15 MAR 19
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 19, 2015
7:00 P.M. – 7:42 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 March 19, 2015 at the regular meeting place of the City
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, 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, Bill Ross, City Engineer Jay Whisker,
Public Works Director Jim Oakley, 911 Director Tabby Hughes, Police Chief
Kenny Boyd, Fire Chief Alan Laughy, CDBG Director Theresa Watson, IT
Director Scott Rothlisberger, Wastewater Manager Thea Hughes, Planning
Commissioner Jim Moore, Jennifer Martin, Johnny Simpson, interested
citizens, and members of the press.
PRESENTATION OF MINUTES:
Mayor Fletcher presented the minutes of the regular City Council meeting
of February 19, 2015 for approval and/or correction at the next regularly
scheduled City Council meeting.
APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES:
Alderman Bolden moved, seconded by Alderman Howard that the minutes of
the regular City Council meeting of 5 February 2015 be APPROVED. MOTION
CARRIED.
CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Twitty to approve the regular
monthly report for February 2015.
PERMITS/LICENSE ISSUED INSPECTIONS PERFORMED
Building Permits 7 Building Inspections 13
Business Licenses 12 Electrical 24
Plumbing 17
HVACR 8
REGULAR MONTH REPORT/ANIMAL CONTROL
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Twitty to approve the regular
monthly report for February 2015.
ADOPTION FEES/FINES $2,075.00
CONTRIBUTIONS 0.00
TOTALS $2,075.00
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 19, 2015
7:00 P.M. – 7:42 P.M.
REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/POLICE DEPARTMENT
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Twitty to approve the Regular
Monthly Report for February 2015 regarding annual crime statistical
comparisons.
REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/FIRE DEPARTMENT
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Twitty to approve the regular
monthly report for February 2015 from the Jacksonville Fire Department,
reflecting a fire loss of $8,000.00 and a savings total of $67,000.00.
ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn,
Traylor, Twitty, Smith and Howard voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED.
WATER DEPARTMENT:
WASTEWATER DEPARTMENTS: DEVIATION IN AGENDA
Mayor Fletcher related that Wastewater Manager Thea Hughes was featured
on the cover of the national publication of Municipal Sewer and Water
regarding an article titled Sealing the System. He noted that Ms. Hughes
as well as many key members of her staff is in attendance. Mayor
Fletcher extended his pride in the Jacksonville Wastewater Utility and
the staff.
Wastewater Manager Thea Hughes stated that she and her staff are ecstatic
to be featured in the national magazine, noting that the magazine is
distributed nationwide throughout the water and wastewater industry. She
related that there has been a lot of recognition and interest from other
cities regarding their programs and procedures. She related that most of
the article is involved in their rehabilitation programs and the great
success with inflow and infiltration. She acknowledged the Wastewater
staff and introduced Paul Richards, Luke Avery, Warren Miller, Bill, and
Cathy Reed.
The City Council congratulated Wastewater Manager Thea Hughes and the
staff.
RESUME AGENDA:
FIRE DEPARTMENT:
POLICE DEPARTMENT:
STREET DEPARTMENT:
SANITATION DEPARTMENT: RESOLUTION 725 (#1-2015)
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE TO ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT OF OBLIGATION WITH THE ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY FOR THE CITY’S SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL FACILITY; AND, FOR OTHER
PURPOSES
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to read Resolution 725
(#1-2015).
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 19, 2015
7:00 P.M. – 7:42 P.M.
City Attorney Bamburg explained that Resolution 725 is a renewal
regarding satisfying State requirements for the composting facilities.
He clarified that the City has to have a permit for composting and in
order to have the permit the City has to meet the obligation of being
able to cover the financial obligation of closing the composting facility
should there be a necessity to do so. He noted this is a renewal repeat
of the last 5-year contract.
MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of
Resolution 725 (#1-2015).
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary to approve Resolution
725 (#1-2015) in its entirety.
City Attorney Bamburg concurred with Alderman Traylor that the $25,000.00
is reserved separately in the budget.
At this time, MOTION CARRIED.
PARKS & RECREATION:
PLANNING COMMISSION: REZONING The Meadow Subdivision Lots 18-35 from R-1
to R-2
Mayor Fletcher stated that the rezoning is being removed from the agenda
at the request of the developer, adding that it will be brought back
possibly at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting.
GENERAL: a. PUBLIC HEARING
ORDINANCE 1525 (#5-2015)
AN ORDINANCE VACATING AND CLOSING A PORTION OF HENRY STREET,
JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS (GENERAL LOCATION: THAT PORTION OF HENRY STREET
BETWEEN SMART STREET AND RAY ROAD, JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS); AND, FOR
OTHER PURPOSES.
Mayor Fletcher opened the public hearing at approximately 7:08 p.m.
City Engineer Jay Whisker demonstrated on the monitors that Henry Street
runs between the Mount Pisgah Church and its parking lot. He explained
that the Street has been used by Mount Pisgah Church for parking. He
noted that the Church is building a new life center and are requesting
that the Street be closed as they replat their property. He then answered
that the Street would become part of the Church’s property and would be
used for parking.
Mr. Johnny Simpson questioned what the purpose for the road would be.
City Engineer Whisker reiterated that the road has always been used by
Mount Pisgah Church. He then noted that Church Street is about ½ a block
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 19, 2015
7:00 P.M. – 7:42 P.M.
from the Mount Pisgah Church. He stated that closing the street would
not impede traffic. He then concurred with Alderman Traylor that Mount
Pisgah would use the street to expand their parking area.
City Engineer Whisker then concurred with Alderman McCleary that it would
be a safety concern for Church pedestrians. He explained that closing
the Street would offer the Church an opportunity to address traffic
coming onto the property.
In response to a question from Alderman Twitty, City Engineer Whisker
stated that the street is not used often for through traffic.
Alderman Bolden clarified that it is a very short street and on Sunday it
becomes a part of the Church’s parking, adding that it would not impact
traffic flow of the area.
Chief Boyd stated that the Police Department would not be affected by the
street closure.
With no one else wishing to speak during the public hearing, Mayor
Fletcher closed the public hearing at approximately 7:14 p.m.
Alderman Howard moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden that Ordinance 1525 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 1525.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to APPROVE Ordinance
1525 on FIRST READING and suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1525 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 1525.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to further suspend the
rules and place Ordinance 1525 on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL CALL:
Alderman Bolden, McCleary, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Smith and
Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney
Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1525.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary that Ordinance 1525 be
APPROVED AND ADOPTED. ROLL CALL: Alderman Bolden, McCleary, Ray,
Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Smith and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION
CARRIED.
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ORDINANCE 1525 (#5-2015) APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 19 DAY OF MARCH,
2015
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 19, 2015
7:00 P.M. – 7:42 P.M.
b. CDBG 2015 Annual Action Plan
In response to a question from Alderman Ray, CDBG Director Theresa Watson
related that their current project is to replace the swings at the Boys
and Girls Club. She then answered that she consistently receives request
for help regarding rehabbing residential sewer lines. She noted that in
2014, they replaced five sewer lines and one street cut. She added that
she received a call today from a citizen requesting an application to
have their sewer line replaced.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden to approve the purposed
2015 CDBG Action Plan. MOTION CARRIED.
c. CDBG 2014 CAPER Consolidated Annual Performance & Evaluation Report
Director Watson reported that in 2014 they received a total of
$292,105.00 for projects. She stated that with those funds they
completed 10 CDBG rehabs/sewer line replacements, one City sewer, and two
care with color 16 Snap projects. She then explained that Snap is a
special needs program in association with Arvest Bank and Federal Home
Loan in Dallas. She related that $9,950.00 was spent on elderly
transportation programs, adding that a demolition for east Main Street
came in at $10,490.00, and two public improvement projects that totaled
$8,300.00. She explained that each year HUD allows them to spend 20% of
total funds on admin cost, pointing out that last year they only spent
17.6%. She added that they are also allowed 15% to be spent for public
service of which they only spent 9.67%.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary to approve the CDBG
2014 CAPER Consolidated Annual Performance & Evaluation Report as
submitted. MOTION CARRIED.
d. Introduction of energy audit regarding City facilities
Mayor Fletcher introduced Kerry Becton and Joseph Hurla of 360 Energy
Engineers.
He explained that most of the City’s facilities were built in the 70’s,
and 360 Energy Engineers would be a good way to evaluate those facilities
regarding energy consumption and what could be done to save the City
money in the long run.
Mr. Joe Hurla addressed the City Council, concurring with Mayor Fletcher
that they are in the process of performing an energy audit for the City
and evaluating opportunities for facility upgrades. He stated that they
would be coming back before the City Council in a few months with the
final report.
He stated that 360 Energy Engineers is an independent engineering firm
providing not only design engineering services, but also construction
management, as well as other engineering services related to the
implementation of facility improvements, infrastructure improvement
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 19, 2015
7:00 P.M. – 7:42 P.M.
projects focused primarily on energy conservation improvement. He stated
that 360 is operated under the guidance of the Willdan Group, which is a
national engineering firm founded in 1964. He added that their
performance contracting group started in 2010, and has primarily been
doing projects in the mid-west and southeast region over the last several
years. He noted that Kerry Becton has worked extensively with the
University of Arkansas, City of Harrison, Boone County and other
municipal clients in Arkansas. He explained that when they began in
2010, the performance contracting concept was not a new concept,
explaining that their focus has been to specialize in small to mid-sized
projects. He noted that within the performance contracting industry, a
$5 million plus project is generally the target, adding that his group
identified that there was an underserved clientele that included smaller
communities or more rural communities across city and county governments,
hospitals, and schools.
He explained that a turnkey performance-based facility improvements
project or performance contract is a facility or infrastructure
improvement project that is a mechanism to help a municipal client
improve their facilities and infrastructure to utilize the energy savings
that they are able to generate to pay back the cost of the project over a
period of time. He stated that their goal is to identify a project for
the City that is “cash neutral”. He added that Mayor Fletcher has been
clear; there is not a tremendous amount of money to be spent right now on
projects of this nature, which will be taken into account during the
process. He stated that they are trying to identify opportunities to
reduce the utility consumption significantly enough that the reduction
will pay for the cost of the improvements over time. He related that one
unique facet of a performance contracting project, is that it also
contains a financing vehicle. He explained that they are able to procure
financing on the City’s behalf so the City could finance the cost of a
project over a series of years, typically 10 to 15 years. Allowing the
City to pay the cost of the project back without expending any additional
dollars that are currently being expended and the City would have
improved facilities in the mean time.
He related that they have included a partial list of measure that they
would be evaluating; pointing out that every project is tailored to the
individual client. He stated that they would identify the scope of the
project during the preliminary engineering audit. He stated that items
common within their projects are HVAC, optimization of those systems,
lighting system upgrades such as LED lighting, lighting controls,
building envelopes which include windows, roofs, and doorways, water and
wastewater treatment. He related that they have looked at the water and
wastewater facilities and they believe there may be some opportunities to
improve efficiency. He then related that there are other common items
that have been ruled out, noting the recent installation of new water
meters with an automated meter reading system.
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 19, 2015
7:00 P.M. – 7:42 P.M.
He reviewed the major steps in the process as:
1) Collaborative Workshop, which is being done tonight.
2) Preliminary Engineering Audit – this step is already underway and is
an overview that is performed at no cost to the City. An initial
evaluation conducted with no obligation to develop a preliminary list of
the opportunities within City facilities including an estimated cost and
anticipated energy savings for each measure. The goal is to offer a
realistic preview of what a project would look like so the City Council
can make an informed decision as to whether to pursue further. If the
City Council decides to move forward the next steps will follow.
3) Investment Grade Audit, where the City makes a financial commitment.
He stated that they would develop final bid packages for contractors on
the City’s behalf and come back with firm pricing and the final scope of
the project with a guaranteed energy savings number.
4) Final Project Approval.
5) Project Implementation – the City would authorize the upgrades. He
added that they would serve as the general contractor of the project to
ensure that everything is implemented, commissioned properly, and
operating as efficiently as possible.
6) Performance Maximization - he stated that the final step would be for
them to have a representative assigned to the City to make sure that
everything installed operates efficiently in terms of energy, comfort and
maintenance as possible. He stated that they would continue to be
involved with track energy savings, reconciling that savings over the
course of a period of time.
He then reviewed examples of previous projects to demonstrate project
cost and annual savings.
He informed the City Council that they would probably return within two
months to share the findings of the preliminary engineering audit, adding
that the investment grade audit will take a few months. He stated that
if the City Council decides to move forward it will be at least six
months before any work can actually begin.
Alderman Elliott questioned if when they return with the preliminary
engineering audit would the guaranteed energy savings be done on actual
dollars from the budget or are they calculated cost of audit.
Mr. Hurla stated that it would be calculated based on units of energy
that can be saved at each facility and then it would be tracked on the
utility bills so it would be savings within the budget. He added that
this would be identified within the preliminary audit, pointing out that
it does not become guaranteed until the investment grade audit. He then
related that typically they do not deviate more than 5%. He stated that
their protocols require that they prove the savings on the utility bills.
Mayor Fletcher pointed out that there are also grant monies and financing
available to help.
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 19, 2015
7:00 P.M. – 7:42 P.M.
Mr. Hurla stated that they would evaluate different grant opportunities
as well as utility incentives. He related that they can procure
financing at very good interest rates, mentioning 2.67%.
Ms. Becton stated that the project could also be considered for multi-
phases.
APPOINTMENTS: A&P COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary to approve the
reappointment of Jim Hurley for a term to expire 3/31/2019 and the
appointment of Billy Hall for a term to expire 3/31/2019. MOTION CARRIED.
ANNOUNCMENTS: Town Hall Meeting for Ward 3, March 20, 2015 starting at
6:00 p.m. at West Side Baptist Church.
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Citywide Cleanup will be Saturday, April 4 at 9:00 a.m. Recycling
Center 1300 Marshall Road.
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Registration has started for the 81 Annual Arkansas Municipal League
Convention to be held in Little Rock June 24-26 2015.
Mr. Bill Ross stated that he is representing the Executive Board of
Directors for the Greater Little Rock Home Builders Association, relating
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that they are having their 2 Annual Trap Shoot at the Shooting Complex.
He noted that they choose to return to the Shooting Complex this year,
complimenting the previous year’s experience. He stated that there are
plans to double the event this year. He noted that he also sits on the
Executive Board of Directors for the State Home Builders Association,
saying that his hope is to bring something on a larger scale, possibly
enriching more lives in the City of Jacksonville, possibly building a new
home or two for someone that might need that. He related that this is
down the road, but they are talking about doing some larger scale things
in Jacksonville. He invited everyone to attend the upcoming event. He
said that they would be selling raffle tickets, mentioning that his
company donated $2,000.00 and the tickets are $10.00 each. He stated
that the benefit is for Habitat for Humanity and the Greater Little Rock
HBA, both are wonderful non-profits that give back to the communities in
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Pulaski County. The event will be held Saturday, April 11.
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Mayor Fletcher stated that he attended the 1 event, commending the
excellence of the event. He expressed his thankfulness for bringing
Little Rock to Jacksonville.
Alderman Bolden challenged his fellow Aldermen to donate.
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He then noted that on March 29 there would be a Community Understanding
Police Procedures meeting held at the Jacksonville Community Center
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 19, 2015
7:00 P.M. – 7:42 P.M.
He encouraged everyone to attend, saying that the purpose is to make sure
the community understands that Jacksonville Police Department is pro-
community. He noted the recent national negative press regarding police
officers, saying that this is not true in Jacksonville and the meeting is
to clarify how one should react when approached by police officers. He
commended Chief Boyd and the Police Department regarding their efforts to
educate, noting that Jacksonville Police have been proactive by
implementing body cameras for the officers.
Alderman McCleary announced that Wards 2 would host a Town Hall meeting
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March 31 at the Jacksonville Senior Center starting at 6:00 p.m.
Floyd McMurtrey, president and founder of the Arkansas Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; stated that he is asking the City
Council to stop euthanizing animals. He stated that the City should have
a No Kill policy.
Mayor Fletcher stated that the Animal Shelter has been moving in that
direction, noting that the adoption rates have risen. He stated that the
Department has great volunteers and all efforts are to move in that
direction.
ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Fletcher adjourned the meeting at
approximately 7:42 p.m. MOTION CARRIED.
Respectfully,
________________________ _________________________
Susan L. Davitt MAYOR GARY FLETCHER
City Clerk-Treasurer
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