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10 JUL 01.docCITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 1, 2010 7:00 P.M. – 7:34 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 July 1, 2010 at the regular meeting place of the Council. Alderman Smith 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, 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, 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, Finance Director Paul Mushrush, Parks and Recreation Director Kristen Griggs, 911 Communications Director Tabby Hughes, Mrs. Marie Fletcher, Mrs. Beverly Elliott, Mrs. Tammy Bourdo, Mrs. Addie Gibson, Mr. Jim Moore, Mr. Greg Heslep, Mr. David Jones, Mrs. Taira Dodge of Waste Management, Mr. Larry Smith, Mary Twitty, Mike Traylor, interested citizens, and members of the press. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Fletcher presented the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of June 3, 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 meetings of 20 May 2010 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/POLICE DEPARTMENT Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to approve the Regular Monthly Report for May 2010 regarding annual crime statistical comparisons. REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/FIRE DEPARTMENT Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to approve the Regular Monthly Report for May 2010, which reflects a fire loss of $500.00 and a savings total of $65,500.00. REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/ANIMAL CONTROL Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to approve the Regular Monthly Animal Control Report for May 2010. Said report reflects: ADOPTION/FINES: $2,895.00 CONTRIBUTIONS: $ .00 TOTAL: $2,895.00 ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 1, 2010 7:00 P.M. – 7:34 P.M. WATER DEPARTMENT: WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT: FIRE DEPARTMENT: POLICE DEPARTMENT: STREET DEPARTMENT: SANITATION DEPARTMENT: PARKS & RECREATION: RESOLUTION 649 (#11-2010) A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE TO SUBMIT A GRANT FUND APPLICATION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND TOURISM TO OBTAIN ASSISTANCE TO DEVELOP RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR THE CITY; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Parks and Recreation Director Kristen Griggs related that the grant would provide an additional entrance into Dupree Park where the Manor House Apartments had been demolished. She explained that the new entrance would connect to the soccer fields and continue back through to the existing entrance, which would become the exit. She then noted that if this is not funded through the grant with Parks and Tourism, they may consider a project such as a pavilion located where the Apartments were. She stated that either way the funds would be used to beautify the entrance to Dupree Park. Discussion ensued regarding current traffic congestion and parking issues at Dupree Park. Parks and Recreation Director Kristen Griggs related that an additional phase of the project would add parking inside the Park. Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Howard to Read Resolution 649 (#11-2010). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Resolution 649 (#11-2010). Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to approve Resolution 649 (#11-2010) in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED. PLANNING COMMISSION: a. FINAL PLAT Base Meadows PH III City Engineer Whisker related that Base Meadows Subdivision is located off Hwy. 107 and north of General Samuels, explaining that this Phase would add approximately 14 houses to the existing subdivision. He then explained that the next phase of Base Meadows will have another access onto Hwy. 107. He noted that the sidewalk was continued along Hwy. 107 for this phase. Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to approve the Final Plat of Base Meadows PH III as recommended by the Planning Commission. MOTION CARRIED. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 1, 2010 7:00 P.M. – 7:34 P.M. b. ORDINANCE 1404 (#9-2010) AN ORDINANCE RECLASSIFYING PROPERTY IN THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS (GENERAL LOCATION: CORNER OF STANPHILL ROAD AND LEMAC DRIVE A/K/A THE 1200-1300 BLOCKS OF LEMAC DRIVE, JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS); AMENDING ORDINANCE NUMBERS 213 AND 238 AND THE LAND USE MAP OF THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. City Engineer Whisker noted that Stanphill Road runs north and south, Lemac Drive runs east and west. He stated that the developer was first approved for a rezoning to R-1 but is now requesting a rezoning to R-1A because of the cost of water and sewer. He explained that the R-1A zoning would allow for two additional lots within the development. He related that currently the property is zoned for mobile home lots, which are 60’ X 100’; noting that the requested zoning would provide for 50’ wide lots for single-family. He then noted that the developer has reserved the area where the gas line runs as an easement for a City park. He then answered Mayor Fletcher that the total number of lots would be 12 instead of the current 10. He related that single-family homes are located to the north, along Stanphill there are duplexes, and on the south side is a mobile home park. In response to a question from Alderman Stroud, City Engineer Whisker related that the approximate cost of the homes would be between $90,000 to $110,000, which would be more than the mobile home park across the street. He then answered that curb and gutter would be included in the development as well as a sidewalk along Lemac Drive tying in north and south along Stanphill with existing sidewalks. He stated that this would provide for sidewalks from Stanphill Road to Ray Road and making a loop around to Southeastern. Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to place Ordinance 1404 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1404. Alderman Sansing moved, seconded by Alderman Stroud to APPROVE Ordinance 1404 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Alderman Howard moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1404 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1404. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 1, 2010 7:00 P.M. – 7:34 P.M. Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to further suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1404 on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1404. Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing that Ordinance 1404 be APPROVED AND ADOPTED. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. Alderman Sansing voted NAY (1). MOTION CARRIED. ORDINANCE APPROVED, ADOPTED, AND NUMBERED 1404 THIS 1st DAY OF JULY 2010. GENERAL: a. PRESENTATION of Waste Management $25,000.00 Scholarship Alderman Stroud expressed the appreciation of the City to Waste Management, questioning the total provided from Waste Management for Scholarships. Mrs. Taira Dodge related that so far Waste Management has provided $405,000.00 in scholarships to Jacksonville students. Alderman Stroud noted that 90% of the students who accept the money go on to college, adding that these scholarships are for students that are not otherwise eligible for different scholarships. Mayor Fletcher accepted the check in the amount of $25,000.00 from Ms. Taira Dodge of Waste Management of Arkansas. The Aldermen along with Mayor Fletcher expressed appreciation for the opportunities provided through the scholarships for Jacksonville students. b. Request to close Library Construction Account Finance Director Paul Mushrush stated that the City has managed to build a 5 million dollar library with a 2.5 million dollar bond issue, saying that this is as an amazing accomplishment. He explained that all construction has been paid, CALS has accepted any changes, and the Library is complete. He stated that the account is empty but he needs City Council’s approval to close the account. Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary to close the Library Construction Account. Finance Director Paul Mushrush stated that he would return with a request at the end of the year to close the City Fund. He stated that along with the bond issue there were public donations of approximately $400,000.00 for the Library. He then related that CALS as well as the Facilities Board contributed, and the City provided approximately 1 million dollars. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 1, 2010 7:00 P.M. – 7:34 P.M. At this time, MOTION CARRIED. c. PRESENTATION Main & Harris Intersection City Engineer Whisker related that the City had requested engineering firms to study solutions for improving traffic at the Main & Harris intersection. He noted that one of the suggestions was for signalization, explaining that it would have a north bound lane on Harris and two south bound lanes; one being a straight right and the other being a left. He called attention to the left-hand turn lane, noting that it goes at least four houses deep for the school traffic that comes off Harris Road from North Pulaski High School and Tolleson Elementary School. He then related that the other option was to construct a roundabout. He explained that this would not have signalization, adding that it is designed to keep traffic free flowing. He stated that this same concept was considered for Main, James, and Dupree but was not feasible because of the amount of traffic coming from too many different directions. He noted that the roundabout was considered to work very well for this intersection. He reviewed the graded levels of services for various times of day along with future traffic projections. He stated that currently using just the stop signs, the morning delay averages 27 seconds and 37 seconds for the afternoon. He then related that with a roundabout those times decrease to about 3 seconds in the morning and 4 seconds in the afternoon. He then noted that even with projections out to 2030 the most is an 8.5 second delay. He stated that signalization without the left-hand turn lanes came in at $130,000.00, noting that without turn lanes service would only improve by 7 seconds. He pointed out that with turn lanes it would still be a level “B” service at 16 seconds. He then went on to say that a roundabout would provide a level “A” service. He stated that costs with turn lanes versus the roundabout are almost equal at $430,000 to $585,000 based on estimates. He related that the roundabout was estimated for two different sizes 50’ and 84’. He then noted a Water Department pressure relief valve that would have to be worked around, which might incur additional costs. He stated that the bigger roundabout would go around that area while the smaller would run in to the pressure relief valve area. He stated that with the study completed the project is ready to move forward with City Council approval. He related that the recommendation from the study and his recommendation would be for the roundabout. Alderman Elliott noted that there would be an annual maintenance cost regarding the signalization not figured into the estimate, questioning if there is an estimate regarding that annual cost. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 1, 2010 7:00 P.M. – 7:34 P.M. City Engineer Whisker recounted different aspects regarding ongoing maintenance with signalization, noting that even on occasion traffic boxes are hit by cars and then they have to be replaced. It was noted that the roundabout would not incur those ongoing annual costs. Alderman Sansing pointed out that the roundabout system would not encroach on as many lawn areas as the turn lanes. City Engineer Whisker did point out that the roundabout would encroach on the property owner on the northwest corner, adding that the City would work with that homeowner regarding driveway access. Alderman Sansing noted that the roundabout would have the least amount of disruption for the area homeowners. City Engineer Whisker concurred, noting that the four houses adjacent to the proposed turn lane would have difficulty backing out of their driveways during approximate times. In response to a question from Alderman Smith, City Engineer Whisker stated he would be in favor of the roundabout including utility costs. Mayor Fletcher noted that sometimes drivers are apprehensive regarding a roundabout since they are a new concept, adding that they are more common in America then one might believe. He then acknowledged that in the pursuit of “going green” a roundabout will keep traffic moving instead of having cars sitting still and idling. Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to proceed with plans for a roundabout regarding intersection improvements at Main & Harris Roads. MOTION CARRIED. d. Request to accept bid for Main, James, and Dupree revitalization City Engineer Whisker related that the project was bid in March, explaining that the bid came in high so the project was reduced. He offered a visual of the concept plan, pointing out that the walkway will be the focal point of the intersection with new black fluted street lights with a drop down acorn style light. He noted the addition of trees and the island in front of the fountain. He stated that the wall will be rebuilt and will be a third of the length of the present wall. He stated that the sidewalk will be ADA compliant with crossing lights at Main, James, and Dupree. He related that the costs have been dropped from almost 1 million dollars to the low bid from Township Building of $472,504.00. He went on to say that the City had a grant for street lights for approximately $35,000.00, noting that it will cost $40,000.00 to put lights on the island in front of Double R Florist or the Firestone business. He recommended a change order of $40,000.00 to complete the project. He explained the alternate deductions, saying that the project came in under budget so he was hoping to keep all aspects of the project and add the additional cost of lights at Firestone. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 1, 2010 7:00 P.M. – 7:34 P.M. Alderman Stroud noted his original desire to have some of the overhead wires removed but added that the cost was not feasible. He went on to say that he would be pleased to have the proposed amenities for downtown. He then noted that the project has been slightly over one year in the process and he is ready to see some improvements. He noted outside interest from entities wanting to come and view Jacksonville. City Engineer Whisker noted that the crosswalks will be brick inside of concrete. He then answered that the contract gives 180 days for the projected to be completed. Mayor Fletcher compared the project to what happened in North Little Rock with the Agrenta District and its improvements. He stated that when an industry evaluates a city, they closely scrutinize “Main Street” because that offers them more of an idea about a community than anything else. He went on to say that cities have to be in the business of selling themselves. He noted that Jacksonville schools were built in the 50’s and 60’s, and the shopping facilities were built in the 60’s and 70’s; and Jacksonville needs to move with what is current. He stated that cities have to spend money to generate money, adding that he feels this is a good investment. He related the possibility of an upcoming ordinance, which would adopt this as the official light for the City of Jacksonville; to get owners of the shopping centers to install this type of lighting. Director of Administration Jim Durham stated that he felt there could be something worked out with the City so that property owners might purchase the lights and the City could have them installed. Alderman Twitty noted that the parking lot at the shopping center is not well lit after dark. Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary to accept the low bid from Township Building in the amount of $512,504.00 to include property located east of the Firestone store with funds to be drawn from budgeted Street Department funds. MOTION CARRIED. DEVIATION IN AGENDA: CDBG Director Theresa Watson related that fewer than 100 people had responded to the Fair Housing Survey, urging participation and explaining that the survey is to identify problems regarding choices with affordable and fair housing. She related that the survey will determine whether there are any impediments to fair housing choices in Jacksonville, adding that without enough responses it will appear unfavorable. She encouraged all citizens to go to the website and fill out the short survey. She then announced that on August 17th at 6:00 p.m. at the Community Center there will be a Fair Housing forum. She related that findings from the survey will be offered by the consultants. She noted that there will be an CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 1, 2010 7:00 P.M. – 7:34 P.M. opportunity for input into the study, explaining that the study will be forwarded to the HUD Office as compliance from the City every three to five years based on the Consolidated Plan. APPOINTMENT(S): SEWER COMMISSION Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Stroud to approve the reappointment of Fred Belote to the Sewer Commission for a term to expire 4/20/2015. MOTION CARRIED. ANNOUNCEMENT(S): 2010 Jacksonville Patriotic Spectacular Friday, July 2, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. Jacksonville High School football field. ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Fletcher adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:34 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully, ________________________ _________________________ Susan L. Davitt MAYOR GARY FLETCHER City Clerk-Treasurer