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16 JAN 21 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 21, 2016 7:00 P.M. – 7:58 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 21, 2016 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, Sansing, Ray, Traylor, Twitty, Smith, and Howard answered ROLL CALL. Mayor Fletcher also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT EIGHT (8), ABSENT (2). 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, Wastewater Commissioners John Ferrell, Fred Belote, and Pat Griggs, Water Department Superintendant Jake Short, Water Department Field Manager Sal Pappalardo, Water Commission Chairman Jim Peacock, Planning Commission Chairman Jim Moore, Planning Commissioner Patrick Thomas, Code Enforcement Officer Charlie Jenkins, School Board Chairman Daniel Gray, School Board Member Ron McDaniel, Glenda Fletcher, Jeff Twitty, Johnny Simpson, Keith Weber, interested citizens, and members of the press. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Fletcher presented the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of January 7, 2016 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 Twitty that the minutes of the rescheduled City Council meeting of 10 December 2015 and regular City Council meeting of 17 December 2015 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/POLICE DEPARTMENT Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden to approve the Regular Monthly Report for December 2015 regarding annual crime statistical comparisons. Code Enforcement for December 2015 Assigned Calls 132 Self-Initiated Calls 489 Follow ups 322 Basketball Goals 2 Meetings/Court Hearings 10 Structures Inspected 6 Citations/Warnings Issued 72 Rental Properties Inspected 68 Notices/Letters Written 11 Properties Red Tagged 0 Vehicles Tagged 8 Search Warrants Served 0 Vehicles Towed 2 Structures Rehabbed 1 Lots posted 0 Structures Condemned 0 1 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 21, 2016 7:00 P.M. – 7:58 P.M. Signs removed 64 Houses Demolished by City 0 Trash cans tagged 12 Houses Demolished by Owner 0 Parking Violations 11 Tickets Issued 0 Grass Letters 0 Grass Mowed 0 REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/FIRE DEPARTMENT Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden to approve the regular monthly report for December 2015 from the Jacksonville Fire Department, reflecting a fire loss of $60,000.00 and a savings total of $150,000.00. REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden to approve the regular monthly report for December 2015. PERMITS/LICENSE ISSUED INSPECTIONS PERFORMED Building Permits 12 Building Inspections 36 Business Licenses 2 Electrical 36 Plumbing 44 HVACR 15 ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Bolden, Sansing, Ray, Traylor, Twitty, Smith and Howard voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. WATER DEPARTMENT: ANNUAL REPORT by Water Department Manager Jake Short Water Department Superintendent Jake Short addressed the City Council, saying that on behalf of the Jacksonville Water Commission he is pleased to provide the 2015 Annual Water Works report. Jacksonville Water Works had zero water quality violations to report and has once again completed the year within budget while providing the citizens of Jacksonville quality water and services that they not only deserve, but have come to expect. He related that as everyone is aware Jacksonville Water Works has secured financing from the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission for 25 million dollars in low interest loans, which was utilized for completing 5 major infrastructure projects that will provide a safe and plentiful water supply to the City of Jacksonville beyond the year 2050. He stated that they are happy to report that construction is complete on the brand new 3 Million Gallon Elevated Water Storage Tank, replacing and updating their Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) System, the General Samuels 24” Water Line Project, JWW’s South Source 24” Main & Meter Station, and JWW’s North/South Project. He added that it is also his pleasure to report that Jacksonville Water Works has completed its first full year purchasing water from the Lonoke White Public Water Authority. 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 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 21, 2016 7:00 P.M. – 7:58 P.M. 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 provides Jacksonville and LRAFB with a secondary water source should a catastrophic event occur in the waterlines coming from Central Arkansas Water. For other members it will provide a primary water source for their water systems in the near future and for years to come. Jacksonville Water Works continues to work with the LRAFB in their effort to privatize their water utilities infrastructure. 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 to further solidify the partnership between the LRAFB and the City of Jacksonville and looks forward to the benefits all stand to receive. The projects completed during 2015 includes the installation of 55,127 linear feet of pipe, 13 additional fire hydrants, 83 valves, and updating 62 existing water services. At the end of 2015 we had 11,175 water meters in the water distribution system which includes 42 new water services. Customer service continues to be a top priority of Jacksonville Water Works staff. He related they continue to take online payments from customers through their secure internet site. In the year 2015, they received 15,629 online payments totaling $ 1,485,293.00. He related that they also continue to receive many positive comments from customers using this updated service. He stated that he is pleased to announce that Jacksonville Water Works has made significant changes to its office hours during 2015. JWW customers now have the ability to reach our office staff members by phone Monday through Friday from 7:00am to 5:30pm. The front office and drive- thru are open from 7:30am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday. The feedback regarding these changes has been very positive as it offers more flexibility to the needs of the customers served. Water Production was down in 2015. On January 10, 2015 they reached a peak demand for the year of 6.9 million gallons. This is well above the previous year’s peak water flow of 4.9 million gallons, which occurred on January 7, 2014. The total water production for the year was 1.1 billion gallons, which was a 4.5% decrease from the previous year. Average daily water flow for the year was 3.0 million gallons per day. Construction of new office space at the warehouse facility at 1925 West Main was also completed in late 2015. This facility houses JWW operations staff and aids in that employees are working from one footprint and are afforded much faster and easier access to materials, supplies, and equipment. 3 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 21, 2016 7:00 P.M. – 7:58 P.M. This work was accomplished with a workforce of 31 employees. Currently 11 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. He stated that they appreciate City Council’s 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. He then added that they had two staff members who competed in a competition called “Hydrant Hysteria”; they were tasked with assembling a hydrant under time. He stated that this event is judged on accuracy and operation, adding that both staff members won the competition and have qualified for the National event. Alderman Howard noted that it appears the bad debt collections have increased, noting that compared to the previous year of 33 only 3 letters had to be sent this year. Manager Jake Short stated that they have changed the approach to collecting bad debt, explaining that they are part of the water utility group that shares information between cities. Alderman Bolden commended the Commission for implementing online customer payments. WASTEWATER DEPARTMENTS: ANNUAL REPORT by Wastewater Manager Thea Hughes Manager Wastewater Manager Thea Hughes introduced Commissioners: Fred Belote, Chair; John Ferrell, Vice Chair; Pat Griggs, Secretary; Eddie Porter and Terry Vick, Commissioners. She then introduced new members of staff Paul Richards, Engineering/Construction Manager replacing Bob Williams and Mike Overstreet, Operations Manager replacing Sam Zehtaban. She noted that Paul Richards has worked for Wastewater for 10 years and has his degree in construction management, that Mike Overstreet has been with the Department for 17 years and is very knowledgeable regarding the treatment plan and laboratory. She explained that the wastewater utility is broken down into five departments: technical services, treatment, laboratory, collection system, and administration. 4 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 21, 2016 7:00 P.M. – 7:58 P.M. The Technical Services handles investigation, cleaning and televising the lines, and oversight of all construction. The report for this department is found on pages 4 & 5 of the annual report. A few of their statistics include:  Cleaned 48 miles of sewer line, noting that there is approximately 177 miles total. The goal is to do 1/3 each year.  Televised about 10 miles of line.  Smoke tested 6 miles of line to find leaks.  Inspected 170 services lines and made 2,305 line locates.  Conducted inspections and oversight of all sewer line laid in the city. The Treatment & Laboratory department, which includes Pretreatment & Equipment Maintenance, are responsible for operating the treatment plant, running process control tests in the laboratory to ensure they are within permit regulations, assisting industries with their wastewater treatment, and maintaining and repairing all plant maintenance and vehicles. Their reports are found on pages 6, 7, and 8. A few of their achievements include: th  Completed our 20 year without an NPDES permit violation.  The plant treated 1.8 billion gallons of water, compared to 1.6 billion last year, an increase of 2 million gallons more water.  Our plant accepted 3 million gallons of landfill leachate from Two Pine Landfill.  Rainfall for 2015 was 66.7 inches compared to 47 inches last year.  Once again, there were no violations from ADEQ inspections of the plant and solid waste monofill, and no violations of our biomonitoring testing.  Performed 8,125 analytical tests in their laboratory and passed all recertification requirements. The Collection Systems department is responsible for repair and replacement of existing sewer line and manholes, and construction of new line. Their report is found on pages 9-12. A few highlights are:  Wastewater construction crews laid or replaced 1,496 feet of sewer main this year. Major sewer line relays were completed at: Roosevelt Road, Redmond Road, and Wright Street.  Contractors replaced 2,659 feet of mainline by pipe bursting.  Inspected 400 manholes and repaired 78 of those. The Administration department handles financial management, personnel, purchasing, and clerical support. Their report is found on pages 13-18. Some of administration’s focus in 2015 was:  Much of our focus in 2015 has been the development of a new database management system, which should go on-line by February of 2016, and will incorporate all our current databases into one location, which will connect all work and information to physical points on the sewer line map.  Received a perfect independent financial audit again in 2015.  Several JWU employees volunteered 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 leadership abilities. She stated that she is very proud of their participation in industry organizations. 5 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 21, 2016 7:00 P.M. – 7:58 P.M. Employee Licenses & Certifications:  For the first time ever, the Arkansas Water Environment Association developed and administered a certification program for collection system operators through the Association of Boards of Certification. Thirty-five individuals from across the state received Class I certifications, with seven of those being from Jacksonville Wastewater.  Utility employees hold the following licenses: CDL License 15 Coll Sys I certification 7 Plumbing Inspector 6 Solid Waste 4 Wastewater I 5 Wastewater II 2 Wastewater III 8 Wastewater IV 7 Awards & Achievements in 2015:  Todd Collins received the 2015 Dick Morris Employee Excellence Award (pg 14).  Bob Williams received the AWEA Collection Systems Award.  Alecia Patton received the AWEA President’s Gold Award. st  The wastewater float designed by Jay Summers won 1 place in the City Departments division of the Jacksonville Christmas Parade.  JWU received national recognition four times this year: o Cover story for Municipal Sewer & Water magazine o Alecia selected as a Young Professional in “Ones to Watch” by Water & Wastes Digest magazine o Jay’s Ingenuity Contest winning project was featured in Water Environment & Technology magazine article st o Jay won 1 place in WEF’s Ingenuity Contest for second consecutive year The magazine articles can be found on pages 19-26 of the report. Alderman Ray congratulated both Departments for the excellent jobs they perform for the City of Jacksonville. He stated that nationwide the City of Jacksonville is in the top 100. He then commended the licensed operators of both Departments. Mayor Fletcher stated that a lot of cities are struggling with water and sewer issues, saying that the City of Jacksonville is so blessed to have the Water and Wastewater Departments that we have. He related that they are two great shining examples of what Jacksonville can be proud of. He stated that the fact that we are being recognized nationally goes far beyond other cities that do not ever get those accolades. He thanked both Departments for their outstanding service to the citizens of Jacksonville. FIRE DEPARTMENT: POLICE DEPARTMENT: 6 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 21, 2016 7:00 P.M. – 7:58 P.M. STREET DEPARTMENT: SANITATION DEPARTMENT: PARKS & RECREATION: PLANNING COMMISSION: ORDINANCE 1542 (#02-2016) AN ORDINANCE RECLASSIFYING PROPERTY IN THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS (GENERAL LOCATION: 405 SOUTH JAMES & 1016 SCHOOL DRIVE); AMENDING ORDINANCE NOS. 213 AND 238 AND THE LAND USE MAP OF THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. City Engineer Whisker related that the property is located on South James and wraps around the existing property on School Drive, which is a storage facility currently zoned C-2 with a conditional use. He added that a new owner purchased the business and requested the correct zoning to operate a storage facility. He related that he also purchased the property that wrapped around onto School Drive and is planning to expand storage units there as well. He related that the request was passed unanimously by the Planning Commission. Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden that Ordinance 1542 be placed on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Bolden, Sansing, Ray, Traylor, Twitty, Smith and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1542. Alderman Bolden moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to APPROVE Ordinance 1542 on FIRST READING and suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1542 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Bolden, Sansing, Ray, Traylor, Twitty, Smith and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1542. Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden to further suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1542 on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Bolden, Sansing, Ray, Traylor, Twitty, Smith and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1542. Alderman Bolden moved, seconded by Alderman Ray that Ordinance 1542 be APPROVED AND ADOPTED. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Bolden, Sansing, Ray, Traylor, Twitty, Smith and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. st ORDINANCE 1542 (#02-2016) APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 21 DAY OF JANUARY, 2016 GENERAL: PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCE 1541 (#01-2016) AN ORDINANCE CONDEMNING A STRUCTURE AND REAL PROPERTY AT THE LOCATION NOTED BELOW IN JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS, FOR STRUCTURAL DEFECTS, DEFICIENCIES, AND PUBLIC HAZARD CONDITIONS; DELCARING AN EMERGENCY; AND. FOR OTHER PURPOSES. 7 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 21, 2016 7:00 P.M. – 7:58 P.M. Mayor Fletcher opened the public hearing at approximately 7:25 p.m. Code Enforcement Officer Charlie Jenkins stated that the property is addressed as 1815 North First, which is the old KFC building. He offered the City Council a PowerPoint presentation outlining the current dilapidation of the structure. He related that the building was entered under search warrant on October 12, 2015, upon entering there was filth, contamination, and mildew throughout, adding that there is a lot of damage to the metal rafters, rust on ceiling tiles, and roof leaks in several places. He continued noting discoloration on the floor from a kiosk and pooling of water. He pointed out that the ceiling tiles have collapsed from moisture and water contamination, adding the building has significant mold and mildew throughout and standing water. City Attorney Bamburg explained that the property was tied up in a bankruptcy for approximately 4 years, saying that because of the bankruptcy the City could not move forward with the condemnation process. He stated that matters were only complicated worse when the bankruptcy ended because then the bank that held the mortgage failed and the property ended up in another bankruptcy. He stated that these events have created difficulties regarding the condemnation process. He went on to say that an individual then purchased the mortgage holding and the property itself back in May and the new owner contacted the City to request an extension in order to market the property. He stated that it was hoped the process would have gone quicker than it did, but the property has now sold and the new owner has made a written commitment to do demo on the property within 30 days of closing. He stated that following the demolition, a Hardees’s restaurant is being proposed for this location. He stated that he is asking the City Council to proceed with the condemnation but it is believed that the new owner will satisfy his word and have the property demolished before the Ordinance goes into effect in 30 days. Director of Administration Jim Durham added that as he and City Engineer Whisker have gone to the ICSC conventions, they have talked to Hardees and Carl’s Jr. every single time, they knew them by their first names, and they kept saying that they were going to get there. He said they threw this property as well as others at them every time they went; saying that they would try to come up with new places that maybe they had not talked to them yet. He stated he feels like some of that prodding has helped them move forward and come to Jacksonville. Discussion ensued regarding the prototype that would be used for the restaurant construction. Mayor Fletcher closed the public hearing at approximately 7:35 p.m. 8 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 21, 2016 7:00 P.M. – 7:58 P.M. Alderman Bolden moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing that Ordinance 1541 be placed on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Bolden, Sansing, Ray, Traylor, Twitty, Smith and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1541. Alderman Bolden moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to APPROVE Ordinance 1541 on FIRST READING and suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1541 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Bolden, Sansing, Ray, Traylor, Twitty, Smith and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1541. Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden to further suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1541 on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Bolden, Sansing, Ray, Traylor, Twitty, Smith and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1541. Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing that Ordinance 1541 be APPROVED AND ADOPTED. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Bolden, Sansing, Ray, Traylor, Twitty, Smith and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden that the EMERGENCY CLAUSE be attached to Ordinance 1541. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Bolden, Sansing, Ray, Traylor, Twitty, Smith and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. st ORDINANCE 1541 (#01-2016) APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 21 DAY OF JANUARY, 2016 b. RESOLUTION 736 (#02-2016) A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE PASSAGE OF A MILLAGE INCREASE FOR THE JACKSONVILLE/NORTH PULASKI SCHOOL DISTRICT; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden to read Resolution 736 (#02-2016). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Resolution 736 (#02-2016). Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden to approve Resolution 736 (#02-2016). MOTION CARRIED. c. RESOLUTION 737 (#03-2016) A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN OPTION TO PURCHASE FROM THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE FOR CERTAIN REAL PROPERTIES DESCRIBED HEREIN (GENERAL LOCATION-GENERAL SAMUELS); AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. 9 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 21, 2016 7:00 P.M. – 7:58 P.M. Mayor Fletcher offered a PowerPoint news release presentation announcing the first manufacturing facility for ammunition industry moving to Jacksonville. It was noted that Sig/Sauer, Inc. would bring at least 50 to 75 new jobs to Jacksonville. Alderman Elliott related that Sig/Sauer, Inc. is the ammunition that it used by 1/3 of the law enforcement agencies in the Nation, citing that the US Navy Seals, Federal Air Marshals, Department of Homeland Security, Secret Service, and Coast Guard all carry Sig/Sauer weapons. Mayor Fletcher stated that there have been so many people working on this venture, noting that bringing jobs to Arkansas has been a priority for the Governor. He added that the Arkansas Economic Development Commission has worked very hard on this opportunity, as well as the Chamber of Commerce and a lot of local business owners. He then noted that Jim and Patrick have done a lot to make things happen. He stated that another person who deserves mentioning is Patrick Franklin, who has brought Precision Brass and Bullet to Jacksonville. Alderman Bolden moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to read Resolution 737 (#03-2016). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Resolution 737 (#03-2016). Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden to approve Resolution 737 (#03-2016). City Engineer Whisker demonstrated the location of the new industry on Commerce Drive and General Samuels. At this time, MOTION CARRIED. Addition to the Agenda: RESOLUTION 738 (#04-2016) A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF SALE DOCUMENTS FROM THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE FOR CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN (GENERAL LOCATION- GENERAL SAMUELS & COMMERCE); AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Alderman Bolden moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to suspend the rules and place Resolution 738 (#04-2016) on the agenda. MOTION CARRIED. Alderman Bolden moved, seconded by Alderman Elliott to place Resolution 738 (#04-2016) on first reading. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Resolution 738 (#04-2016). City Engineer Whisker stated that this property is the tract of land where Commerce Drive intersects General Samuels and consists of 4-acres on the southwest corner. 10 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 21, 2016 7:00 P.M. – 7:58 P.M. City Attorney Bamburg stated that Arkansas Office Products is the proposed buyer of the property. He related that the new owner intends to build a 10,000 square foot warehouse and operations on the property. Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden to approve Resolution 738 (#04-2016). MOTION CARRIED. d. STATE OF THE CITY by Mayor Fletcher As the New Year begins, it is difficult not to have a high degree of anticipation and excitement concerning the future of Jacksonville. The momentum of the past few years has been slowly building with the feeling of a new day ahead. 2015 was a foundational year for our City in several areas. Beginning with education, many important decisions were made that laid a solid base to build upon. With the hiring of who many believe to be the premier school superintendent of our State, Mr. Tony Wood, the JNPSD set the highest standard they could to establish a true world class education system. Superintendent Wood brings a wide range of experience and knowledge in his proven record of leading the Searcy School District into the great district it is today, to leading the State school systems as Director of the Arkansas State Board of Education under two governors. On September 15, 2015, the patrons of the JNPSD got the privilege to go to the polls and elect their first school board from representatives from all over the District with a wide array of background and experience reflective of the District itself. Not wasting any time, Superintendent Wood put the Board to work immediately choosing an architect and general contractor to start the building process to bring our schools into the st 21 century through extensive remodel programs and new construction plans to clear the final desegregation hurdles. Budget and policies have been developed and adopted. They are now in the process of hiring staff and teachers for the inaugural school year of 2016-2017. Patrons of North Pulaski and Jacksonville overwhelmingly supported the creation of our new District, with a 95% approval rate, and they will be called upon once again, to finish that job on February 9, 2016 with a millage vote to fund the projects that will equip our children and teachers to perform at even higher levels than the surrounding school districts that have enjoyed this in the past. We are ready to compete and to win in providing for our children as much, if not more, than surrounding districts. I am confident the patrons, parents and citizens want more and understand that anything it may cost is truly an investment in every aspect of our community. First and foremost, it is preparing our children to be able to compete on a higher level that has not been available to them in many decades. It will be more motivating for teachers to know that we not only expect the best, but will pay and reward for it. Let us not get caught up in the personality of division and get side tracked by issues of the past. This new District has no past; it only offers the future. Let us create opportunities for our children and not situations. 11 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 21, 2016 7:00 P.M. – 7:58 P.M. We did not sell the idea of a “world class education system” to the patrons of the District only to water it down with a Plan B. We won’t settle, for to settle is to be defeated and we would find ourselves no better off than when we started. Our counterparts have not settled, why would we cut short our children’s potential and opportunities? It moves our community forward by attracting new business and industry as education is a fundamental issue. Just last week, I spoke with a new business coming to town and he told me “I had looked at Jacksonville before, but not until Mr. Durham made me aware of a brand new high school being built downtown, did I give it a second look and became totally sold”. You, the citizens, are helping to send a message to the business community that Jacksonville is on the move and it would be worth a second look at investing in. For such a small investment as the millage, the return is education, increased property values, economic development and job opportunities – clearly a win for everyone. Not to be overlooked, the State should also contribute dollar for dollar the construction of our facilities. This is truly a partnership we have never experienced before that will help grow and build schools that we have so admired in surrounding communities. Highway 67/167 saw the lion’s share of improvement in 2015, though much more will be accomplished in 2016. Work slowed in late 2015, due to a multi-million dollar change order that just got signed off on. As work begins again this spring, we should see traffic shift to the west and progress continue. th 2015 also found Central Arkansas coming together to celebrate 60 Anniversary of the Little Rock Air Force Base. The impact of the Base th touches the whole State, as it is the 6 largest employer in the State and has an economic impact of approximately 814 million dollars. Just as important, we have the privilege to live and work with America’s finest, young men and women who wear the uniform that represents the world’s greatest freedom fighters and defenders. Every time I drive onto the Base, I feel a strong sense of pride that I am blessed to be the Mayor of the City that is home to the finest base of the finest Air Force in the world. This is confirmed every year as we travel to the Pentagon and hear their comments and compliments, conveying the pride they have as well in the LRAFB and the surrounding communities that supports it so strongly. This past summer, the City Council voted on an important bond issue that did several things. First, it freed up cash flow by consolidating some loans and secondly, it financed some capital improvement projects and equipment. With an aging fire fleet, we purchased two pumper trucks and one ladder truck at a cost of over two million dollars that will serve this community strong for the next few decades. Central Fire station was built in the 1980s and renovation was more than past due. When the remodel is complete, at a cost of approximately $400,000, the station will continue to serve this community and the firemen it houses for decades to come at a higher level of service. 12 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 21, 2016 7:00 P.M. – 7:58 P.M. Jacksonville Parks and Recreation lost the centerpiece playground equipment at Dupree Park in 2014 due to deterioration making it unsafe for use. In the fall, a modern multi-featured piece was installed to the enjoyment and satisfaction of our City’s children, as well as a complete remodel of the restroom facilities attached to the children’s playground area, totaling $68,000. Also, the Bond Issue $551,000.00 will be used to rehab the kiddy pool and replace equipment to expand the City’s water activity park known as Splash Zone. Late in the year, the Jacksonville City Council chose to honor former Mayor Tommy Swaim by adding his name to the Jacksonville Community Center. Through his 22 years of service, it was clear under his leadership and plan to build the facility with no new taxes. For two decades, it has been the most used building in Jacksonville, hosting people from all over the country for every imaginable event and activity. The Parks Department is also in the process of replacing 9 pieces of exercise equipment at the Tommy Swaim Community Center, with a cost of $46,000. I am looking forward to 2016 for another special reason, and that is the development of a downtown master plan that will direct and help shape our major business district into a uniform theme and best multi-use district that not only identifies a new Jacksonville, set for the future, but one that has the ability to have a direct impact upon the surrounding neighborhoods by making them more desirable and bring property values up. The Bible says “Those without a vision perish”. We will have a well- defined plan established through public input in committees of citizens, Council members and the business community. I was honored to be selected as one of eight mayors from the southern part of the United States to participate in the Mayor’s Institute on City Design. During a three-day conference, I had the privilege to make a presentation to eight city planners and developers from across the country. They opened my eyes to ideas and potential that this City holds. Afterward, a couple of the planners told me that our City has the greatest potential of the attendees and were excited for us. I have come to see our City with a new set of eyes and many other opportunities have come about to back up this vision. This work will take time but I am confident that through many committees, hard work and strong public buy-in by citizens and investors through public-private partnerships, we will build a new City to match the new education system. Tremendous time and energy have been spent to expand healthcare for our City and surrounding area through a major medical campus. This year has been filled with developers coming from several states on a regular basis to meet with local and regional caregivers to bring a common vision for the purpose of constructing facilities that will meet the needs locally rather than going elsewhere for quality healthcare. It is of the upmost importance that we move forward to a state of the art medical campus that not only will keep high quality healthcare here for our community but also to help recruit new doctors to replenish those doctor’s that are retiring. This could easily and quickly become a crisis if there is no plan and facilities to head it off in the coming years. 13 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 21, 2016 7:00 P.M. – 7:58 P.M. In closing, these great things could not happen if not for a supportive staff, employees, Council, Commissions, but more importantly the great citizens of Jacksonville, who by and large want their City to live up to its full potential. We have a long way to go but the journey is so much more enjoyable when you realize the best is yet to come. WASTEWATER DEPARTMENTS: APPOINTMENTS: ANNOUNCMENTS: ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Fletcher adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:58 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully, ________________________ _________________________ Susan L. Davitt MAYOR GARY FLETCHER City Clerk-Treasurer 14