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11 MAY 05.doc CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 5, 2011 7:00 P.M. – 7:56 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 May 5, 2011 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, Sansing, Ray, Traylor, Stroud, and Robinson answered roll call. Mayor Fletcher also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT SEVEN (7), ABSENT (3). Others present for the meeting were: City Attorney Robert Bamburg, Director of Administration Jim Durham, Fire Chief John Vanderhoof, Police Chief Gary Sipes, Parks and Recreation Director Kristen Griggs, Assistant Finance Director Cheryl Erkel, Public Works Director Jim Oakley, City Engineer Jay Whisker, Human Resource Director Jill Ross, CDBG Director Theresa Watson, IT Director Barbara Daniel, Addie Gibson, Jim Moore, interested citizens, and members of the press. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Fletcher presented the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of April 21, 2011 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 Sansing that the minutes of the Regular City Council meeting of 7 April 2011 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. DEVIATION AND ADDITION IN AGENDA: Letter from Fire Chief John Vanderhoof to the City Council Heroes come in many forms. As your public servants, the Jacksonville Fire Department strives to uphold a long tradition of heroism in the fire service. However, we are reminded that our best efforts at serving the public are only possible through the support of individuals committed to the same level of dedication. This was made dramatically evident during our recent flooding on stth May 1 through May 4. During this event, our normal routes to the Northlake Subdivision were cut off by rising flood waters, making access for fire protection and emergency medical services impassable. It soon became evident that a temporary relocation of units and personnel to that subdivision was necessary. Recognizing the need for a location of a temporary “Station 5,” Parks and Recreation Director Kristen Griggs opened her home in that area for a crew to be stationed on a 24 hour basis until 1 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 5, 2011 7:00 P.M. – 7:56 P.M. access was restored. This act of kindness and dedication to the safety of our citizens certainly made a difference in our ability to deliver timely fire and emergency services to that portion of our city. “Fire Station Number 5” officially was entered into our permanent records as having served a vital, albeit temporary, service to Jacksonville. We respectfully request that Ms. Griggs be officially thanked for her sacrifice and dedication; we are truly indebted to her. RESUME AGENDA: CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Stroud to approve the Regular Monthly Report for April 2011. PERMITS/LICENSE ISSUED INSPECTIONS PREFORMED Building Permits 16 Building Inspections 58 Business Licenses 13 Electrical 53 Plumbing 35 HVACR 33 UNSIGHTLY & UNSANITARY VEHICLES Grass Letters 238 Notice of Noncompliance 27 Property Mowed 0 Towed 1 Trash Letters 2 CONDEMNATIONS Trash Removal 0 Structural Maint. Letters 15 Property Maint. Letters 27 Structural repairs made 4 Cost $ .00 Demolitions 0 CITATIONS WARRANTS Debris & open storage 1 Arrest 0 Property maintenance 1 Search 0 ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Ray, Traylor, Stroud, and Robinson voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. WATER DEPARTMENT: WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT: FIRE DEPARTMENT: POLICE DEPARTMENT: STREET DEPARTMENT: SANITATION DEPARTMENT: PARKS & RECREATION: PLANNING COMMISSION: 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 5, 2011 7:00 P.M. – 7:56 P.M. GENERAL: a. RESOLUTION 660 (#6-2011) A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT AND APPROPRIATE LOAN DOCUMENTS OBLIGATING THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, BY AND THROUGH THE SANITATION FUND, FOR A LOAN TO PURCHASE AUTOMATED EQUIPMENT FOR THE JACKSONVILLE SANITATION DEPARTMENT; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Howard to read Resolution 660 (#6-2011). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Resolution 660 (#6-2011). Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to approve Resolution 660 (#6-2011) in its entirety and accept the recommended proposal from BancorpSouth at 3% fixed for 60 months. MOTION CARRIED. b. DISCUSSION Community Center Pool Parks and Recreation Director Kristen Griggs stated that currently they are in the process of bidding the HVAC dehumidifier. She explained that over the last few weeks the roof in the pool area had begun to sag so the pool was closed; shortly thereafter the ceiling began to fall away. She related that they received quotes to take out the drop ceiling, adding that a lot of the work would be done in-house. She related that taking out the ceiling should come in under $20,000.00. She further related that following the removal they will have the ceiling put back in and will return before Council with a HVAC dehumidifier bid. She stated that there is not a complete timeframe for repairs but it is hoped that they can begin taking down the ceiling next week. Mayor Fletcher noted that these issues first became apparent approximately 5 years ago. He explained that the City had hired an engineer who had proposed to take the roof off, put in a drop ceiling and seal it. He related that there was a breach and the ceiling started to accumulate moisture between the ceiling tiles and the decking that began a problem of corrosion. He noted issues with the ceiling breaking and falling, saying that rather than jeopardizing the public’s safety, the pool was closed. He explained that the City hired a consulting engineer to assess the damage, offering various photographs depicting the extent of corrosion. He stated that the main structure is not as damaged as thought, adding that some secondary purlins will have to be replaced. He noted that the purlins is 12 to 14 mills thick, adding that he had thought about having them sandblasted to save the pearling. The photographs were televised on screen for the City Council and audience to view the extent of damage. He related that the consulting engineer had stated that this was the making of a “perfect storm”, because what is not seen is what is going to cause serious problems. He stated that after the ceiling is 3 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 5, 2011 7:00 P.M. – 7:56 P.M. removed, the City will have to rebid the pool pack. He stated that it is based off cubic feet of heated and cooled space. He related that the cubic feet have increased since the ceiling will not be replaced, so it will require a larger unit, which will be more expensive. Parks and Recreation Director Kristen Griggs related that by installing the new pool pack and the dehumidifier it would eliminate all the moisture issues moving forward. She related that once the moisture in the air is eliminated with the dehumidifier, it will not cause any further problems. In response to a question from Mayor Fletcher, Parks and Recreation Director Kristen Griggs confirmed that the pool is scheduled to be converted from Chlorine to UV. In response to a question from Alderman Smith regarding a cost estimate, Mayor Fletcher stated that the extent of costs would not be known until the entire ceiling is removed. He offered that this would allow for a better assessment of repairs. He stated that an indoor pool is a nice luxury for any community but as with anything, you have to consider the maintenance and upkeep. He stated that the Community Center is a nice amenity and is probably the most used facility in the City. He stated that there has been some thought to expanding the facility as it is one of the only money generating buildings for the City. He stated that the building is constructed so that the end wall can be removed to accommodate expansion. He stated that while it is nice to dream of adding new amenities, it should be noted that the pool pack may run close to half a million dollars excluding structural costs. He explained that Star Metal Buildings, who built the original frame, has been contacted; adding that there may be local entities that could perform the work at no greater cost. He noted another item that would need to be addressed is that water has caused some rusting problems around the windows and doors. He stated that could lead to a major renovation of the pool. Parks and Recreation Director Kristen Griggs noted that the pool is approximately sixteen years old and has progressively gotten worse over time. She encouraged the City Council members to come by and survey the damage. ADDITION TO AGENDA: FLOODING IN JACKSONVILLE: Mayor Fletcher invited audience members from the Eastview area to address the City Council regarding flooding issues and concerns. Mr. Kenneth Wolf of 1213 Eastview Drive thanked Mayor Fletcher for coming to view his home and neighborhood. He then explained that his house has flooded twice since 2009. He stated that his mother-in-law who has 4 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 5, 2011 7:00 P.M. – 7:56 P.M. lived across the street for the last 38 years and cannot recall this kind of flooding in that time. He mentioned the Waste Management Facility and the new freeway, saying that the flooding situations need to be corrected. He noted the high cost of flood insurance along with limited types of overage available. He recalled his experience with insurance and repairs during the 2009 flooding. He issued safety concerns regarding fast rising water. Mr. Joey Price, 400 Cloverdale Road, related that he had opposed the draft permit for Two Pine Landfill in 2008, saying that he had concerns for flooding. He stated that as a Parks Commissioner at the time one of his main concerns was the flooding of Dupree Park. He related that he has contacted Mayor Hillman, who contacted Senator Pryor and the Corp of Engineers; reciting an email reply from Mayor Hillman he quoted that “a city cannot do anything about the waterway, it is a federal matter; but before the Corp of Engineers can do anything they have to do a flood study.” He related that Mayor Hillman also advised him that “these things do not happen overnight”. He stated that it is important to know if the flooding is from Two Pines or the Freeway, which is what the study will reveal. He stated that since living here he has not ever seen the water come over the Freeway. He suggested that the Corp of Engineers consider the railroad track when looking for solutions. He noted that the railroad did not flood, saying that there is an opening where the Bayou Meto flows through. He said that the railroad creates a dam. He stated that the natural flood plain of Bayou Meto flows to the east and the railroad acts like a dam. He stated that where Bayou Meto flows through is a very small area in relationship to the entire area. He stated one consideration would be to have a larger area for the water to move through into the Bayou Meto. He stated that this would be important in keeping Highway 161 from flooding, noting that Hwy. 161 was one of only a very few ways to get to Little Rock during the flooding. He stated that if the floodway under the railroad is opened and more water can flow through; it would drop the water quicker and prevent homes from flooding as well as help to keep Hwy. 67/167 open. He went on to say that there would be more water flowing through the Hwy. 161 area, adding that more than likely the Bridge would have to be raised if that is something the Corp of Engineers determines should be done. He stated that this has also affected North Little Rock and Indianhead Lakes. He stated that it will take time, but with the Mayor and City Council involved hopefully it will speed that process along. Ms. Sandra Cherry, 1009 Eastview Drive, also thanked Mayor Fletcher for coming to the area. She stated that she is leasing her house with an option to purchase from Ms. Delta Isaac. She stated that the flood of 2009 did not enter the house but did enter the laundry room. She went on to say that this time water came into the house by as much as 3” to 4” and her front and back decks were washed away. She explained that all the flooring in the house was ruined, noting that she had new linoleum installed four weeks ago. She stated that she was in the process of 5 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 5, 2011 7:00 P.M. – 7:56 P.M. remodeling the inside of the home. She stated that while she could walk away from the lease to purchase option, she would be losing everything that has been put into the property. She stated that she loves her neighborhood and would not want to leave. She offered that she would be willing to be a part of whatever, a possible committee to find solutions for the City. Ms. Tammy Newman, 1015 Eastview Drive, addressed the City Council and again Mayor Fletcher was thanked for personally visiting all the flooded homes. She stated that there was over 1’ of water damage to her home and the full extent of damage is not known. She stated that her mortgage and insurance companies had discouraged them from purchasing flood insurance, because the property is not in a flood plain. She stated that repairs will cost more than they can afford. She offered that she and her husband would also be willing to work toward any solutions for the City. She then noted that in the 2009 flooding, her vehicle was parked under the carport and flooded while the family was out of town at Christmas. Ms. Peggie Sears, 1019 Eastview Drive, reiterated appreciation to Mayor Fletcher and his staff for visiting her home and the neighborhood. She related that there was over 3” of water in her home and she is waiting for FEMA to arrive in the neighborhood. She stated that she has registered with FEMA, adding that her hands are tied until FEMA gets involved. She explained that currently she is unable to live in the house in its present condition. She asked City administration to assertively push for a solution. She added that in 2009 the water was 1” from coming into her home. She noted that during this flooding traffic would come down the street and create wakes that would run into the homes. She offered that traffic could have been diverted from using this street, which would have prevented the wakes and maybe lessened the damage. Mayor Fletcher assured Ms. Sears that the Police Department did have established barricades but there were vehicles that went around the barricades anyway. He professed a lack of understanding for the insensitivity for the damage caused by semi-trucks that chose to ignore the barricades. Mr. Jim Moore, Stonewall Property Owners’ Association President, offering continued flooding issues in Stonewall, saying that it is not necessarily a 100 year flooding issue but a continuing problem with drainage in Jacksonville. He related that part of the problem in Stonewall is that the developer was allowed to install small 6” storm drainage pipes. He related that one home was flooded from the drainage ditch behind the home, explaining that he has given photographs to Mayor Fletcher. He went on to say that the City cleaned out the ditch further down where the problem originated but that did not help because all the water comes from the rest of Stonewall down into that area. He noted that this is the second time that this property flooded, causing major damage to the same 6 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 5, 2011 7:00 P.M. – 7:56 P.M. home. He then related that there is a problem on Oxford Cove, noting that a larger drainage pipe was installed by the City but it is still not carrying all the water off. He stated that the drainage ditch is backing up. He stated that he feels the drainage problems in Jacksonville should be priority number one. Mayor Fletcher stated that current flooding conditions is not solely a Jacksonville event but a Statewide issue. He added that this is a Corp. of Engineers problem. Alderman Elliott related that the railroad dams up at Foxwood and Northwood Acres, and Stonewall. Ms. Delta Isaac, owner of the property being leased at 1009 Eastview Drive, stated that while she lived there for almost 30 years the property never flooded. She stated that the flood in 2009 cost her quite a bit and this flood will cost even more. She stated that there was a lot of damage. Alderman Elliott noted that the rain was immense, pointing out that places that have never flooded have flooded. He stated that the Mississippi River is backing up into the White and Arkansas Rivers. City Engineer Whisker stated that he is sure everyone is in agreement that it was the biggest rain since possibly the early 1960’s He stated that if the Corp of Engineers study the area and propose flooding solutions, he is certain that Jacksonville, North Little Rock, and Sherwood will want to do everything possible to alleviate future problems. He stated that the areas he marked as flooded were higher than the 100 year flood plain marked in 2009. He related that he believes everyone would agree that this was more flooding than Jacksonville has ever seen. Mayor Fletcher explained that anytime something is built it creates a watershed area, where before water normally soaked into the ground. He stated that the downside side to development and growth is that water is being pushed and collected. He then stated that the flooding could mainly be contributed to the fact that it was too much water in a short time. He went on to speculate that there could be other unverified contributing factors whether that be the landfill, the highway, or area growth. He stated that he feels there are a lot of factors that contributed in a short period of time. He noted that while most residents have fire insurance only 19 thousand residents in Arkansas have flood insurance. He stated that statistically flooding is three times more common than a house fire. He stated that he wants to establish a register regarding those residents with flood water inside their homes. He encouraged residents who have flood water inside their homes to contact his office. He went on to say that tomorrow he would meet with Congressman Griffin where he plans to stress the importance of meeting 7 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 5, 2011 7:00 P.M. – 7:56 P.M. with the Corp of Engineers, to expedite FEMA for immediate action. He stated that the residents have immediate needs; he then encouraged residents who have not contacted FEMA to do so as quickly as possible. He expressed his frustration that Highway 67/167 flooded, adding his concern regarding the short-term damage to local City streets that were not constructed to handle the semi-trucks and other vehicles that were diverted by the flooded Hwy. 67/167. He related that he cannot understand building a bridge to a 100 year flood elevation but the roads to the bridge are not built to that same elevation. He stated that if the Highway is not going to be built up to endure further flooding then the Highway Department needs to widen Highway 161. He noted that there were only two ways into and out of Jacksonville and General Samuels was extremely congested. He stated that because of the geographic location of Jacksonville and the importance of this area, Jacksonville has gotten most of the flooding attention by the media, when in reality there are plenty of other areas that have the same flooding. He reiterated that he would like to see “brain storm” meetings with the Highway Department, Corp of Engineers, and Waste Management to find solutions. He stated that the City of Jacksonville is going to do everything possible to help. Mr. Joey Price offered that Waste Management has what is known as active cells, which could have provided flood relief in extreme flood situations. Mayor Fletcher stated that it would need to be researched because it could possibly be an ADEQ issue. Mr. Price then noted that there is a power line easement that runs to the south through the bean field that might be available for flood relief, suggesting that the Corp of Engineers look into that. Mayor Fletcher then related that after the 2009 flood, Mayor Hillman of Sherwood, Mayor Hays of North Little Rock and he met with the County Judge Villines to discuss the flooding issues. He added that the County spent $800,000 on a flood study, noting that the Bayou Meto, the major tributary used as drainage running 104 miles from Jacksonville emptying into the Arkansas River, which flooded the Arkansas River. He stated that our area is complicated by backflow water from counties below Jacksonville plus the rain water flowing in from the north as well as rain falling on Jacksonville. He stated that it is a complicated situation with no easy fix. He related that City Engineer Whisker had presented a map indicating that the City may be experiencing a 500 hundred year flood. He then acknowledged City directors, Chief Gary Sipes, Chief John Vanderhoof, 9-1-1 Director Tabby Hughes and all other Department Heads who worked tirelessly to mitigate the damage of flooding. He stated that it has been a long week without much sleep. He emphasized that the public can be proud of their City employees who did everything possible. 8 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 5, 2011 7:00 P.M. – 7:56 P.M. Alderman Smith concurred, saying that he and others on the City Council are just as concerned and are willing to work alongside those efforts. He stated that to his remembrance he cannot recall it ever raining as it did, noting that the rain span the entire length of Arkansas with one storm after another. He stated that it was a tremendous rain. Mayor Fletcher stated that for those with needs, there are area churches that are willing to help and have contacted his office to offer that help. He stated that anyone needing help with moving furniture or other labor issues should contact the Mayor’s office. He related that while we plan to deal with the future, we also want to address the current needs. He offered that anyone having difficulty dealing with FEMA should also contact his office, reiterating the desire to help in anyway possible. Alderman Elliott concurred that efforts through Congressman Griffin regarding FEMA providing help in a timely manner are essential. Mayor Fletcher announced that when Colonel Minihan and Colonel Coggins were contacted at 4:00 a.m. on Sunday morning, they personally delivered 30 cots, blankets, pillows, and cases of water to the Community Center. He noted that while that is impressive, if you recall the Base had been hit hard with a tornado just four or five days earlier. Alderman Elliott stated that most people are not aware of exactly how hard the Base was hit by the tornado, noting that there were approximately 100 houses damaged and many were completely demolished. He stated that even with what they had been through, they provided help to us. Alderman Ray thanked everyone for their kindness and prayers regarding the recent loss of his wife, Frankie Ray. ANNOUNCEMENT(S): ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Fletcher adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:56 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully, ________________________ _________________________ Susan L. Davitt MAYOR GARY FLETCHER City Clerk-Treasurer 9