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10 OCT 07.doc CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 7, 2010 7:00 P.M. – 7:32 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 October 7, 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, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Twitty, and Howard answered roll call. Mayor Fletcher also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT EIGHT (8), ABSENT (2). 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, Battalion Chief Kendell Snyder, Human Resource Director Jill Ross, 911 Director Tabby Hughes, Finance Director Paul Mushrush, Assistant Finance Director Cheryl Erkel, Director of Information Technology Barbara Daniel, Parks and Recreation Director Kristen Griggs, Mrs. Glenda Fletcher, Mrs. Marie Fletcher, Mrs. Judy Schuetzle, Mrs. Tammy Bourdo, Mrs. Addie Gibson, Mrs. Debbie Cooper, Mr. Rizelle Aaron, Mr. Jim Moore, Mrs. Mary Twitty, Mrs. Nola Ferrell, Mr. Mike Traylor, Mr. Glen Keaton, Mr. Ken Fletcher, interested citizens, and members of the press. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Fletcher presented the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of September 16, 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 2 September 2010 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/ANIMAL CONTROL Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Elliott to approve the Regular Monthly Animal Control Report for December 2009. Said report reflects: ADOPTION/FINES: $2,280.00 CONTRIBUTIONS: $ 0.00 TOTAL: $2,380.00 REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Elliott to approve the Regular Monthly Report for December 2009. PERMITS/LICENSE ISSUED INSPECTIONS PREFORMED Building Permits 25 Building Inspections 51 Business License 10 Electrical 57 Plumbing 45 HVACR 23 1 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 7, 2010 7:00 P.M. – 7:32 P.M. UNSIGHTLY & UNSANITARY VEHICLES Grass Letters 291 Notice of Noncompliance 23 Property Mowed 113 Towed 31 Trash Letters 6 CONDEMNATIONS Trash Removal 2 Structural Maint. Letter 0 Property Maint. Letters 25 Structural repairs made 0 Cost $9,715.00 Demolitions 0 CITATIONS WARRANTS Debris & open storage 0 Arrest 0 Property maintenance 0 Search 0 ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. WATER DEPARTMENT: WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT: FIRE DEPARTMENT: POLICE DEPARTMENT: STREET DEPARTMENT: SANITATION DEPARTMENT: PARKS & RECREATION: PLANNING COMMISSION: GENERAL: a. ORDINANCE 1408 (#13-2010) AN ORDINANCE FOR THE PURPOSE OF LEVYING ONE (1) MILL, ONE (1) MILL, AND ONE (1) MILL AGAINST ALL PERSONAL PROPERTY WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS FOR THE PURPOSE OF LEVYING ONE (1) MILL, ONE (1) MILL, AND ONE (1) MILL AGAINST ALL REAL PROPERTY WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS; FOR THE PURPOSE OF EFFECTING CERTIFICATION TO THE COUNTY CLERK OF PULASKI COUNTY OF THE TAX LEVIED; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to place Ordinance 1408 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1408. Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to APPROVE Ordinance 1408 on FIRST READING and to suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1408 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1408. Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to APPROVE Ordinance 1408 on SECOND READING and further suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1408 on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 7, 2010 7:00 P.M. – 7:32 P.M. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1408. Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Howard that Ordinance 1408 be APPROVED AND ADOPTED. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. th ORDINANCE APPROVED, ADOPTED, AND NUMBERED 1408 THIS 7 DAY OF OCTOBER 2010. b. “MUSHRUSHONOMICS” 101 Finance Director Paul Mushrush related that because of the state of the economy and discretionary spending, the City’s revenue growth is stagnant. He stated that through the budget process; the County and City Sales Taxes are budgeted. He stated that the City’s first penny sales tax and a portion of the second penny sales tax are also budgeted. He explained that the balance of the second penny is used for infrastructure projects going forward. He then related that the City has managed to fund several projects, adding that at this point the City will experience a flat revenue in the largest major revenue stream in the General Fund budget because of the economy. He reviewed that in 2008 he budgeted 3.6 million in that revenue stream but fell short of the mark, explaining that again in 2009, he budgeted the same amount hoping for growth. He stated that in 2009 it was short by $350,000 and in 2010 he estimated that it would be approximately $163,000 short. He stated that this means that the City will have a flat budget and will be considering budget cuts. He noted that January 2004 was the first month of the collection following the election, noting that the ballot title specifically addressed the Splash Zone, Joint Education Center, and the Police and Fire Training facility construction. He explained that in July 2007 all those funds had been collected, adding that the balance went to other infrastructure projects as well as operations and maintenance. He reviewed a power presentation chart, noting that in 2010 and 2011 it depicts a small lag in Sales Tax revenue. He added that moving forward; he is projecting some level of growth. He stated that when the tax was levied there was an understanding that there would be a need for maintenance and operation monies. He explained by graphic, that going forward, the amount between Sales Tax revenues and what is spent on the Capital Improvement Plan should not converge; hopefully through growth and good budget management the City will add to its Capital Improvement Plan. He then reported that as of December 31, 2009 there was $10,509,119 in the Special Projects Fund. He explained that this Fund is a combination of the Capital Drainage, Capital Equipment, and Capital Improvements Funds. He related that the Master Plan allocates $764,864 to the Capital Drainage Plan. He then broke down the Capital Equipment Fund, explaining that it consists of a Disaster Recovery Fund with allocated funds of 1 million dollars. He explained that these monies would allow the City to take necessary steps to keep operations going 3 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 7, 2010 7:00 P.M. – 7:32 P.M. in the face of a major disaster. He stated that the Master Plan also has a fund for Budgetary Transfers in the amount of $450,000 for equipment replacement. He added that the City uses extra monies from the Capital Improvement Plan to fund replacement equipment, preventing the City from having to replace dilapidated equipment all at once. He pointed out that the City reserves $417,306, not only for future equipment replacement but also for grant match opportunities. He pointed out that funding of the website development ($18,348) has been completed, so there is exactly $1,935,654 dedicated to those specific issues. He then reviewed the projects listed under the Capital Improvements Fund:  Police & Fire Training $3,426,904  Graham Road Widening $ 915,200  Emma/Oneida/W. Main Engineering $ 282,305  Construction balance on engineering projects $ 654,665  9-1-1 renovation $ 400,000  Police/Fire substation $ 400,000  Economic Development (PIP restricted) $ 358,451  Police building renovation $ 350,000  Manor House completion $ 233,800  Main & Harris light/round about $ 150,000  Budgetary transfer $ 150,000  Downtown revitalization grant $ 35,000  Federal Trail grant match $ 14,000  Fire suppression – server room $ 11,500  Change orders and grant opportunities $ 406,777 Total funded projects: $7,788,602 He reviewed the list and pointed out that the difference between what was spent on engineering in 2009 and the balance for 2010 represents the one million dollars that was set aside for the annexation of Gravel Ridge. He added that since the City was not able to get that annexation, the money was reallocated. He then noted that monies listed to renovate the 9-1-1 building, under the new design, would be located within the Police and Fire training facility so that amount would be added to that project. He then stated that anticipating future annexation, the City put aside monies for a Police and Fire substation. He explained that the $358,451 is restricted to economic development by the City Council. He related that renovation funds for the Police building will be added to the Police & Fire Training Facility Fund. He then noted that remaining items listed are set aside or restricted. He offered a Capital Improvement Plan overview, relating that the City started the year with a little over $14 million dollars in projects with $10.5 million in the bank. He stated that the purpose of a Capital Improvements Plan is to identify and plan for future needs; as funding becomes available these projects are funded and completed. He 4 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 7, 2010 7:00 P.M. – 7:32 P.M. then stated that the City ended the year with approximately $19.2 million in projects, adding that there were increases in cost regarding the Police, Fire, & 9-1-1 Training Facility. He noted the transition from analog to digital, as well as an increase in the Graham Road Project. He stated that the Capital Improvements portion of the “second penny” is projected to yield $1.1 million for infrastructure by the end of the year. He related that the current construction change increase for the Graham Road Project is $683,965, leaving $450,000 available to fill the gap. He addressed the proposed annexation, projecting that gross retail sales for the annexation is estimated to be $100,000,000 with a net revenue gain from sales estimated to be $1.9 million. He stated that this figure is not 2 million because it is assumed that everyone will remit on time to take advantage of the 2% discount, adding that the State charges 3% for collection. He stated that under this assumption, if the City dedicates one cent to a 5-year short-term note at 5%, it would yield $4.1 million dollars; adding that the second cent would add $950,000 that would go toward operations or the Capital Plan based on the budget. He stated that it is important for everyone to know that the City manages its finances well and that the City has a long-term plan in place. He stated that Jacksonville has a lot of opportunities to excel. Alderman Elliott concurred, saying the City has a good Finance Department, pointing out that while many other cities in the State are experiencing fiscal distress; the City of Jacksonville has been conservative and managed finances so we are not having those difficulties. Finance Director Mushrush stated that while there will be a retraction in the General Fund budget, fortunately the Departments have been funded well in the past so that will not be a problem. He stated that depending on the outcome of the election regarding the annexation, the budget may have to be revisited, noting that there are items in the budget that are set aside for the annexation. Alderman Ray commended the City’s fiscal responsibility, noting that there were difficult times in the past. Mayor Fletcher echoed those sentiments, noting that Finance Director Mushrush has been nominated as Finance Officer for Arkansas Business for 11 years and was just recently nominated again. The City Council and members of the audience viewed artist renditions of the proposed new Police Department. Mayor Fletcher acknowledged the need for a new Police Department, noting that Conway has a state of the art evidence room. He pointed out that in today’s times most convictions depend on DNA evidence. He then pointed 5 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 7, 2010 7:00 P.M. – 7:32 P.M. out that Motorola does not manufacture analog systems any longer, explaining that the bid to replace the system with digital was 1.9 million. He added that if the system went down it would be difficult to get repair parts. He stated that the City has challenges but also has many opportunities. He then announced that he has scheduled a town hall meeting at the th Community Center on October 14 @ 7:00 p.m. for the citizens of Jacksonville to hear not only a presentation from Finance Director Mushrush but also one from Ricky Hayes the economic developer from Tulsa, hired by the City regarding economic development. He extended his appreciation to the Annexation Committee for their hard work and efforts to work out conditions with the County residents. APPOINTMENT(S): thth ANNOUNCEMENT(S): Little Rock Air Force Base Air Show October 9 and 10 gates open at 8:30 a.m. The USAF Thunderbirds & US Army Golden Knights will perform. th Pet Angel’s adopt-a-thon is October 9 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Jacksonville Animal Shelter. Discussion ensued as to there being a possible conflict of scheduling regarding the next scheduled School Board meeting. Mayor Fletcher offered to research the possibility of delaying the City Council’s attendance until the following scheduled School Board meeting. ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Fletcher adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:32 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully, ________________________ _________________________ Susan L. Davitt MAYOR GARY FLETCHER City Clerk-Treasurer 6