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16 SEP 01 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 1, 2016 7:00 P.M. – 7:20 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 September 1, 2016 at the regular meeting place of the City Council. Mayor Fletcher asked for a moment of silence in respect to the passing of Paul Mushrush, former City Finance Director for 20 plus years. 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, Traylor, Twitty, Smith, and Howard answered ROLL CALL. Mayor Fletcher also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT EIGHT (8), ABSENT (2). Aldermen Ray and Mashburn were absent. Others present for the meeting were: City Attorney Robert Bamburg, Director of Administration Jim Durham, Human Resource Director Jill Ross, Fire Chief Alan Laughy, Police Chief Kenny Boyd, Finance Director Cheryl Erkel, CDBG Director Theresa Watson, IT Director Scott Rothlisberger, Public Works Director Jim Oakley, City Engineer Jay Whisker, Police Captain Kelly Smiley, Parks and Recreation Director Kevin House, 911 Director Tabby Hughes, Code Enforcement Officer Charlie Jenkins, Fire Department Captain David Jones, Fire Secretary Lynette Culpepper, Alderman Elect Les Collins, Planning Commissioner Patrick Thomas, Keith Weber, Johnny Simpson, interested citizens, and members of the press. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Fletcher presented the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of August 4, 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 Smith that the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of 7 July 2016 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/POLICE DEPARTMENT Alderman Sansing moved, seconded by Alderman Elliott to approve the regular monthly report for July 2016 regarding annual crime statistical comparisons. Code Enforcement for July 2016 Assigned Calls 189 Self-Initiated Calls 595 Follow ups 553 Basketball Goals 0 Meetings/Court Hearings 13 Structures Inspected 0 Warnings Issued 73 Rental Properties Inspected 0 Notices/Letters Written 58 Properties Red Tagged 3 Vehicles Tagged 9 Search Warrants Served 0 Vehicles Towed 0 Structures Rehabbed 0 Lots posted 77 Structures Condemned 0 Signs removed 73 Houses Demolished by City 0 1 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 1, 2016 7:00 P.M. – 7:20 P.M. Trash cans tagged 8 Houses Demolished by Owner 1 Parking Violations 38 Tickets Issued 0 Grass Letters 58 Grass Mowed 67 REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/FIRE DEPARTMENT Alderman Sansing moved, seconded by Alderman Elliott to approve the regular monthly report for July 2016 from the Jacksonville Fire Department, reflecting a fire loss of $282,900.00 and a savings total of $1,242,100.00. REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT Alderman Sansing moved, seconded by Alderman Elliott to approve the regular monthly report for July 2016. PERMITS/LICENSE ISSUED INSPECTIONS PERFORMED Building Permits 8 Building Inspections 32 Business Licenses 16 Electrical 36 Plumbing 38 HVACR 23 REGULAR MONTH REPORT/ANIMAL CONTROL Alderman Sansing moved, seconded by Alderman Elliott to approve the regular monthly report for July 2016. ADOPTION FEES/FINES $ 500.00 CONTRIBUTIONS 0.00 TOTALS $ 500.00 ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Traylor, Twitty, Smith, and Howard voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. WASTEWATER DEPARTMENTS: WATER DEPARTMENT: FIRE DEPARTMENT: Recognition of award recipients regarding Paramedic State competition Chief Laughy stated that the Jacksonville Fire Department did very well in the competitions this year. He introduced EMS Supervisor, Captain David Jones, noting that Captain Jones has worked with several committees and was recognized by the Arkansas EMT Association for his committee and volunteer work. Captain David Jones related that the City of Jacksonville had several firefighter members compete this year. He explained that the competition host multiple teams that work all year so they can compete annually. He stated that the committee he serves on begins working in September for the first week in August events and competitions, noting that the scenarios are as “life-like” as possible. He said that this year the 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 1, 2016 7:00 P.M. – 7:20 P.M. Fire Department sent Senior Paramedic Mark Evans and Paramedics Cody Henley and Kyle Myers to participate in two separate competitions, the Fire EMS competition and the Paramedic competition. He related that all nd three competed in the Fire EMS competition and placed 2, noting that this was the first time any of them had participated in any of the competitions. He emphasized that they competed against seasoned teams who routinely compete. He then related that Paramedics Kyle and Cody rd competed in the Paramedic competition and placed 3, adding that what makes this even more special is that they are two of the Fire Department’s newest paramedics that were trained under the seasoned paramedics. He stated that this is just one more way our firefighters are the “Pride of the City”. Mayor Fletcher congratulated the Fire Department, saying that obviously they are among the “Pride of the City”. He continued saying that to compete and place as high as they did against veteran teams makes the City very proud. POLICE DEPARTMENT: STREET DEPARTMENT: SANITATION DEPARTMENT: PARKS & RECREATION: PLANNING COMMISSION: GENERAL: RESOLUTION 742 (#08-2016) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS EXPRESSING ENDORSEMENT AND WILLINGNESS TO CERTIFY SIG SAUER, INC. TO UTILIZE AND PARTICIPATE IN THE TAX BENEFITS PROGRAM AVAILABLE THROUGH THE CONSOLIDATED INCENTIVE ACT OF 2003; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Mayor Fletcher stated that this Resolution is part of the allure package that was offered to Sig Sauer for coming to Jacksonville along with other State incentives. He explained that this will allow Sig Sauer to get a tax rebate regarding relocation as well as the improvements to the th facility. He surmised that the opening date would be during the 4 quarter calendar year. Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden to Read Resolution 742 (#08-2016). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Resolution 742 (#08-2016). Alderman Bolden moved, seconded by Alderman Elliott to Approve Resolution 742 (#08-2016) in its entirety. Alderman Traylor confirmed with City Attorney Bamburg that this was strictly regarding the sales tax and does not affect the millage or property tax. He also confirmed that there would be some payroll incentives from the State as well. 3 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 1, 2016 7:00 P.M. – 7:20 P.M. Amy Madison, Chamber of Commerce Director concurred, noting that the State incentives were approved by the Quorum Court last month. City Attorney Bamburg explained that any entity providing any type of break has to pass a resolution of support so DF&A can honor the appropriate breaks that are granted through State statute. At this time, MOTION CARRIED. APPOINTMENTS: ANNOUNCMENTS: Mayor Fletcher announced that the 911 Tribute will be held Sunday, September 11, 2016 beginning 3:30 p.m. at the Jacksonville Middle School Sandy Reed Auditorium. He then announced that the fall session regarding the Citizen’s Police Academy begins September 6, 2016. Public Forum “Straight Talk” September 8, 2016 7:00 p.m. at the Jacksonville Community Center, citizens can voice concerns regarding law enforcement and criminal justice. Mayor Fletcher encouraged attendance. Police Chief Boyd emphasized that the forum offers an opportunity for any citizen with concerns to have a venue to ask questions and get answers. Mayor Fletcher noted that Judge Bailey, the new Jacksonville District st Judge as of January 1 will be there to field questions. th City offices will be closed Monday, September 5 in observation of Labor Day. He reminded everyone that sanitation routes will run one day late because of the holiday. Southern Oaks Country Club Attorney Jon Johnson related that he has been a Jacksonville resident for over 40 years and has had his practice in Jacksonville for approximately 20 years. He stated that recently there was a neighborhood meeting to discuss the financial situation with the Country Club and solutions to keep it open. He stated that he believes the Country Club is not only an asset to Foxwood but to Jacksonville as a whole. He stated that while he understands there are pressing needs in the City, other than just a golf course, he feels that any help the City can offer the Club to keep it open would be a benefit to the whole City. He stated that he has brought some applications, noting that Mayor Fletcher joined Tuesday night. He stated that he is tired of seeing things leave Jacksonville and does not want to see the golf course close too. He stated that if the golf course could be kept open until the new school is finished in 2019, he believes the golf course would turn around. He went on to say that if the golf course closes, he believes Foxwood would deteriorate even more than it has. He then related that the only way to keep it open is to hav e 4 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 1, 2016 7:00 P.M. – 7:20 P.M. more members. He added that if anyone has any other ideas, there th is another meeting scheduled September 13. He invited the City Council to attend and voice their ideas. He stated that there has been discussion regarding making it a public golf course and opening it up to the City. He explained he is here to suggest that if the City got behind the golf course in whatever way, not suggesting monetarily, acknowledging that it is a private club, it would help the Club. He related that he is aware there have been previous owners that have come to the City Council asking for money and he is aware of other pressing needs in the City. He stated that if the City Council could support the Club in other ways, pointing out that the City Council members could join. He related that social memberships are available. He then related there is a $75.00 monthly social membership that allows you to play golf. He stated that it comes with two free rounds of golf, restaurant privileges, and swimming pool access. He then added that with this membership, you could also bring a friend to play golf for free once monthly. He stated that if you don’t care for golf, there is another social membership that is approximately $42.00 or $43.00 monthly. This membership provides access to the restaurant and swimming pool. He offered that he would be happy to answer any questions, explaining that he was one of the owners for three years and has knowledge of what is going on with the Club. Mayor Fletcher stated that the golf course is an asset to the community, adding that he feels he made it clear at Tuesday night’s meeting that the City has no intentions of buying the Club. He added, however he likens it to Main Street, saying that while he does not own a business or property on Main Street, it is still the entire City’s Main Street which is something we all have in common and the Club is our community’s golf course. He encouraged the City Council members to get involved, saying that for the people who are not interested in golf, this would be a great opportunity at the next meeting to come and voice their suggestions. He related that he feels the community should decide what kind of social club they would like. He stated that the most encouraging aspect from the last meeting was that the room was packed with people, adding that he was shocked half of the people do not even belong to the golf course. He went on to say he was further shocked at how little information people really do have about the golf course. He added for that reason he wanted Jon Johnson to come tonight and get the word out to let people know the golf course needs their support. Mr. Johnson noted that there were also discussions regarding a Foxwood property owners’ association, adding that it would be a long process that is hard to achieve once the houses are already built. He added that he does not feel this would happen but if it did, he feels with over 400 homes in Foxwood it could sustain the Club. He surmised that when you look at a city, you look at the amenities that would attract people to want to come and live in that city and the golf course and Club attract people to want to come and live in Jacksonville. He stated that if the Club closes, the City is running out of amenities that could attract people to Jacksonville. 5 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 1, 2016 7:00 P.M. – 7:20 P.M. Mayor Fletcher concurred that the Club is a quality of life issue, adding that he has always heard and believes that a lot of business deals take place on a golf course. He stated that Jacksonville’s golf course is an asset, pointing out there are a lot of communities that would love to have the opportunities we have. He added he feels the need to correct the statement that there are a lot of things closing, Jacksonville has a lot of things happening this year. He related that in the last two years there have been many great things happen in Jacksonville and more announcements are coming. He stated that he is excited about the future, the construction of a new High School, adding that if we continue to support this, as Jacksonville grows and we have younger families move to Jacksonville, things will get easier for the Club. Mr. Johnson stated that he is aware that the City’s budget is tight and there are things a city cannot do monetarily, but City Council members showing support and encouraging others to support the Club is helpful. Mayor Fletcher encouraged the City Council members to attend the meeting next Tuesday for the Club. Mr. Johnson added that the meeting would be held 6:30 p.m. at the Country Club. He related that they would be open to suggestions that could help retain and make the Club solvent. He said that he would not want to see the Club close because he does feel it is an asset to all of Jacksonville and is something that can attract new residents to Jacksonville. He thanked the City Council for the opportunity to bring this to their attention. Alderman Bolden announced that there will be a pep-rally tomorrow at Jacksonville High School at 5:00 p.m. ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Fletcher adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:20 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully, ________________________ _________________________ Susan L. Davitt MAYOR GARY FLETCHER City Clerk-Treasurer 6