14 NOV 20
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 20, 2014
7:00 P.M. – 7:37 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 November 20, 2014 at the regular meeting place of the City
Council. Alderman Bolden delivered the invocation and Mayor Fletcher led
a standing audience in the “Pledge of Allegiance” to the flag.
ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Bolden, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor,
Twitty, and Howard answered ROLL CALL. Mayor Fletcher also answered ROLL
CALL declaring a quorum. Aldermen McCleary and Robinson were absent.
PRESENT EIGHT (8), ABSENT (2).
Others present for the meeting were: City Attorney Robert Bamburg,
Director of Administration Jim Durham, Finance Director Cheryl Erkel,
City Engineer Jay Whisker, Public Works Director Jim Oakley, Parks and
Recreation Director Kevin House, Police Chief Kenny Boyd, Fire Chief Alan
Laughy, Human Resource Director Jill Ross, CDBG Director Theresa Watson,
911 Communications Director Tabby Hughes, IT Director Scott
Rothlisberger, Planning Commissioner Jim Moore, Code Enforcement Officer
Charlie Jenkins, Patrick Thomas, Daniel Gray, Roberta Bonham, Johnny
Simpson, Otis Stewart, Alderman Elect Tara Smith, interested citizens,
and members of the press.
PRESENTATION OF MINUTES:
Mayor Fletcher presented the minutes of the regular City Council meeting
of November 6, 2014 for approval and/or correction at the next regularly
scheduled City Council meeting.
APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES:
Alderman Howard moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden that the minutes of
the regular City Council meeting of 2 October 2014 be APPROVED. MOTION
CARRIED.
CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/POLICE DEPARTMENT
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to approve the Regular
Monthly Report for October 2014 regarding annual crime statistical
comparisons.
Code Enforcement for October 2014
Assigned Calls 161
Self-Initiated Calls 504
Follow ups 327 Basketball Goals 18
Meetings/Court Hearings 113 Structures Inspected 8
Citations/Warnings Issued 9 Rental Properties Inspected 2
Notices/Letters Written 40 Properties Red Tagged 0
Vehicles Tagged 6 Search Warrants Served 0
Vehicles Towed 0 Structures Rehabbed 1
Lots posted 29 Structures Condemned 0
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 20, 2014
7:00 P.M. – 7:37 P.M.
Signs removed 217 Houses Demolished by City 0
Trash cans tagged 18 Houses Demolished by Owner 2
Parking Violations 72
Grass Letters 21
Grass Mowed 18
REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/FIRE DEPARTMENT
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to approve the regular
monthly report for October 2014 from the Jacksonville Fire Department,
reflecting a fire loss of $22,500.00 and a savings total of $105,000.00.
REGULAR MONTH REPORT/ANIMAL CONTROL
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to approve the regular
monthly report for September 2014.
ADOPTION FEES/FINES $1,590.00
CONTRIBUTIONS 15.00
TOTALS $1,605.00
REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to approve the regular
monthly report for October 2014.
PERMITS/LICENSE ISSUED INSPECTIONS PERFORMED
Building Permits 16 Building Inspections 34
Business Licenses 6 Electrical 36
Plumbing 29
HVACR 12
ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Bolden, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor,
Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED.
DEVIATION IN AGENDA:
GENERAL item b. Discussion regarding placement of railroad train depot
Alderman Mashburn stated that they are seeking approval to relocate the
original train depot back to Short Street. She introduced Mr. Brandon
Morris, a representative from Union Pacific.
Mr. Morris concurred the Union Pacific does not object to the proposal.
He stated that they are committed to maintaining a positive relationship
with the community. He added that they appreciate being involved in the
decision making process.
Mayor Fletcher stated that a public hearing would need to be set to close
that portion of Short Street.
Alderman Mashburn offered artist renderings of the train depot located
back on Short Street once renovations are completed using grant monies.
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 20, 2014
7:00 P.M. – 7:37 P.M.
Alderman Howard moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden to set the public
hearing to close a portion of Short Street for December 18, 2014 at 7:00
p.m. MOTION CARRIED.
RESUME AGENDA:
WATER DEPARTMENT:
WASTEWATER DEPARTMENTS:
FIRE DEPARTMENT:
POLICE DEPARTMENT: ORDINANCE 1519 (#12-2014)
AN ORDINANCE CREATING AND CERTIFYING TAX LIENS AGAINST REAL PROPERTIES AT
VARIOUS LOCATIONS WITHIN THE CITY, FOR BALANCES DUE FROM SERVICES
RENDERED BY AND/OR ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS; AND,
FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Mayor Fletcher opened the public hearing at approximately 7:06 p.m.
City Attorney Bamburg informed the City Council that Ordinance 1519 is
the annual lien certification ordinance regarding balances due the City,
explaining that it has to be filed with the County by the end of November
to be included on the 2015 tax rolls.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden that Ordinance 1519 be
placed on FIRST READING.
In response to a question from Alderman Traylor, Code Enforcement Officer
Charlie Jenkins responded that the majority of properties listed
represent lawn fees regarding vacant homes.
ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Bolden, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor,
Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City
Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1519.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden to APPROVE Ordinance 1519
on FIRST READING and suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1519 on SECOND
READING. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Bolden, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn,
Traylor, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED.
Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1519.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden to further suspend the
rules and place Ordinance 1519 on THIRD AND FINAL READING.
No one in the audience responded when Mayor Fletcher asked if anyone
present would like to address the City Council regarding any property
represented on the lien list.
ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Bolden, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor,
Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City
Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1519.
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 20, 2014
7:00 P.M. – 7:37 P.M.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden that Ordinance 1519 be
APPROVED AND ADOPTED. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Bolden, Sansing, Ray,
Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION
CARRIED.
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ORDINANCE 1519 (#12-2014) APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 20 DAY OF NOVEMBER,
2014
STREET DEPARTMENT:
SANITATION DEPARTMENT:
PARKS & RECREATION:
PLANNING COMMISSION:
GENERAL: a. ORDINANCE 1518 (#11-2014)
AN ORDINANCE FOR THE PURPOSE OF LEVYING TWENTY DOLLARS ($20.00) TO BE
COLLECTED FROM ALL PERSON(S) FOUND GUILTY, PLEADING GUILTY, PLEADING NOLO
CONTENDERE CONTENDRE, OR WHOM FORFEIT BOND(S) FOR ANY AND ALL TRAFFIC AND
MISDEMEANOR OFFENSES(S) WIHTIN THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE CITY OF
JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS, WITH SAID FUNDS MAINTAINED SEPARATELY TO DEFRAY
COSTS OF OPERATIONS, MAINTENANCE, AND/OR CAPITAL EXPENDITURES FOR THE
CITY’S DETENTIONS FACILITIES AND COSTS OF INCARCERATION OF CITY
PRISONERS; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
City Attorney Bamburg stated that State law allows municipalities to levy
an additional $20.00 against a defendant who is found guilty, pleads
guilty, no contest, or who forfeits their bond on any traffic or
misdemeanor offenses. He related that these fines would be set up in a
separate account that is to be used specifically for any costs associated
with housing and jailing offenders.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden that Ordinance 1518 be
placed on FIRST READING.
In response to a question from Alderman Traylor, City Attorney Bamburg
surmised that the estimated revenues would be approximately 25 to 30
thousand dollars. He added that while it would not cover the cost of
housing of prisoners it would go toward offsetting those costs.
Mayor Fletcher offered a brief update regarding circumstances of funding
involving the Pulaski County Jail. He stated that he continues to
negotiate terms, adding that he should have more information soon.
ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Bolden, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor,
Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City
Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1518.
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 20, 2014
7:00 P.M. – 7:37 P.M.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden to APPROVE Ordinance 1518
on FIRST READING and suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1518 on SECOND
READING. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Bolden, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn,
Traylor, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED.
Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1518.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden to further suspend the
rules and place Ordinance 1518 on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL CALL:
Alderman Elliott, Bolden, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, and
Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney
Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1518.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden that Ordinance 1518 be
APPROVED AND ADOPTED. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Bolden, Sansing, Ray,
Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION
CARRIED.
th
ORDINANCE 1518 (#11-2014) APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 20 DAY OF NOVEMBER,
2014
Mr. Daniel Gray addressed the City Council on behalf of the Chamber of
Commerce, relating that the Chamber is moving in a new direction. He
related that the Chamber has been self reflecting to address how they can
serve their membership better. He noted that for many years they have
been short staffed, saying that the goal is to make the Jacksonville
business community the best it can possibly be, which is what everyone
wants. He explained that the Chamber has decided to expand and have the
right people in the right place to do the business that the Chamber is
meant to perform. He related that they have brought in a new Membership
Director this year, Ms. Jinger Stewart. He added that Amy Madison has
returned to her events coordinator position and they are now in search
for a CEO for the Chamber. He stated that success will require everyone
being on the same page and moving in the same direction. He noted the
new launches such as the “Save Local Now”, saying that they are the first
Chamber of Commerce in the State of Arkansas to offer that app, saying
that it is a tremendous benefit for the Chamber’s members. He then
related that another launch is the “Shop Small” on the Saturday following
Black Friday. He explained that it is a national program that they are
participating in that encourages local businesses to participate in to
help generate local revenues. He stated that the opportunities at this
time for Jacksonville are great and the Chamber and City want to take
advantage of those opportunities. He related that he and the Board look
forward to working with the City to make the Chamber the best it can be.
He added that any support from the City Council would be greatly
appreciated.
Mayor Fletcher stated that he has always maintained that Jacksonville has
the greatest potential of any city in the State of Arkansas. He added
that when all groups such as the A&P Commission, the Chamber, the City,
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 20, 2014
7:00 P.M. – 7:37 P.M.
and the businesses are brought together it will make it that much
stronger. He stated that it benefits everyone, considering that 61% of
the City budget is derived from the Sales Tax. He related that he is
excited about the shop locally programs. He added that aside from the
education opportunities, there are many other opportunities that are
happening in the City of Jacksonville. He thanked Mr. Gray for his
leadership and involvement not only with the Chamber but also with being
instrumental in getting the School District for Jacksonville and
willingness to serve as President of the School District for the first
year.
Alderman Bolden stated that he feels this is a new day for the City of
Jacksonville, mentioning the formation of the new School Board and the
new direction for the Chamber of Commerce in teaming with the City.
Alderman Ray spoke on behalf of the A&P Commission, noting that the tax
money is divided between Parks and Recreation, saying that the A&P
Commission will use every resource it has to invest in Jacksonville. He
stated that 90% of their advertising budget is used to promote the City
of Jacksonville. He then noted that they are also promoting the
Christmas Parade, encouraging everyone to attend.
Mr. Gray stated that the Chamber is going forward with a totally new
mindset, saying that their consideration is how to invest and make an
impact on the economic development in Jacksonville. He stated that it
will be a continuously evolving process. He stated that they envision
their new CEO making reports to the City Council every month going
forward. He stated that their goals are inclusiveness and true team work
for everyone to come together and work together as a continuing process.
Mayor Fletcher stated that he has no objection to creating a standing
position on the City Council agenda regarding the monthly Chamber of
Commerce report. He stated that as the City looks to invest in economic
development, this is a chance to “build bridges” as a new way of
thinking.
Alderman Elliott suggested that along with a monthly report from the
Chamber of Commerce, he would like to see a status report from the newly
formed School Board. He offered his appreciation to Mr. Gray for all his
efforts.
Alderman Bolden moved, seconded by Alderman Twitty to suspend the rules
and place crating a standing position on the City Council agenda for a
monthly Chamber of Commerce report. MOTION CARRIED.
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden to create a standing
position for a monthly Chamber of Commerce report under the consent
agenda on the City Council agenda. MOTION CARRIED.
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 20, 2014
7:00 P.M. – 7:37 P.M.
APPOINTMENTS: JACKSONVILLE HOUSING AUTHORITY
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden to approve the
appointment of Mike Dietz to fill the unexpired term of Mike Wilkinson to
expire 3/17/2016. MOTION CARRIED.
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ANNOUNCMENTS: City Offices will be closed November 27 and 28 in
observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday.
nd
Downtown Jacksonville Christmas Parade will be held December 2
beginning at 6:00 p.m. He noted that this will be the first time he can
remember since he was a kid that the parade is being held at night,
adding that there will be at least 15 floats with lights.
Mayor Fletcher then announced that the Jacksonville North Pulaski School
st
Board welcome reception will be held December 1 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00
p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce. He stated that this is an opportunity
for the community to meet the members of the new School Board. He
related that the monthly School Board meetings will be held the first
Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.
Ms. Irene Durham of 217 Pearl Street addressed the City Council regarding
a issue with her water bill and her efforts to resolve a misunderstanding
regarding a water leak. She answered Mayor Fletcher that she has spoken
with management and the Water Commission Chairman, Mr. Jim Peacock. She
added that Mr. Peacock did help move things towards a solution.
Mayor Fletcher asked Ms. Durham to meet with him in his office in the
next few days to inquire into deeper into what he might be able to do to
help resolve her situation.
ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Fletcher adjourned the meeting at
approximately 7:37 p.m. MOTION CARRIED.
Respectfully,
________________________ _________________________
Susan L. Davitt MAYOR GARY FLETCHER
City Clerk-Treasurer
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