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15 MAY 07 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 7, 2015 7:00 P.M. – 8:02 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 7, 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. 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 SIX (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, Parks and Recreation Director Kevin House, Police Chief Kenny Boyd, Fire Chief Alan Laughy, CDBG Director Theresa Watson, IT Director Scott Rothlisberger, 911 Director Tabby Hughes, Glenda Fletcher, Jennifer Martin, Lynette Culpepper, April Kiser, Jim Moore, Chad Young, Bill Spivey, Jeff Twitty, Patrick Thomas, Floyd McMurtry, and interested citizens, and members of the press. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Fletcher presented the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of April 16, 2015 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 April 2015 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/ANIMAL CONTROL Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to approve the regular monthly report for April 2015. ADOPTION FEES/FINES $1,385.00 CONTRIBUTIONS 0.00 TOTALS $1,385.00 ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Smith and Howard voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. WATER DEPARTMENT: WASTEWATER DEPARTMENTS: FIRE DEPARTMENT: POLICE DEPARTMENT: DISCUSSION SAFE LOCATION FOR SOCIAL TRANSACTIONS Police Chief Boyd stated that he wanted to update everyone regarding Police Department community relations. He showed a public announcement video to be released by the Police Department regarding a safe location for social transactions for people using Craigslist and various websites 1 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 7, 2015 7:00 P.M. – 8:02 P.M. to buy or sale products. He related that other Police Departments are doing this as well. He stated that the video would be launched on Facebook and Twitter. He noted that there is a website (searchmyinventory.com) that has a link to find a safe location for trade transaction and the Jacksonville Police Department is listed. He related that he has researched through legal counsel and there are no liability issues. Mayor Fletcher noted that another result from a citizen suggestion is that the Engineering Department will now be registering home-based storm shelters. This will allow search and rescue to identify areas where citizens may have become trapped from fallen debris during storms. SANITATION DEPARTMENT: PARKS & RECREATION: PLANNING COMMISSION: GENERAL: a. SECOND READING ORDINANCE 1526 (#6-2015) AN ORDINANCE DESIGNATING THE DISTRICT COURT CLERK AS THE OFFICIAL RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COLLECTION OF FINES ASSESSED IN DISTRICT COURT FOR THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary that Ordinance 1526 be placed on SECOND READING. City Attorney Bamburg reviewed from the last meeting that Ordinance 1526 is regarding a state law passed asking cities to designate a person to be responsible for the collector of fines. 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 1526. Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary to accept Ordinance 1526 on SECOND READING and suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1526 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 1526. Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden that Ordinance 1526 be APPROVED AND ADOPTED. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Smith and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Th ORDINANCE 1526 (#6-2015) APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 7 DAY OF MAY, 2015. 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 7, 2015 7:00 P.M. – 8:02 P.M. b. RESOLUTION 726 (#2-2015) A RESOLUTION AUTHROZING THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO ENTER INTO A REVISED PULASKI AREA GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (PAGIS) INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. City Engineer Whisker related the City has an Interlocal agreement inside the Pulaski area regarding the GIS system, adding that Sherwood would like to join. He stated that it would bring in more people and more money. He explained that PAGIS helps create maps for Pulaski County that are used to track land, water, sewer, and storm drains. He related that this would be beneficial for everyone. He then related that it would not result in extra fees for the City and with the additional funds from Sherwood it will allow for more projects. City Attorney Bamburg clarified the agreement is the same as the one adopted in 2006 or 07’ except for addition of Sherwood, pointing out that there are no other changes. Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden to read Resolution 726 (#2-2014). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Resolution 726 (#2-2015). Alderman Bolden moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary to approve Resolution 726 (#2-2015) in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED. c. ORDINANCE 1527 (#7-2015) AN ORDINANCE REVISING THE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT FOR FIBER OPTIC CABLE, DATA MANAGEMENT, DIGITAL INFORMATION SERVICES, AND ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES WITHIN THE CITY WITH WINDSTREAM COMMUNICATIONS; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. City Attorney Bamburg related that the original franchise agreement was adopted by City Council in the latter part of 2014. He explained that due to changes in the State law and supposed upcoming changes in Federal law, the agreement has been modified to reduce the rate to the same rate paid by everyone else. He noted that the agreement goes back to the original date of when Windstream installed cables in the easements. He added that Windstream has been cooperative during the process. Alderman Twitty moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden that Ordinance 1527 be placed on FIRST READING. In response to a question from Alderman Traylor, City Attorney Bamburg stated that the rate was 5%, which is being lowered to 4.25%. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Bolden, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Smith, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). Alderman McCleary abstained. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1527. 3 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 7, 2015 7:00 P.M. – 8:02 P.M. Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Twitty to APPROVE Ordinance 1527 on FIRST READING and suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1527 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Bolden, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Smith, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). Alderman McCleary abstained. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1527. Alderman Twitty moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to further suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1527 on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Bolden, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Smith, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). Alderman McCleary abstained. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1527. Alderman Bolden moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing that Ordinance 1527 be APPROVED AND ADOPTED. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Bolden, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Smith and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). Alderman McCleary abstained. MOTION CARRIED. TH ORDINANCE 1527 (#7-2015) APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 7 DAY OF MAY, 2015. d. ORDINANCE 1528 (#8-2015) AN ORDINANCE MODIFYING OF THE JACKSONVILLE MUNICIPAL CODE § 3.08.004 \[PURCHASING MANUAL\]; ADOPTING MODIFICATIONS TO BIDDING AND PURCHASING PROCESSES AND PROCEDURES; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Twitty that Ordinance 1528 be placed on FIRST READING. Finance Director Cheryl Erkel stated that the current purchasing manual is outdated, explaining that the outdated manual reflects when procurement was performed by the Purchasing Department, adding that now the Purchasing and Finance Departments are one. She related that this manual provides more information for the Directors regarding the process and procedures. She stated that the manual follows the Jacksonville Municipal Code and is more of a procedures type manual. She also related that the limits are set by ordinance and are not changing. City Attorney Bamburg stated that the Finance and Human Resource Departments changed software so the Departments had to make procedural changes. ROLL CALL: Aldermen 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 1528. 4 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 7, 2015 7:00 P.M. – 8:02 P.M. Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Mashburn to APPROVE Ordinance 1528 on FIRST READING and suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1528 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 1528. Alderman Bolden moved, seconded by Alderman Mashburn to further suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1528 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 1528. Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Mashburn that Ordinance 1528 be APPROVED AND ADOPTED. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Smith and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing that the EMERGENCY CLAUSE be approved and adopted. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Smith and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. TH ORDINANCE 1528 (#8-2015) APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 7 DAY OF MAY, 2015. e. RESOLUTION 728 (#4-2015) AN RESOLUTION AUTHROIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS, IN COOPERATIION WITH THE UNDERWRITER, TRUSTEE, AND BOND COUNSEL, TO PROCEED WITH MATTERS PRELIMNARY TO THE ISSUANCE OF APPROXIMATELY EIGHT MILLION SEVEN HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($8,700,000.00) IN PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT CONSTRUCTION, EQUIPMENT, AND REFUNDING REVENUE BONDS, IN ONE OR MORE SERIES OF BONDS, TO FINANCE IMPROVEMENTS, CAPITAL EQUIPMENT, BETTERMENTS, AND EXTENSIONS OF SERVICE TO THE CITIZENS OF THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS; TO REFUND CERTAIN OUTSTANDING DEBT OF THE CITY; TO PREPARE AND CIRCULATE A PRELIMINARY OFFICIAL STATEMENT AND RELATED DOCUMENTS; DECLARING EXPENDITURES FROM THE PROCEEDS OF THE BONDS; AND, PRESCRIBING OTHER MATTERS RELATING THERETO. Alderman Bolden moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary to read Resolution 726 (#2-2015). Finance Director Cheryl Erkel stated that she has obtained several quotes from various underwriters regarding the bond issue. She explained that the bond issue would pay off three outstanding loans; along with purchasing new fire trucks, parks equipment and playground equipment, and other items. 5 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 7, 2015 7:00 P.M. – 8:02 P.M. She referenced a handout regarding a comparison of the underwriters and trustees, pointing out that Stephens, Inc. has the best offer regarding the underwriters, which will provide more money for the projects. She stated that the total principal and interest over the 15-year bonds was less with Stephens than the other two comparisons. She stated that regarding the trustees, First Arkansas Bank came in with the lowest total costs. She stated that is why Stephens and First Arkansas Bank were chosen. She related that once the Bond Issue is approved it will take approximately 90 days to complete, adding that it will be the end of July or beginning of August before the City receives any monies to pay off the existing loans. She noted that the Ordinance states there is a total of 5.5 million in outstanding loans, offering that she has the breakdown for each of the three loans. Mayor Fletcher stated that there are presentations regarding funding for the remaining bond monies. In response to a question from Alderman Traylor, Finance Director Cheryl Erkel then answered that there is roughly 1.6 million outstanding on the Capital Improvement loan, 1.9 million on the Motorola 911 equipment loan, and 2.0 million on the Shooting Range after the July payments are made. She then answered that regarding the promised 2 million from the Arkansas Game and Fish, so far the City has received $562,500.00, so they still have 1.4 million still due. Mayor Fletcher noted that the 1.4 million from the Arkansas Game and Fish should be paid in the next 2 years and a few months, Finance Director Cheryl Erkel concurred. He then stated that this Bond Issue will free up cash flow, noting that currently the City is paying approximately $150,000 monthly. He stated that this will allow the City to lower payments and do some desperately needed projects as well as equipment. Finance Director Cheryl Erkel noted that the monthly payment would be approximately $68,000 monthly, which is a big decrease in the monthly outflow. City Attorney Bamburg clarified that Resolution 728 (#4-2015) is the first step in the process, adding that an Ordinance will be brought back to the City Council before the bonds are issued. Parks and Recreation Director Kevin House stated that he would like to start his presentation regarding the Splash Zone. He introduced Chad Young to show preliminary drawings for the expansion of Splash Zone. Mr. Chad Young of Wittenberg, Delony & Davidson Architects offered a three phase expansion project for Splash Zone. He noted repair work regarding the existing shallow water pool. He showed an area to the east of the existing pools, offering some conception ideas for creating a 6 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 7, 2015 7:00 P.M. – 8:02 P.M. multi-stage master plan. He stated that the overall concept creates a splash pad as the first phase that is adjacent to the slides, followed by different pools to the east with bigger slides and pools; going further east there would be even larger spiral slides that start off 50 to 60 feet in the air and creating some type of lazy river that runs around the entire grounds that is connected by a series of bridges from the existing Splash Zone across the lazy river into the new part. He stated that part of the expansion would be adding onto the concessions, lockers, and pumps, explaining that the new water facilities would require additional pumps. He noted an area for expanding the existing parking to the north of the facility. He then added that there could be a zip-line from the top of the hill that would end up in the center pool. He offered examples of various types of water features. He stated that the first phase would include the splash pad and water features as well as repairs to the shallow pool. Discussion ensued regarding the depth of repairs needed for the toddler pool as well as the need for a new play structure. Mayor Fletcher explained that it would take many years to complete the master plan for Splash Zone, adding that it would be undertaken in steps. He added that Splash Zone is the most popular thing offered by the City, adding that attendance maxes out every year. He noted that 350 is the maximum amount allowed and children are turned away. He stated that the facility is now 10 years old, expressing enthusiasm for the expansion to keep the facility fresh and new. In response to a question from Alderman Elliott, Parks and Recreation Director House answered that phase 1 would expand the capacity ability. He stated that adding the splash pad, depending on the size, would certainly increase the capacity. He then answered Alderman Bolden that he would not have to increase the number of life guards with the addition of the splash pad. He stated that with the additional phases, additional life guards would be necessary. Director House then related that another project being proposed is to replace a piece of equipment at Marshall Smith Park. He noted that because of safety issues a piece of equipment had to be removed last year. He illustrated a proposed piece of equipment that is approximate in size to the one that had to be removed, adding that it has about the same number of play features. Mayor Fletcher stated that the Park is utilized more than is thought, noting that yesterday the Park had two school buses waiting to use the swings. He then confirmed with Director House that it would take up to 6 to 8 weeks for delivery. Director House stated that if the Bond Issue is approved, the other major item he would request is exercise equipment for the Community Center. 7 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 7, 2015 7:00 P.M. – 8:02 P.M. He then noted that much of the existing equipment is original to the Center so it is approximately 20 years old, adding that it has been repaired and it just simply at the end of its life. In response to a question from Alderman Twitty, Director House answered that he has met with a group regarding handicap equipment for the Parks, saying that they are considering developing that type of playground for the area outside Dupree where the apartment buildings were demolished. He noted that a group out of Missouri called Unlimited Play specialized in this type of equipment, which is inclusive of all disabilities. He added that he would be happy to forward the presentation to City Council. He then noted that in order to do an inclusive playground at Marshall Smith Park it would run approximately $300,000 plus. He noted that the equipment purchased being proposed is around $54,000 to $56,000. He then related that along with replacing a piece of equipment at Marshall Smith Park, he is also proposing to demolish and rebuild or at least remodel the bathrooms. Alderman Elliott noted the grant possibilities associated with the development of an all-inclusive playground. Chief Laughy addressed the City Council regarding the possibility for renovations for the Central Fire Station and vehicle acquisitions. He used a PowerPoint presentation to demonstrate living conditions at the Central Fire Station. He noted that the Central Station is where the bulk of visitors come into. He demonstrated various roof leaks that have damaged the inside roof tiles that are visible from the front door of Station. The City Council viewed other slides and Chief Laughy explained that he would like to move the living quarters from upstairs to the lower flood, utilizing the training room, which is now mostly unused due to the training rooms available at the new Public Safety Building. He demonstrated several windows that are damaged and unable to completely closed. He stated that the facility has two kitchens, but he would propose to expand and make one commercial kitchen. He noted that they have already replaced the existing commercial range, explaining that the new one should arrive in about a week. He demonstrated the need to replace the kitchen cabinetry. He noted that with a diverse work force, the sleeping quarters need to be redesigned, also demonstrating 50 years of wear and tear on the furniture and lockers. He demonstrated the cramped quarters and cited safety concerns regarding fire alarms. He stated that the Station needs nine sleeping quarters, adding that they would like to have private sleeping quarters. He noted that fire service is moving toward having sleeping quarters downstairs, explaining that there are too many injuries associated with fire poles. He stated that the Station has one stairwell and when there is a fire alarm, there are eight firefighters running down the stairwell. He noted that these circumstances prime for injuries. 8 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 7, 2015 7:00 P.M. – 8:02 P.M. He stated that amazingly, not one firefighter has complained, saying that they have just made do. He then reviewed a points list provided to City Council regarding Central Station renovations.  Private bedrooms instead of open bay area.  Move bedrooms downstairs instead of upstairs.  Move offices from downstairs to upstairs.  Consolidate two kitchens into one commercial kitchen.  Other concerns: new ceiling tiles, paint, furniture, electrical and plumbing work, energy conservation lights, HVAC systems, windows, and insulation. Vehicle Purchase Chief Laughy related that he conducted a vehicle fleet report for Mayor Fletcher on February 27, 2014, stating that Jacksonville has the oldest vehicle fleet of paid departments of comparable size with an average age of almost 26 years. He outlined the maintenance and repair issues, noting that engines 5 & 6 failed their pump test, engine 5 was sold and engine 6 is for reserve. He related that in 2014, $36,148 was spent for repair costs, saying that if they had the proper fleet they would have spent $25,000 to $30,000 at the most. He then noted that so far in 2015 they have spent over $11,000 in repair cost, which does not include the ambulance service, averaging approximately $3,000 monthly for fire truck repairs. He then related that in the last two years they have had to have ambulances and fire trucks towed 7 times, six of which were due to mechanical, electrical, pneumatic failure. He noted that most of the tows have occurred following the incident. He stated that on average they are calling for a two every 120 days. He stated that NFPA 1901 is the standard for automotive fire apparatus, which states that any vehicle over 15 years old should no longer be used for first line fire fighting. It has to be put in as a backup reserve vehicle after it has been refurbished. He stated that once a vehicle is 25 years old, it is suppose to be replaced. He then related that the National Fire Protection Handbook offers guidance as to how many engines are necessary for response. He explained that on average they respond with two engines and a ladder truck for residential and small businesses. He added that for apartments, mercantile, and industrial the response is with three engines and one ladder truck. He stated that in order to maintain the City’s ISO rating, they must maintain their reserve engine status, noting that engine six in reserve has not passed its pump test. He added that they are not required to have a reserve ladder truck. He related that if a ladder truck and two fire engines are purchased they will have in fleet one new ladder truck, 9 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 7, 2015 7:00 P.M. – 8:02 P.M. two new fire engines, engine 3 would be 6 years old, engine 4 would be 10 years old and the reserve engine would be 15 years old, which will line out the Fire Department perfectly. He stated that they would meet NFPA 1901, Fire Protection Handbook guidelines, and ISO requirements. Alderman Mashburn praised the Chief and firefighters for living in those conditions and continuing to do an outstanding job without complaining. He then responded to a question from Alderman Elliott, saying that it would take approximately 10 months to get a fire truck; three would take 12 to 15 months. He then answered that the backup plan would be to make do with what they currently have. Alderman Traylor asked the City Council to consider instead of the 8.7 million, taking the outstanding loans and the fire trucks as the bond issue. He stated that the debt savings could be used to fund the remainder of the proposed items, instead of going further into debt. He issued concerns for the items not having a life expectancy of 15 years. Mayor Fletcher stated that the situation is that the City has to purchase police cars, explaining that obviously those would not be financed long- term, so the money that would be freed up regarding the debt service would be used to purchase short-term items such as police cars. He stated that the items being proposed for the bond issue are things that have a longer life expectancy passed the 15-year period. Alderman Traylor moved to reduce the bond issue from 8.7 million to 7.5 million to be used to pay off loans and purchase new fire vehicles. Regarding clarification, Alderman Traylor stated that he would prefer being good stewards of the money, and perform the Parks proposals with budgeted funds from the regular budget. Alderman Bolden stated that he agrees that the Fire Department needs the items that they are requesting, but added that the Police Department has a great need for new police cars. He stated that the City Council has to consider the total package. Mayor Fletcher noted that parents have been patient regarding the removal of playground equipment last fall from the Parks, but those parents are now not so patient. He stated that he feels they have been good stewards of the money, saying that this has been well thought out and worked on for several months. He stated that the Directors were asked to categorize departmental needs for long-term, short-term, and mid-term, explaining that he and Finance Director Cheryl Erkel determined what could be financed through the regular budgeting process. He stated that there are short-term needs that can be addressed by the debt service savings. He noted that those short-term needs are not just the Police, and Parks; but also I.T. that continually needs to be improved. He 10 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 7, 2015 7:00 P.M. – 8:02 P.M. stated that he feels the proposal is a good program that keeps the City moving forward. He noted that the Parks are a quality of life item, adding that he feels the proposal is well balanced, noting that when the equipment breaks down he receives phone calls especially from senior citizens who were not able to get their workout at the Community Center. He then noted the difficulty with locating parts for the exercise equipment. Alderman Ray concurred, saying that he has had complaints directed at him during his morning workout at the Community Center regarding broken equipment. Alderman Traylor concurred that police cars are a necessity and is a good place to spend the debt savings, but it comes to approximately 1 million annually in savings. Mayor Fletcher noted that the City could pay the bond issue off early after 5 years or so. He stated that it does not have to be a note that last 15 years. He added that the saved funds, as immediate needs are met, could be put back. He noted that the City would save approximately 80 to 90 thousand dollars monthly. Alderman Traylor concurred, saying that is the 1 million annually that he spoke of. Mayor Fletcher stated that under the proposed bond issue they would be saving that amount. He stated that it would free up cash flow and meet the needs being proposed, which he feels is a win-win situation. Director of Administration Jim Durham offered that as Finance Director Cheryl Erkel had quoted if the debt payment is reduced to $68,000 monthly, the difference between that and approximately $155,000 monthly given that a police car is about $50,000. He pointed out that no police cars were included in the bond issue because they do not have a life expectancy beyond 15 years. He stated that they would consume the excess pretty heavily just to recover. Alderman Traylor interjected that it would equal two police cars a month. Director Durham stated that as the Mayor had said, the bond issue is still going to pay off early, citing when the Game and Fish pay their balance it will reduce the time from 15 years to 12 to 13.5 years. He stated that if revenues keep coming in as they have begun to come in over the last five months, the bond issue can be prepaid. He stated that the proposed plan are comprised of important needs, stating that the Fire Department could be done in three phases and he was considering bringing Parks and Recreation Director House into the mix. He noted that Director House had probably saved 4 or 5 times his salary in the reduction of what he was able to do when the pool had to be redone. He related that the 11 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 7, 2015 7:00 P.M. – 8:02 P.M. construction would be done in-house, saying that he would handle the job to be sure that it is done right. Mayor Fletcher stated that since he, Director Durham, and Director House have construction experience, what is done in-house will save money. He added that in talking about taking care of the taxpayers, he feels that is what they have done. Mayor Fletcher asked if there was a second to the motion, saying if there is no second the motion dies for lack of a second. Alderman Sansing stated that he has a comment not a second to the motion. He questioned if the motion limited what the funds could be used for. City Attorney Bamburg clarified that the motion was to modify the bond issue to 7.5 million to pay off the debt and make purchases of fire trucks only. Alderman Traylor requested what the next phase would be if the Resolution is passed? City Attorney Bamburg stated that what is done with the Resolution will direct the next action. He related that in order for the City to issue any type of bond circumstance, the City Council has to designate what the fund will be spent for, not by specific amount because those will be designated in the ordinance. He stated that if the City Council does not designate the purposes then the money cannot be used for those items. He stated that is why the Resolution starts out as general and as broad as we possibly can draft it, so the City Council can continue to finesse as to what the actual expenditures will be. He stated that it is known that the bulk of the money will be used for the purpose of paying off debt, so it was very specifically included. Mayor Fletcher stated that the Central Fire Station was constructed approximately 35 years ago, and he is not sure there has ever been a dime spent on it since that time. He noted that as bad as the slides look, they do not do justice to the actual circumstance. He stated that the administrative office building needs a new roof, and has facial board rotting off. He added that it is an embarrassment, saying that if it is not fixed now it will be more expensive to wait. He stated that now is the time and the opportunities are right; it is a win-win situation. He said that he would recommend that we continue forward with Resolution 728 (#4-2015). Alderman Bolden stated that he agrees totally that the Fire Department needs attention, adding that he still feels that the police vehicles need to be involved even if it is one vehicle per month. 12 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 7, 2015 7:00 P.M. – 8:02 P.M. Alderman Traylor stated that being a 15-year bond it would not be prudent to purchase vehicles that do not have a 15-year life expectancy. He added that it is his understanding that money saved by doing the bond issue would be used to purchase police vehicles. Mayor Fletcher stated that by moving forward with the bond issue it will set the City up in a financial situation to be able to address the purchase of police cars more immediately. Alderman Traylor withdrew his motion to amend Resolution 728 (#4-2015) at this time. At this time, MOTION CARRIED unanimously to read Resolution 728 (#4- 2015). Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Resolution 728 (#4-2015). Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden to approve Resolution 728 (#4-2015) in its entirety. Alderman Traylor clarified with City Attorney Bamburg that when the Ordinance is brought before the City Council, the exact money will be decided and what it is to be spent on will be outlined. City Attorney Bamburg concurred. At this time MOTION CARRIED unanimously. APPOINTMENTS: ANNOUNCMENTS: ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Fletcher adjourned the meeting at approximately 8:02 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully, ________________________ _________________________ Susan L. Davitt MAYOR GARY FLETCHER City Clerk-Treasurer 13