related that they would do more of the programming while Foxwood would do
the instruction. She stated that having it at the Foxwood Country Club
would be a way for the City to help them with funding regarding a program
that would offer access to kids who would not otherwise have that
opportunity.
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary to approve Resolution
639 (#1-2010) in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED.
b. RESOLUTION 640 (#2-2010)
A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING SUPPORT AND WILLINGNESS OF THE CITY OF
JACKSONVILLE TO IMPROVE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR THE CITY OF
JACKSONVILLE AND TO SEEK GRANT FUNDING ASSISTANCE FOR PARKS AND
RECREATION DEPARTMENT TO DO SO; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary to read Resolution
640 (#2-2010). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the
heading of Resolution 640 (#2-2010).
Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary to approve
Resolution 640 (#2-2010) in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED.
ADDITION TO AGENDA:
RESOLUTION 641 (#3-2010)
A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING SUPPORT AND WILLINGNESS OF THE CITY OF
JACKSONVILLE TO IMPROVE RECREATIONAL, EDUCATIONAL, AND LEARNING
FACILITIES FOR THE CITIZENS OF JACKSONVILLE AND TO SEEK GRANT FUNDING
ASSISTANCE FOR THE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT TO DO SO; AND, FOR
OTHER PURPOSES.
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to suspend the rules
and place Resolution 641 (#3-2010) on the agenda. MOTION CARRIED.
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to read Resolution 641
(#3-2010). MOTION CARRIED.
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Ferrell to approve Resolution
641 (#3-2010) in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED.
City Attorney Bamburg apologized for the redundancy of the Resolutions,
explaining that each grant application package has to have its own
Resolution.
GENERAL: a. ORDINANCE 1397 (#2-10)
AN ORDINANCE WAIVING COMPETITIVE BIDDING FOR THE PURCHASE OF LASERFICHE
SOFTWARE, SETUP, AND MAINTENANCE; COPIERS, PRINTERS, AND MAINTENANCE FOR
VARIOUS OFFICE EQUIPMENT AND ALL NECESSARY TRAINING FOR CITY EMPLOYEES
AND OFFICES; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 21, 2010
7:00 P.M. – 7:36 P.M.
Assistant Finance Director Cheryl Erkel stated that this Ordinance is
part of the continued efforts to move toward the City being “paperless”.
She noted that last year the City Council passed an ordinance to
implement the Laserfische system and some Departments are operating with
that system. She stated that this Ordinance would allow the remaining
Departments to utilize the system.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Stroud to place Ordinance 1397
on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing,
Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, and Twitty voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION
CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance
1397.
Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary to APPROVE Ordinance
1397 on FIRST READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1397 on
SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing,
Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, and Twitty voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION
CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance
1397.
Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Ferrell to APPROVE Ordinance
1397 on SECOND READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1397 on
THIRD and FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary,
Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, and Twitty voted AYE. NAY (0).
MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of
Ordinance 1397.
Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Ferrell that Ordinance 1397
be APPROVED AND ADOPTED. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary,
Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, and Twitty voted AYE. NAY (0).
MOTION CARRIED.
The emergency clause was dropped from Ordinance 1397 (#2-2010).
ST
ORDINANCE APPROVED, ADOPTED, AND NUMBERED 1397 THIS 21 DAY OF JANUARY
2010.
b. Request to accept bid for Asbestos Removal and Demolition
City Engineer Jay Whisker explained that the bid would cover the
condemnations of 2009, noting that originally the Manor House apartments
were going to be proposed as part of this bid but became costs
prohibitive at over $350,000.00. He noted that without the apartments
there were more bidders, saying that the bid from Lynn Construction at
$45,400.00 is the recommended bid. He explained that the low bid of
$19,995.00 from Youngblood Excavation was for demolition only, excluding
asbestos abatement. He stated that he would recommend the bid from Lynn
Construction and then answered that Lynn Construction is a new bidder to
the City. He explained that Lynn Construction has mostly been involved
in construction rather than demolition. He stated that Lynn Construction
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 21, 2010
7:00 P.M. – 7:36 P.M.
is confident they can perform the job, have submitted their bid bond, and
will provide a performance bond. He then answered that Lynn Construction
is licensed for asbestos removal.
Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary to reject the low
bid from Youngblood Excavation that did not meet specifications and to
accept the bid from Lynn Construction in the amount of $45,400.00 with
funds to come out of the 2009 budget for demolition and asbestos removal.
MOTION CARRIED.
c. State of the City by Mayor Fletcher
Mayor Fletcher asked Chief Vanderhoof to read a poem he authored,
featured on the inside front cover of the State of the City report. The
poem titled “Stewards of the City” portrays the importance of each
Department’s role and the commitment regarding teamwork to successfully
make a first-rate city government. A copy of the poem is on file in the
office of City Clerk.
Mayor Fletcher offered his State of the City report:
This was in no way a typical year in Jacksonville’s history. The year
began with the announcement of Jacksonville’s longest serving mayor Tommy
Swaim retirement effective July 1, 2009. After 22½ years of endless
sacrifice and dedication to this great city, Mayor Swaim took a much
needed rest to enjoy his family and himself. An election was held in May
to fill the remainder of his term, with a field of six candidates forcing
a run-off in June. I would like to thank the great citizens of
Jacksonville for this marvelous opportunity to serve in a most exciting
time.
Some of the significant events that occurred during 2009 include:
Opening of the new 13,000 sq. ft. state of the art library at a
cost of $4 million dollars.
Groundbreaking of the Joint Education Center in a partnership
between the City of Jacksonville and the Little Rock Air Force Base
at a total cost of approximately $15 million, with an expected
opening of January 2011.
Grand opening and ribbon cutting of the Jacksonville Lighthouse
Charter School – Jacksonville’s newest school in 25 years.
Groundbreaking for the new $2.8 million Police & Fire Training
Center.
Boundaries were established for the proposed new Jacksonville/North
Pulaski School District with the support of PCSSD, once unitary
status is achieved.
North Metro Medical Center redefined its services to be more
financially sound and still provide quality health care to our
community.
Complete renovation of JFD Station #4.
$300,000 lighting upgrade at Dupree Park.
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 21, 2010
7:00 P.M. – 7:36 P.M.
Despite the economy that is still trying to recover from the past couple
of years of recession, foreclosures, and high unemployment, the
opportunities for Jacksonville abound. Rather than falling into a mold
that many cities and states are falling into with cutbacks, hiring
freezes, increasing fees and taxes; Jacksonville is moving forward in
economic development with the hiring of Rickey Hayes of Retail
Attractions, LLC, with the expectation of recreating what he has
successfully done in cities across Oklahoma, especially in his hometown
of Owasso. In his six years there, the City experienced tremendous
growth in both commercial and residential investment. Owasso’s sales tax
has more than doubled with the addition of 4.2 million square feet of new
commercial construction at a total value of $250 million dollars.
As exciting as the prospects for new retail and commercial growth in
Jacksonville is, that still would pale in light of the possibility of
Jacksonville becoming the new home of the Arkansas State Fair and
Livestock Show. In September, Jacksonville jumped out front with a press
conference submitting the first public proposal of sixteen for a new
fairground. The excitement that this has created not just here, but
across the State, is overwhelming. The economic impact would be more
than just the ten-days of the State Fair, but with a major complex
consisting of approximately 125,000 square feet, we would have the
opportunity to attract many national meetings, conventions, and trade
shows to the area. This would provide year round activities that would
provide jobs as well as entertainment and events for our citizens.
Another great opportunity for our City is the establishment of the
Jacksonville/North Pulaski School District that could become a reality in
the very near future. We will be in Federal Court next month in hopes of
and with expectation of unitary status. With past commitments from the
Pulaski County Special School District to support our separation. We are
confident as well as excited about the future of education in
Jacksonville that will rival any system.
Jacksonville opened our first new school since Murrell Taylor’s
construction in 1981, with the Jacksonville Lighthouse Charter School
last fall. Groundbreaking and construction has begun on the Joint
Education Center that the people of Jacksonville taxed themselves $5
million for. This unique partnership and close relationship between the
City of Jacksonville and Little Rock Air Force Base is a story told
around the country.
While 2009 was an atypical year; I expect 2010 to be full of changes as
well. In the near future, I expect:
Construction of Police and Fire Classroom/911 Community Center with
a community safe room
Beautification of Main, James, and Dupree intersection to include
new lighting and landscaping
Construction and opening of the Jacksonville Farmer’s Market
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 21, 2010
7:00 P.M. – 7:36 P.M.
Acquisition and demolition of Manor House Apartments for Parks and
Recreation
Intersection improvements at Main Street and Harris Road
Construction of JFD #5
Widening of Graham Road
Emma Street Extension
Oneida Extension
Police Building Construction
Emergency entrance into Tara Mount Subdivision
Phase 2 of the Parks Lighting Project
These events will move Jacksonville forward from what I call the “City of
Opportunity” to more than just a phrase – it will become a reality.
Thank you for allowing me to serve this City as your Mayor.
APPOINTMENT(S):
ANNOUNCEMENT(S):
ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Fletcher adjourned the meeting at
approximately 7:36 p.m. MOTION CARRIED.
Respectfully,
________________________ _________________________
Susan L. Davitt MAYOR GARY FLETCHER
City Clerk-Treasurer
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