15 JAN 15
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 15, 2015
7:00 P.M. – 7:38 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 15, 2015 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.
SWEARING IN CEREMONEY
Justice of the Peace Aaron Robinson performed the swearing in ceremony
for the elected officials resulting from the November 2014 General
Election. Those officials included Mayor Gary Fletcher, City Attorney
Robert Bamburg, City Clerk Susan Davitt, Alderman Kenny Elliott, Alderman
Kevin McCleary, Alderman Reedie Ray, Alderman Mike Traylor and Alderman
Tara Smith.
SERVICE AWARD
Mayor Fletcher recognized former Alderman Aaron Robinson for his service
on the City Council from 2010 through 2014.
ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn,
Traylor, Twitty, Smith, and Howard answered ROLL CALL. Mayor Fletcher also
answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT TEN (10), ABSENT (0).
Others present for the meeting were: City Attorney Robert Bamburg,
Director of Administration Jim Durham, Finance Director Cheryl Erkel,
Human Resource Director Jill Ross, City Engineer Jay Whisker, Public
Works Director Jim Oakley, Police Chief Kenny Boyd, Fire Chief Alan
Laughy, CDBG Director Theresa Watson, IT Director Scott Rothlisberger,
Wastewater Manager Thea Hughes, Water Department Superintendant Jake
Short, Water Department Field Manager Sal Pappalardo, Sewer Commissioner
Pat Griggs, Water Commission Chairman Jim Peacock, Justice of the Peace
Aaron Robinson, Planning Commissioner Jim Moore, Patrick Thomas, Mark
Smith, Beverly Elliott, Glenda Fletcher, interested citizens, and members
of the press.
PRESENTATION OF MINUTES:
Mayor Fletcher presented the minutes of the regular City Council meeting
of December 29, 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 04 December 2014 be APPROVED. MOTION
CARRIED.
CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/POLICE DEPARTMENT
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Mashburn to approve the
Regular Monthly Report for December 2014 regarding annual crime
statistical comparisons.
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 15, 2015
7:00 P.M. – 7:38 P.M.
Code Enforcement for December 2014
Assigned Calls 102
Self-Initiated Calls 327
Follow ups 286 Basketball Goals 4
Meetings/Court Hearings 107 Structures Inspected 1
Citations/Warnings Issued 4 Rental Properties Inspected 0
Notices/Letters Written 7 Properties Red Tagged 0
Vehicles Tagged 1 Search Warrants Served 0
Vehicles Towed 0 Structures Rehabbed 0
Lots posted 0 Structures Condemned 0
Signs removed 130 Houses Demolished by City 1
Trash cans tagged 0 Houses Demolished by Owner 1
Parking Violations 57
Grass Letters 0
Grass Mowed 0
REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/FIRE DEPARTMENT
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Mashburn to approve the
regular monthly report for December 2014 from the Jacksonville Fire
Department, reflecting a fire loss of $38,000.00 and a savings total of
$28,000.00.
REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Mashburn to approve the
regular monthly report for December 2014.
PERMITS/LICENSE ISSUED INSPECTIONS PERFORMED
Building Permits 5 Building Inspections 22
Business Licenses 6 Electrical 27
Plumbing 31
HVACR 17
REGULAR MONTH REPORT/ANIMAL CONTROL
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Mashburn to approve the
regular monthly report for December 2014.
ADOPTION FEES/FINES $1,805.00
CONTRIBUTIONS 0.00
TOTALS $1,805.00
ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn,
Traylor, Twitty, Smith and Howard voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED.
Mayor Fletcher and City Council welcomed newly elected Alderman Tara
Smith to the City Council.
WATER DEPARTMENT: ANNUAL REPORT by Water Department Manager Jake Short
Water Department Manager Jake Short acknowledged Water Commission
Chairman Jim Peacock in attendance.
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 15, 2015
7:00 P.M. – 7:38 P.M.
Manager Jake Short stated that behalf of the Jacksonville Water
Commission he is pleased to provide the City Council with the 2014 Annual
Water Works report. Jacksonville Water Works has once again completed
this year within its budget while providing the citizens of Jacksonville
with quality water and services that they not only deserve, but have come
to expect.
In 2011, Jacksonville Water Works secured financing from the Arkansas
Natural Resources Commission for 25 million dollars in low interest
loans, which is being utilized for completing 5 major infrastructure
projects that will provide a safe and plentiful water supply for
Jacksonville beyond the year 2050. He reported that construction is
complete on the brand new 3 Million Gallon West Area Elevated Storage
Tank, the replacing and updating of their Supervisory Control and Data
Acquisition (SCADA) System, and the General Samuels 24” Waterline
Project. He stated that the remaining two projects regarding
construction on JWW’s South Source 24” Main & Meter Station and JWW’s
North/South Project should be completed in early 2015.
He stated that it is also his pleasure to report that construction has
concluded on the Lonoke White Public Water Authority Project.
Construction began on the $55 million dollar project in 2012 and was
funded through the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission and United
States Department of Agriculture-Rural Development. The project consists
of construction of an intake structure, a water treatment plant, and over
50 miles of water transmission mains that are now providing water to
LWPWA’s 8 member communities. This vitally important project will
provide Jacksonville and LRAFB with a secondary water source should a
catastrophic event occur in the waterlines coming from Central Arkansas
Water. He related that they began taking water in October 2014 and are
currently taking 500,005 thousand gallons daily.
Jacksonville Water Works continues to work with the LRAFB in their effort
to privatize their water utilities infrastructure. They have submitted a
revised final proposal in June of 2014 and are awaiting a formal response
from representatives of the LRAFB. Privatization would allow
Jacksonville Water Works the opportunity to operate, maintain, improve,
and assume all responsibility of LRAFB’s water system. By ridding itself
of utilities, LRAFB can then focus on specific mission requirements
instead of system repairs and upgrades. The water works is excited about
the opportunity of further solidify the partnership between the LRAFB and
the City of Jacksonville and looks forward to the benefits all stand to
receive.
The in-house projects completed during 2014 includes the installation of
7,662 linear feet of pipe, 10 additional fire hydrants, 37 valves, and
upgraded 80 existing water services. At the end of 2014 we had 11,096
water meters in the water distribution system, which includes 34 new
water services.
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 15, 2015
7:00 P.M. – 7:38 P.M.
Customer service continues to be a top priority of Jacksonville Water
Works staff. He noted that they continue to take online customer
payments through our secure internet site. In the year 2014, they
received 13,389 online payments totaling $1,348,455.00 and continue to
receive many positive comments from customers using the updated service.
Moving into 2015, Jacksonville Water Works has made significant
enhancements to the web site and has added new features that will allow
customers increased control and access over their accounts. Along with
being able to make an online payments or sign up for E-Statements,
Jacksonville Water Works customers now have the ability to view their
payment history, past invoices, and detailed usage information. A
campaign is being planned to inform Jacksonville Water users of these
enhanced web site features and to encourage their use. Upgrades to our
internal software and internet site have made the customer experience
much more convenient, and will only continue to benefit Jacksonville
Water Works.
Water Production was down in 2014. On January 7, 2014 they reached peak
demand for the year of 4.9 million gallons. This is well below the
previous year’s peak water flow of 5.9 million gallons, which occurred on
June 19, 2013. The total annual water production was 1.2 billion
gallons, which was 10.95% decrease from the previous year. Our average
daily water flow for the year was 3.2 million gallons per day.
He related that construction of new office space at the warehouse
facility on West Main also began in 2014 and is nearing completion. This
added facility will house operations staff members and will aid the Water
Works in that these employees will be working from one footprint and be
afforded much faster and easier access to materials, supplies, and
equipment.
This work was accomplished with a workforce of 33 employees. He noted
that 12 employees are licensed by the Arkansas Department of Health to
properly operate the water system with 3 additional employees currently
working toward the completion of their water operator license to further
enhance the professionalism of the Jacksonville Water Works staff.
We appreciate your confidence and continued support in working with the
Jacksonville Water Commission towards the completion of the important
capital projects set forth in the Water Master Plan.
The scope of the projects included in the master plan will insure that
our City will have a safe and adequate supply of high quality water for
the future growth of the Great City of Jacksonville today, tomorrow, and
for many years to come.
In response to a question from Alderman Traylor, Manager Jake Short
stated that he would attribute the decrease in water usage to the wet
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 15, 2015
7:00 P.M. – 7:38 P.M.
cool temperatures of the summer. He then answered that they are
currently monitoring the water loss in the system and are proactive in
their efforts to locate any leaks.
Mayor Fletcher noted the importance and efficiency of have everything
under one footprint and thanked the Commission and staff for their hard
work.
WASTEWATER DEPARTMENTS: ANNUAL REPORT by Wastewater Manager Thea Hughes
Wastewater Manager Thea Hughes thanked the City Council for the
opportunity to offer an overview of the activity that occurred during
2014. She recognized Sewer Commission Chairman Fred Belote and
Commissioners Pat Griggs, Terry Vick and Eddie Porter.
She related the following highlights from 2014:
The Jacksonville Sewer Commissioners for 2014 were: Fred Belote,
Chair; John Ferrell, Vice Chair; Barbara Meyers, Secretary; and Pat
Griggs and Eddie Porter, Commissioners. Barbara Meyers recently
moved out of state and Terry Vick was appointed to fill her term.
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Jacksonville Wastewater completed its 19 year with no permit
violations.
Wastewater operators treated 1,642,080,000 gallons of wastewater.
The plant accepted 3,485,730 gallons of landfill leachate from Two
Pine Landfill.
There were no violations from ADEQ inspections of the plant and
solid waste monofill, and no violations of our biomonitoring or any
laboratory testing.
In-house crews replaced 9 manholes, constructed 12 new manholes.
304 manholes were inspected and 85 received some type of repair,
which is part of the process of eliminating the ground water of
inflow and infiltration.
Contracted forces replaced 6,474 feet of mainline by pipe bursting.
Nineteen (19) privately owned service lines were repaired by
homeowners. She stated that this has been a successful policy and
many cities across the nation are emulating this program.
Responded to thirty-eight (38) customer calls for mainline
blockages. Twenty-two (22) of these were caused by grease, and
four (4) were caused by non-dispersibles (wipes). Only one (1) was
caused by Inflow and Infiltration (I/I), which continues to confirm
that the past several years’ of aggressive rehab of the system is
proving successful.
This year, zero (0) overflowing manholes were caused by I/I.
Seven (7) overflowing manholes were caused by grease, and one (1)
was caused by non-dispersibles (wipes and other products).
In addition to our “Can the Grease” campaign, which has been our
motto for the past 12 years, we waged a war on wipes by starting
our “Don’t Clog Your Pipes, Shut the Lid on Wipes” campaign.
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 15, 2015
7:00 P.M. – 7:38 P.M.
Public educational materials have been mailed, inserted in water
bills, displayed on billboards and large trucks, and provided by
door hangers.
She noted that she has served on a national Water Environment
Federation “Flushability Workgroup” who worked with wipes-industry
representatives to try to eliminate the problem. It is our hopes
to educate our public that the ONLY thing that should be flushed is
toilet paper and never flush “flushable” wipes or other products in
your toilet.
They cleaned 63 miles of line on a routine cleaning schedule, and
1.5 mile on an emergency basis.
Our Geographic Information System of the Utility’s assets, which
was developed in 2013, was continued and has proven to be extremely
beneficial in more ways than expected. All televising data from
2001 – 2011 has been uploaded into the system, and electronic
tablets are now used in the field for mapping the system. She
noted that they are currently in the process of incorporating our
databases into the mapping system.
Completed the relocation of sewer lines for the expansion of
Highway 67/167 at the Redmond Road and Main Street bridges.
Completed the force main to run from Hwy. 161 to the City’s
property that was originally proposed as a Fairgrounds site, in an
effort to prepare that property for development.
Inspected 936 grease traps at restaurants and 10 oil/water
separators and sand traps at mechanic shops and car washes.
Performed 7,975 analytical tests in the laboratory for the Johnson
treatment plant.
Operating revenue was up by 7.05% due to the final step of a 3-step
rate increase.
We received a perfect independent financial audit.
In September, Wastewater Utility submitted the second draft of a
very detailed proposal to the Defense Logistics Agency for the
privatization of the sewage collection system located on the LRAFB.
DLA will review proposal and negotiate its contents. If the
project is awarded to JWU, a significant bond issue backed by the
Federal Government will be required. This will in no way obligate
the City of Jacksonville’s funds or Jacksonville Wastewater
Utility’s funds. Citizens of Jacksonville will NOT fund this
project with their sewer rates or city taxes, but bond issue will
require City Council approval.
Several JWU employees volunteer their own time in our industry’s
associations, where they serve on boards and committees, arrange
for speakers and presentations at conferences, and work together
with neighboring wastewater professionals to provide training and
education for the water and wastewater professionals in our state.
This industry-related work, and networking with other
professionals, develops our employees’ skills, knowledge and
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 15, 2015
7:00 P.M. – 7:38 P.M.
leadership abilities. I am very proud of their participation in
our industry’s organizations.
2014 Awards & accomplishments:
Operations Challenge Team (Bruce Jones, John Huffmaster, Paul
Richards, & Steve Grobeck) won the State competition, placed 1st in
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the Texas state competition, and placed 4 overall at the National
Competition in Chicago, where they came in 2nd in the Lab event.
Jay Summers was recognized by the Water Environment Federation as
winner of their annual “Ingenuity Contest”.
Alecia Patton was awarded the Arkansas Water Environment
Association’s Young Professional of the Year award, and received
the in-house Dick Morris Employee Excellence Award, given annually
to a JWU employee who demonstrates excellent work principles.
The following licenses are currently held by JWU employees:
Class IV Wastewater Operator = 7
Class III Wastewater Operator = 8
Class II Wastewater Operator = 3
Class I Wastewater Operator = 5
Solid Waste license = 4
Plumbing Inspector = 8
Commercial Driver’s License = 16
Mayor Fletcher thanked Wastewater Manager Thea Hughes for the report,
saying that he continues to be impressed by both Departments. He noted
the value that both Departments place on the licensing and training of
employees. He stated that credit goes back to both Commissions and the
leadership of both Departments.
FIRE DEPARTMENT:
POLICE DEPARTMENT:
STREET DEPARTMENT:
SANITATION DEPARTMENT: Request to accept bid: Yard Waste Grinder
Public Works Director Jim Oakley related that he is recommending the low
bid from Rotochopper, Inc. He stated that if approved he would like to
add a five-year warranty on the Caterpillar motor at a cost of $3,710.00
for a total of $388,510.00 to be drawn from the Sanitation Equipment
Depreciation Fund.
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Mashburn to accept the low
bid from Rotochopper, Inc. in the amount of $384,800.00 for the purchase
of a Yard Waste Grinder and $3,710.00 for a five-year motor warranty.
MOTION CARRIED.
PARKS & RECREATION:
PLANNING COMMISSION:
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 15, 2015
7:00 P.M. – 7:38 P.M.
GENERAL: a. ORDINANCE 1521 (#1-2015)
AN ORDINANCE VACATING AND CLOSING FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION PURPOSES THAT
PORTION OF SHORT STREET, JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS (GENERAL LOCATION: THAT
PORTION OF SHORT STREET FROM NORTH FIRST STREET TO CENTER STREET,
JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS); AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Mayor Fletcher opened the public hearing at approximately 7:23 p.m.
City Engineer Whisker stated that it encompasses the area of Short Street
that is behind the former GymBo Teams building, noting that it runs from
North First Street to Center Street. He then added that it is adjacent
to what was known as the Graham Road crossing.
Alderman Bolden clarified with Alderman Mashburn that this is the
proposed location for the old train depot.
In response to a question from Alderman Traylor, City Engineer Whisker
stated that the City does not have a traffic count for Short Street. He
went on to say that the only traffic on that street would be vehicular
traffic turning into the Lighthouse Charter School if they were coming up
South First Street heading north and then instead of going to the light
and turning right into the school, going in the back way to the parking
lot.
Mayor Fletcher stated that there would not be any great inconvenience at
all, City Engineer Whisker concurred. He added that most people are
unfamiliar with the Street.
City Attorney Bamburg stated that in treating this in some respects as
street closure, he would like for the City Council to note that the
street is not being closed; it is being closed to the public
transportation portion of it. He stated that the City is changing the
purpose of why the City is using that area but are retaining that
property for the purpose of affecting a park for the depot or whatever
the City Council may authorize as the year goes on.
Mayor Fletcher closed the public hearing at approximately 7:25 p.m.
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden that Ordinance 1521
be placed on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Bolden,
McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Smith and Howard voted
AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the
heading of Ordinance 1521.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Mashburn to APPROVE Ordinance
1521 on FIRST READING and suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1521 on
SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing,
Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Smith and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0).
MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of
Ordinance 1521.
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 15, 2015
7:00 P.M. – 7:38 P.M.
Alderman Mashburn moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to further suspend
the rules and place Ordinance 1521 on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL
CALL: Alderman Elliott, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn,
Traylor, Twitty, Smith and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED.
Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1521.
Alderman Bolden moved, seconded by Alderman Mashburn that Ordinance 1521
be APPROVED AND ADOPTED. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Bolden, McCleary,
Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Smith and Howard voted AYE. NAY
(0). MOTION CARRIED.
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ORDINANCE 1521 (#1-2015) APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 15 DAY OF JANUARY,
2015
b. Request to accept bid: Janitorial Services
Finance Director Cheryl Erkel noted that Janitorial Services were bid
last year and this bid is more or less the same, adding that they did
away with some of the areas. She explained that the Public Safety
Department; the Police Department and 911 decided that they wanted to do
their own janitorial instead of hiring other people. She related that a
lot of that is because anyone entering that building has to have special
permission and have background checks and they felt it would be better
for the City if they did it in-house. She explained that portion was
taken off the normal janitorial place. She then related that last year
when they went out for bid, the Parks and Recreation Community Center and
Martin Street building had a janitorial service that they were happy with
but this year they decided to go out for bid on it. She added that the
bid was changed to add those buildings.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Mashburn to accept the low bid
from Sharp Cleaning Service in the amount of $700.00 for City Hall,
$2,800.00 for the Community Center, and $480.00 for the Martin Street
building.
Finance Director Cheryl Erkel then answered Alderman Mashburn that she
believes Sharp Cleaning Service is out of Sherwood. She then answered
Alderman Bolden that the Fire Department does its own buildings.
At this time, MOTION CARRIED.
c. STATE OF THE CITY by Mayor Fletcher
When one reflects back on 2014, it could easily be said it was a year of
major announcements and accomplishments.
The year started out with the decision from Federal Judge D. Price
Marshall, Jr. in January to allow Jacksonville/North Pulaski to bring the
issue of separation from Pulaski County Special School District to the
voters. In what is probably the most decisive election ever, the voters
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGUALR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 15, 2015
7:00 P.M. – 7:38 P.M.
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elected to create a new school district on September 16 with 95%
approval. However, it was not until the State Board of Education
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approved a seven member interim school board on November 13 that birth
was given to the new school district. A journey of more than 30 years in
the making by many hard working individuals persevering through many
frustrating road blocks finally paid off with a clear commitment for
higher quality education in terms of progress, facilities and personnel,
desiring to see the envelope pushed to its highest levels. This year,
important decisions will be made that will chart the course for the new
Jacksonville/North Pulaski School District concerning District
boundaries, policies, plans for facilities both new and remodeled, a new
superintendent, and a new elected school board in September. The new
School District will help our City to reclaim many of the young families
lost in the past due to the dissatisfaction and neglect our students and
parents suffered over the past several decades. This will also help to
grow our City in terms of residential expansion and industrial
recruitment where education standards are so important for our children
and our future workforce.
The Arkansas Game & Fish Foundation Shooting Facility on Graham Road
opened early in 2014. All the experts told us that if 750,000 rounds
were shot a year for the first 5 years, it would be deemed a success. We
have surpassed that target with 952,000 rounds and we are still a few
weeks away from its first year anniversary. This has not only been a
success for the City in drawing people from around the country to
Jacksonville, but has also been a great boost for the local businesses
who have been able to broaden their customer base. We have plans to grow
our facilities this year with 40 newly constructed RV sites and 20 3D
archery range stations. All the hard work of securing and construction
this joint facility was definitely a bull’s-eye for the City and will
serve as a source of recreation for generations to come.
As baby boomers age, the need for quality healthcare increases.
Jacksonville’s healthcare future is becoming more secure as recent
announcements were made concerning the construction of a major medical
campus that will bring specialists back to Jacksonville and complement
our outstanding general practice physicians. Along with a specialist
facility, there will be an outpatient surgical clinic that will
accommodate our community with quality state of the art medical
procedures - moving Jacksonville well into the future, thus keeping
Jacksonville on the cutting edge as a leader in the area of healthcare.
I believe this will not only be a plus regarding the quality of life for
our citizens, but offers a great incentive in attracting retirees who
are looking to relocate after retirement and want the convenience of
exceptional medical care.
We must work this year to replace Parks playground equipment, fire
engines, and police cars that have served beyond their life expectancy
and usefulness. We must also work to secure more long-term revenue
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 15, 2015
7:00 P.M. – 7:38 P.M.
streams to operate the City, reward employees for their sacrifices and
service with pay and benefits, as well as maintain infrastructure that
keeps the City moving forward in growth and prosperity. This becomes
more challenging for cities as money that cities relied upon in the past
becomes less reliable due to the changing spending and buying habits of
today’s consumers taking more money out of the local economy. While
these are challenging, they must be met with new ideas so that cities can
meet the needs and quality of life our citizens expect and want.
All one has to do is read through the detailed accounts of each
individual Department regarding this past year and realize this has been
a very active year for the City of Jacksonville. There are a lot of
moving parts that keep her running as smoothly as she does. Those parts
are people both paid and volunteer, that care about the quality of life
and constantly strive to make Jacksonville better.
Just as in all of our personal lives, relationships with others have some
of the greatest impacts upon who we are and where we are going, so it is
with the community. 2014 was a year that several relationships were
established and others deepened, bringing promise and hope for a new,
more economically sound future for our great City. From out of State
developers who recognized and believed as many of us, that Jacksonville
is primed with great opportunities to small business owners, who follow
their passion and stick their neck out financially and are willing to
work hard to grow a successful business. I am moved every time at a
ribbon cutting by the optimism in the face and hearts of new business
owners, ready to make the sacrifices necessary to better their lives and
families. And of course, there are relationships that helped build
Jacksonville’s largest tourist attraction, the Arkansas Game & Fish
Foundation Shooting Range, which will bring great financial strength to
our local economy for years to come.
In closing, I would like to thank the great citizens of Jacksonville for
their continued support both verbally and by vote. It is also
encouraging to work with a city council that is focused on the big
picture of moving forward as we redevelop Jacksonville, emerging into a
great city of the future. Like most things in life, this has not
happened quickly, but it is coming for certain. A special appreciation
goes to all those who give of their time to serve our city through boards
and civic organizations. The service you bring to this community
elevates our city to higher levels. You make a difference because your
heart is making the world better than you found it. In today’s world,
that becomes even rarer, thus making you more treasured and valuable to
us all. To all the employees that collectively make Jacksonville what
it is through your gifts and talents that help provide the quality of
life we all enjoy, I want to say a special thank you. I hear from
citizens and visitors on a constant basis how impressed they are by your
performance. The services you provide daily and many times without notice
or fanfare do not go unnoticed or unappreciated. These are exciting
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 15, 2015
7:00 P.M. – 7:38 P.M.
times that we are in today because I know of no other city that has as
much to look forward to as Jacksonville. As this great work unfolds, let
us never forget the harvest we will enjoy is a result of the hard work of
those who have labored so hard in the past. God bless our City.
APPOINTMENTS:
ANNOUNCMENTS: Mayor Fletcher announced the upcoming town hall meetings
for Ward 1 will be held January 20, 2015 at 6:30 p.m.; Ward 4 will be
held January 26, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. at the Jacksonville Community Center.
Alderman Mashburn announced that there would be a neighborhood watch
meeting on Friday, January 16, 2015 at the Nixon Library staring at 1:00
p.m.
Mayor Fletcher encouraged all neighborhoods to consider starting a
neighborhood watch. He stated that neighborhood watches have a positive
effect on the neighborhoods as well as helping the Police Department.
ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Fletcher adjourned the meeting at
approximately 7:38 p.m. MOTION CARRIED.
Respectfully,
________________________ _________________________
Susan L. Davitt MAYOR GARY FLETCHER
City Clerk-Treasurer
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