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17 APR 20 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 20, 2017 7:00 P.M. – 7:52 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 April 20, 2017 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, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, and Collins answered ROLL CALL. Mayor Fletcher also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT EIGHT (8), ABSENT (2). Aldermen McCleary and Smith were absent. Others present for the meeting were: City Engineer Jay Whisker, Fire Chief Alan Laughy, Police Chief Geoffrey Herweg, Finance Director Cheryl Erkel, Human Resource Director Jill Ross, IT Director Scott Rothlisberger, CDBG Director Theresa Watson, Code Enforcement Officer Tracy Keck, Mayoral Secretary Michelle Whited, Fire Department Secretary Lynette Culpepper, Planning Commissioner Patrick Thomas, Dr. Robert Price, Johnny Simpson, Glenda Fletcher, Kenny Boyd, Bob Johnson, Bob Williams, Wastewater Manager Thea Hughes, Mike Wilson, Thad Gray, interested citizens, and members of the press. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Fletcher presented the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of March 16, 2017 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 Mashburn that the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of 16 February 2017 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/POLICE DEPARTMENT Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Elliott to approve the Regular Monthly Report for March 2017 regarding annual crime statistical comparisons. Code Enforcement for March 2017 Assigned Calls 123 Self-Initiated Calls 662 Follow ups 396 Basketball Goals 5 Meetings/Court Hearings 13 Structures Inspected 4 Warnings Issued 71 Rental Properties Inspected 0 Notices/Letters Written 67 Properties Red Tagged 3 Vehicles Tagged 3 Search Warrants Served 0 Vehicles Towed 1 Structures Rehabbed 1 Lots posted 19 Structures Condemned 0 Signs removed 126 Houses Demolished by City 0 Trash cans tagged 6 Houses Demolished by Owner 0 Parking Violations 180 Tickets Issued 0 Grass Letters 0 Grass Mowed 0 1 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 20, 2017 7:00 P.M. – 7:52 P.M. REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/FIRE DEPARTMENT Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Elliott to approve the regular monthly report for March 2017 from the Jacksonville Fire Department, reflecting a fire loss of $15,500.00 and a savings total of $784,500.00 REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Elliott to approve the regular monthly report for March 2017. PERMITS/LICENSE ISSUED INSPECTIONS PERFORMED Building Permits 6 Building Inspections 28 Business Licenses 24 Electrical 33 Plumbing 30 HVACR 19 REGULAR MONTH REPORT/ANIMAL CONTROL Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Elliott to approve the regular monthly report for March 2017. ADOPTION FEES/FINES $1,065.00 CONTRIBUTIONS 0.00 TOTALS $1,065.00 ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Bolden, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, and Collins voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. WATER DEPARTMENT: WASTEWATER DEPARTMENTS: FIRE DEPARTMENT: POLICE DEPARTMENT: STREET DEPARTMENT: SANITATION DEPARTMENT: PARKS & RECREATION: PLANNING COMMISSION: GENERAL: a. CDBG 2016 CAPER Consolidated Annual Performance & Evaluation Report Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Elliott to approve the Consolidated Annual Performance & Evaluation Report as presented. MOTION CARRIED. b. RESOLUTION 751 (#4-2017) A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND APPOINTING THE INITIAL MEMBERS OF THE JACKSONVILLE HISTORICAL DISTRICT COMMISSION; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 20, 2017 7:00 P.M. – 7:52 P.M. Alderman Mashburn noted that Resolution 751 will designate the Commissioners of the Jacksonville Historical District. She related that the Historical District encompasses the original 8 blocks of the City of Jacksonville on First and Second Streets. Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to read Resolution 751 (#04-2017). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Clerk Davitt read the heading of Resolution 751 (#4-2017). Alderman Bolden moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary to approve Resolution 751 (#4-2017) in its entirety. Ms. Lida Feller was introduced as Chair of the Jacksonville Historical District Commission. At this time, MOTION CARRIED. b. RESOLUTION 752 (#5-2017) A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING WILLINGNESS OF THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS, TO UTILIZE FEDERAL AID MONIES FOR THE SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL PROGRAM; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden to Read Resolution 752 (#5-2017). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Clerk Davitt read the heading of Resolution 752 (#5-2017). City Engineer Whisker related that this grant was originally to provide for a sidewalk leading from Madden Road going north to Fox Dell Circle, adding that the first estimate was short, only going as far as Red Fox and this grant will continue that sidewalk from Red Fox to Fox Dell Circle. Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Twitty to approve Resolution 752 (#5-2017) in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED. c. Master Plan for Jacksonville Downtown Planning and Development Mayor Fletcher introduced Dr. Robert Price, the Director of Jacksonville Downtown Planning and Development who will offer a vision for downtown. He stated that he has had concerns for the Jacksonville’s downtown area, explaining that the Air Base came to Jacksonville in the mid 50’s and retail follows “rooftops”, saying that when the people came, then the need for shopping and retail development occurred. He stated that in the 60’s when the retail development mostly occurred, it was a time termed “urban sprawl”, when retail occurred around vehicle transportation. He went on to say that this was the era of shopping centers. He related that the concept for the future is to have people living downtown, shopping downtown and socialize downtown to have the full downtown experience. He related that he spoke to the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, explaining that he was invited to be one of eight mayors 3 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 20, 2017 7:00 P.M. – 7:52 P.M. in the southeast part of the U.S. to spend three days at the Crystal Bridge Museum. He stated that they had completed the research on Jacksonville and offered a 35 minute PowerPoint presentation regarding our downtown, adding that they had eight city planners from all over the U.S. that offered a critique of Jacksonville’s downtown, offering their expertise in how to revitalize our downtown. He then relater that shortly after that, he went with Metroplan to Chattanooga for their annual trip. He stated that Chattanooga is comparable to Little Rock and this gave him a lot of ideas, noting that they had revitalized when their downtown died. He stated that they are in the process of trying to get 6,000 people to move downtown because they have empty sky scrapper buildings. He stated that if you put residential areas downtown then retail will be attracted to move into that area. He stated that around Christmas is when he and Dr. Price discussed ideas for downtown Jacksonville. He stated that Dr. Price is more than qualified to pick up the vision and move it forward. Dr. Price noted that there is going to be a great new high school built and his concern is what else is going to happen to improve Jacksonville. He related that he was very impressed with Mayor Fletcher’s commitment and all the contacts he had already established. He related that he has now been working on the project for almost a year, explaining that a Master Plan is the “in” term for any city that is trying to develop a long-term strategy for improvement. He related that there were two previous plans, one in the mid 90’s and one around 2005 that unfortunately were no able to be located. He stated that this plan needs the endorsement of the City Council to move forward. He related that he ran across an amazing study that was done by Retail Attraction, LLC. that showed $100,000,000.00 annually is being lost in Jacksonville within a five-mile area because people are taking their business somewhere else. He stated that he is not familiar with the details or the scientific quality of the study but this study looked at Jacksonville three-miles out, then five-miles out, and then ten and fifteen-miles out. He stated that this is an economic development plan, saying that almost everything in the Master Plan calculates in some way into an economic development strategy. He stated that this applies whether you are beautifying the streets or attracting new restaurants, it all help regarding the quality of living and the economy. He noted that this type of endeavor is often called a “Downtown Main Street Project”, adding that there is a Main Street America organization that helps fund these types of projects. He then noted that there is a Main Street Arkansas that provides small grants. He stated that fundamentally these projects by their various names improve quality of live and economic quality. He stated that he began by presenting the Mayor with a detailed plan for developing the Master Plan. He explained that the firstly they formed a steering committee, which has been working for 1.5 years. He related that they also wanted to form a business coalition, a group of business people that would go out and market to recruit new businesses into the community. He stated that they are working with the new Chamber administration to do 4 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 20, 2017 7:00 P.M. – 7:52 P.M. that, adding that he feels it needs to be a collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce. He stated that the first thing they did with the steering committee was to define the problem with Jacksonville, explaining that he did what is call a “swat” analysis where you look for the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. He stated that this produced a wealth of information. He stated that next they prioritized and ranked that information to identify the number one economic payoff for the City. He related that he worked on that information for three months in Santa Fe and gave it to the steering committee and in turn they made some great suggestions. They helped to refine the plan. He stated that it had a statement of purpose and very specific goals, project objectives, and strategies. He stated that they ended up with 13 objectives and a detailed implementation plan regarding each of those objectives. He noted that it was over 100 pages and a condensed version has been provided to the City Council. He then noted that what the condensed version does not have is the detailed implementation strategies for the objections. He listed the objectives as: 1) Drink by the glass, which was put before the House, passed and was signed by the Governor. 2) Increase the design and establishment of public gathering places. 3) Develop economic and social programs in response to the need of specific population of the City, which helps to implement the quality of Jacksonville downtown development. 4) A state of the art Internet system for the City. He added that th there would be a demonstration downtown May 15. 5) Increase the number of downtown parks and green spaces and street systems that are compatible with a pedestrian oriented environment, walkability, biking, reduced traffic flow and controlled parking. 6) Redesign a City traffic plan, parking and streetscape design minimizing the use of auto downtown. 7) Working with the Jacksonville Historic Commission, improve the use of unattractive and underutilized existing properties and the integration of City Historical Preservation areas. 8) Redesign public utilities to be more attractive and underground. 9) Generate more available capital to help implement planned activities. 10) Stimulate and recruit new and specialized business for the downtown. 11) Collaborate with Jacksonville North Pulaski School District for improved graduation rates, Arkansas State University-Beebe, Arkansas Senator Jane English, Arkansas Department of Workforce Services, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Pulaski Tech and Representative Bob Johnson in the development of post- secondary education programs that respond to workforce development that meets the needs of Jacksonville community. 12) Collaborate with Chamber of Commerce in the planning and implementation of Jacksonville Master Plan. 13) Develop a mixed use approach to new housing downtown. 5 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 20, 2017 7:00 P.M. – 7:52 P.M. He stated that they have lined up with Studio Main from Little Rock, a group of architects and engineers that help communities design and implement their Master Plans at no charge. He added that he identified resources very early in the project, mentioning Studio Main, Main Street Arkansas, and the Walton Foundation. He pointed out that there are a lot of aesthetic project that do not cost a lot of money that can be accomplished with community volunteers. He noted that he, Mayor Fletcher and Mike Wilson visited Batesville a month ago and they are involved in the same type of projects, using mostly volunteers and some city money. He stated that they are making more green spaces and decreasing the vast amounts of concrete that cover whole city blocks. Creating places where people gather to sit and talk, drink coffee, eat and visit; a community where people can walk with more events that bring people downtown. He stated that it takes a vision and a plan to bring this to fruition. He added that he feel this plan is workable, but it will take years to complete. He related that the plan calls for doing it in pieces as the resources can be pulled together. He pointed out that there are plenty of towns in Arkansas that have done this, creating a town square. He mentioned ongoing efforts with Studio Main, noting that at the last meeting there were six architects and two engineers that came to Jacksonville, volunteering their time. He stated that leading the group is the architectural firm of Polk, Stanley, & Wilcox. He noted that Joe Stanley organized Studio Main many years ago. He stated that they have done a lot of this work on Main Street in Little Rock. He related that the Mayor’s idea is to have sections of the community such as business, historical, education, medical, parks and art. He stated that some cities have done this, working in each area systematically. He related that initially we are looking at 3 things; the gateway to Main Street, which Studio Main says that we need something striking that introduces people to downtown. The second is Main Street loop, where the road is divided, and the five-points area at Main and James by Walgreens. He then added that there is already a good group working on the historical section. He stated that this would not be the total scope but this would be the initial focus. He surmised that the gateway might be the best place to start, adding that one approach suggested by Studio Main was to have a round-a-bout. They suggested having more sidewalks with more green space and vegetation offering a place to bike. He offered several conceptual designs offered by Studio Main for the gateway, featuring improved parking, green space, and sidewalks. He stated that they will try to pull together the resources and do this over time, adding that this is a very long-term project. He noted that these improvements will also provide for a more economically viable community. He then reviewed the plans for the five-points area, noting that none of the focal areas is the concrete behind McDonalds and Wendy’s that would be more attractive with more green space. 6 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 20, 2017 7:00 P.M. – 7:52 P.M. Mayor Fletcher stated that when he was at Crystal Bridge, the eight city planners kept talking about the liability of all the asphalt in the downtown area. He related that he had a color coded map done of downtown and 70% of downtown is asphalt. He stated that the planners said that this is a liability because it always has to be maintained and it is not employing one person. He was told that this space downtown is taking away from a potential business with employment and sales tax etc. He stated that Jacksonville does not have a town square with a court house but the Library could be substituted and a town square could be centered around it. He stated that you have to create a place where people want to spend time downtown, saying that now it is only a place you drive through. He went on to say that it was also suggested by the planners to take the narrow four lanes back down to two lanes to create bike paths and make it walkable with lots of landscaping. Dr. Price stated that Studio Main will take the next step with Jacksonville by doing the architectural work once we decide on the design at no costs. He then noted plans by the Historical District to put a small building at the end of Main Street. He stated that the big thing would be funding the steering committee, adding that they know they will be able to secure some grants, donations, and volunteers. He stated that in every instance, a city that does this effectively has to have some kind of sustainable funding from the city. He added that he knows people are not excited about a new tax but this would have to be sustainable regarding a flow of money coming in on a regular basis. He stated that this is an investment in the community that will return money to the community bringing in more tax dollars. He added that it will produce income. Alderman Elliott expressed his gratitude for having someone of Dr. Price’s expertise available to volunteer his time to the City of Jacksonville. He thanked Dr. Price and the Steering Committee for their time and efforts put forth into this vision. Mayor Fletcher stated that he was told if we implemented this vision, it would be akin to the Heights in Little Rock and would vastly improve the property value of homeowners at least six blocks on either side of Main Street. He stated that everyone stands to gain in such an endeavor. He added that this presentation would also be put before the Planning Commission for their approval along with one or two town hall meetings for the citizenry input before being brought back to the City Council for their endorsement through a Resolution. e. SPECIAL RECOGNITION presented by Representative Bob Johnson Representative Bob Johnson addressed the “Drink by the Glass” bill, explaining that the bill allows the City Council to call for an election to decide the issue of “Drink by the Glass”. He stated that it has to be 70% and it is not for bars but only restaurants, adding that it was 7 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 20, 2017 7:00 P.M. – 7:52 P.M. designed that way on purpose. He then noted that Sherwood is also included, adding that Sherwood has expressed interest in having a joint election. He stated that this would help the mom and pop restaurants who want to come to Jacksonville. He stated that the election could happen as soon as by the end of the year. He stated that tonight he is here to acknowledge with special recognition, Alderman Bolden aka Bishop Bolden. He stated that during the House of Representatives regular session, Bishop Bolden was Chaplain th of the Day on February 10. He stated that Bishop Bolden is not only his friend but his spiritual mentor. He stated that the House of Representatives wanted to present Bishop Bolden with a plaque honoring him for coming down and being the spiritual leader and motivating the House on that day. He presented Alderman Bolden with a plaque, along with the Arkansas flag and State flag that both flew over the Capital on th February 10. He then presented him with the official House of st Representatives coin of the 91 General Assembly. APPOINTMENTS: SEWER COMMISSION Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Elliott to approve the appointment of Bob Williams for a term to expire 4/20/2022. MOTION CARRIED. CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden to approve the reappointment of Mark Evans for a term to expire 4/01/2023. MOTION CARRIED. BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Mashburn to approve the appointment of Vivian Brittenum for a term to expire 2/05/2020. MOTION CARRIED. ANNOUNCMENTS: Mayor Fletcher announced that the “Welcome Home Vietnam th Veterans Day” is Saturday, April 29 at the Jacksonville Museum. rd The 83 Annual Convention of the Arkansas Municipal League will be held thth June 14 thru the 16. th The National Day of Pray will be hosted at City Hall on May 4 beginning at 12:15. Alderman Bolden issued a public comment to the new Police Chief: “I do personally want to apology for all the stuff you had to walk into in taking this new job. Some people might not want to address it, but I feel it was wrong because our job as City Alderman/Alderpersons is to make sure that we present a good picture to our City. And with I have the news and everybody calling, everybody upset because one of our fellow 8 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 20, 2017 7:00 P.M. – 7:52 P.M. members started bring stuff on Facebook, I want to apologize for the immaturity of that individual. I love Jacksonville, and I would do anything I can for Jacksonville. I’m like most of you military guys, this is not my original home and in the military you have a choice on where you want to retire and they will pay for you to go and get you a place to go. I choose Jacksonville and I cannot stand negativity coming toward the City that I have chosen to serve. And, again, I welcome you personally to this great City. Mayor Fletcher stated that he would like to introduce the new Jacksonville Police Chief Geoffrey Herweg. He related that he is an outstanding candidate who is now the Police Chief. He stated that he is very proud and loves the fact that Chief Herweg is a visionary and a person who likes to take challenges and develop great things from those challenges. He stated that in the short time he has gotten to know Chief Herweg, he is more and more excited about Chief Herweg’s service to the City of Jacksonville. He welcomed Jeannie Herweg, saying that he is glad to have them as Jacksonville citizens. Chief Herweg thanked everyone, saying that he would like to recognize everyone who offered a warm welcome for him and his wife. He acknowledged the Jacksonville Citizens’ Police Academy. He stated that while he hasn’t met all the Police Officers yet, there has been a warm welcome from the Department. He then offered a special thank you to Alderman Bolden for his sentiments, saying that Jacksonville is his chosen home and this is where he plans to live and retire. He acknowledged his own Military service and the fact that you do not always get to choose where you will be in the Military. He stated that he has never been happier than where he is now. He again thanked the City Council. He then thanked Chief Laughy, Kenny Boyd, Jill Ross and Jim Durham; saying the Board that went through, they did not make it easy. He stated that he hopes the vision he brings forward marries up with the City and its citizens. He thanked everyone. ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Fletcher adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:52 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully, ________________________ _________________________ Susan L. Davitt MAYOR GARY FLETCHER City Clerk-Treasurer 9