Loading...
17 DEC 07 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 7, 2017 7:00 P.M. – 8:40 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 December 7, 2017 at the regular meeting place of the City Council. Councilman Bolden delivered the invocation and the Jacksonville High School ROTC presented the colors and led a standing audience in the “Pledge of Allegiance” to the flag. ROLL CALL: City Councilman: Elliott, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Smith, and Collins answered ROLL CALL. Mayor Fletcher also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT TEN (10) ABSENT (0). Others present for the meeting were: City Attorney Robert Bamburg, Finance Director Cheryl Erkel, Fire Chief Alan Laughy, CDBG Director Theresa Watson, Engineering Director Jay Whisker, Human Resource Director Jill Ross, IT Director Scott Rothlisberger, Parks and Recreation Director Kevin House, Director of Public Works Jim Oakley, 911 Director Tabby Hughes, Arkansas State Representative Bob Johnson, Rick Kron, Lida Feller, Planning Commission Chairman Jim Moore, Planning Commissioner Patrick Thomas, interested citizens, and members of the press. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Fletcher presented the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of November 16, 2017 for approval and/or correction at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting. APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES: Councilman Bolden moved, seconded by Councilman Twitty that the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of 2 November 2017 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/CODE ENFORCEMENT Councilman Ray moved, seconded by Councilman Sansing to approve the Regular Monthly Report for November 2017. Assigned Calls 63 Self-Initiated Calls 227 Follow ups 367 Structures Inspected 1 Meetings/Court Hearings 1 Rentals Inspected 2 Warnings Issued 31 Properties Red Tagged 0 Tickets Issued 1 Search Warrants Served 0 Notice/Letters written 59 Structures Rehabbed 0 Vehicles Tagged 1 Structures Condemned 0 Vehicles Towed 1 Houses Demolished by City 0 Lots posted 0 Houses Demolished by Owner 0 Signs removed 118 Parking Violations 47 Trash cans tagged 12 Grass Letters 0 Basketball Goals 0 Grass Mowed 0 1 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 7, 2017 7:00 P.M. – 8:40 P.M. REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT Councilman Ray moved, seconded by Councilman Sansing to approve the regular monthly report for November 2017. PERMITS/LICENSE ISSUED INSPECTIONS PERFORMED Building Permits 9 Building Inspections 32 Business Licenses 3 Electrical 50 Plumbing 45 HVACR 33 REGULAR MONTH REPORT/ANIMAL CONTROL Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to approve the regular monthly report for October 2017. ADOPTION FEES/FINES $1,346.70 CONTRIBUTIONS 0.00 TOTALS $1,346.70 ROLL CALL: Councilmen: Elliott, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Smith, and Collins voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. WATER DEPARTMENT: WASTEWATER DEPARTMENTS: FIRE DEPARTMENT: POLICE DEPARTMENT: STREET DEPARTMENT: SANITATION DEPARTMENT: PARKS & RECREATION: PLANNING COMMISSION: GENERAL: a. Special Recognition of the Jacksonville High School ROTC Councilman Collins read Resolution 760 (#13-2017) in its entirety. Resolution 760 congratulates and expresses support for the Jacksonville/North Pulaski High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp. (ROTC). He then related that he had spoke with Major Cathey regarding recognition of some of his top cadet Squadron leadership. He stated that Major Cathey describes his “Top 3” as invaluable to the success of the program. Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Brendon Crow Cadet Major Aletha Lester Cadet Captain Robert Palermo Councilman Bolden stated knowing that NCOs lead the way in the United States Military, in addition he recognized two cadets for outstanding individual effort. He related that both were presented the Outstanding Performer Award during the inspection, awards can only be presented by 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 7, 2017 7:00 P.M. – 8:40 P.M. Air Force JROTC Headquarters representatives during a formal inspection once over three (3) years. Cadet Technical Sergeant Ricky Moore, Cadet Technical Sergeant Kezia Warren were recognized. Other cadets that were representing AR-081 Squadron are: Cadet Second Lieutenant Da’Shani Beal, Cadet Senior Master Sergeant Lucas Ross, Cadet Airman First Class Madeline Elmore, and Cadet Airman Tavares Clark. Councilman Bolden congratulated the Squadron and thanked them for presenting the colors. th b. Presentation by Arnold Drive 5 grade class Mr. Rick Kron, teacher of the class, stated that he is very proud of how his class is comfortable moving outside the “box”. He stated that the class came up with two powerful “mighty messages” songs that were combined into a song about anti-bullying. After performing their rendition of the anti-bullying song the class received a standing ovation from the City Council and audience. Members of the class were: Carissa Angel, Dakota Becker, Isabella Bornhauser, Josiah Bryson, Emily Cornett; Riley Fugate, Somora Gourgue, Casey Grant, Jaylen Hodges, Mellany Jarrell, Caleb Leisenring, Ethan Moten, Kayleigh Murphy, William Oakley, Kylie Quattlebaum Josiah Rainey, Kimora Swift, Makeda Toombs, Jayden Watkins, Christopher Werener and Deshawn Lane. c. DISCUSSION regarding the proposed Budget for 2018 Councilman Bolden moved, seconded by Councilman Mashburn to move into Executive Session at approximately 7:18 p.m. Councilman Twitty requested that Finance Director Cheryl Erkel be permitted to offer her notes summary on the 2018 budget before going into Executive Session. Councilman Bolden withdrew his motion to move into Executive Session and Councilman Mashburn withdrew her second to move into Executive Session. Finance Director Cheryl Erkel referenced her notes on the 2018 budget, saying that copies have been provided to the City Council. General Fund  Estimated Revenues and Expenditures - $20,153,389  County sales taxes and City sales tax are estimated at a 2% increases. 3 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 7, 2017 7:00 P.M. – 8:40 P.M.  There will be a 2% raise for the employees with a $500 minimum and a $1,000 maximum. Longevity and certificate pay are not included in this budget. The rates for the retirement plans have increased for 2018. LOPFI Fire went from 21.71% to 22.71%. LOPFI Police went from 23% to 23.50%. APERS will increase in June from 14.75% to 15.32%.  9-1-1 has entered into a 5 year lease for the AT&T upgrade of equipment.  Courts will get a new software program for their court activities.  Jail expense is for the County Jail which has an increase this year for mental health facilities.  There will be a 5 year lease for equipment refresh for all servers at City Hall and the Public Safety Building. The WIFI will be replaced at the Public Safety Building.  Parks & Recreation will get three zero turn mowers.  The debt service department includes the transfer of funds for the revenue bond issue payment.  Transfers Out includes $150,000 to EMS and $200,000 to Shooting Range for cash flow purposes. Street Fund  Estimated Revenues and Expenditures – $3,314,665  Increase in revenue will come from Grant revenue for sidewalks and asphalt projects.  Increases in expenditures are due to engineering services and capital outlay for three sidewalk projects. The next three Funds are Enterprise Funds that operate on an accrual basis. Their revenues do not have to match their expenditures. Although, we strive to get as close as we can. The difference is offset by their fund balance. Sanitation Fund  Estimated Revenue - $1,839,560  Estimated Expenditure - $1,672,088  Majority of the revenues will come from sanitation fees.  Majority of the expenses are personnel costs and depreciation expenses. Shooting Range Fund  Estimated Revenue - $560,000  Estimated Expenditures - $514,773  There will be 2 golf carts purchased. 4 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 7, 2017 7:00 P.M. – 8:40 P.M. EMS Fund  Estimated Revenue - $1,821,974  Estimated Expenditures - $1,815,511  We are expecting $16,000 in grant revenue.  Majority of the expenditures will come from increase in write offs from uncollectible accounts. She related that in addition to the notes she provided, she had received questions from some Council members. She reviewed that under Revenues the 4900 Miscellaneous Income consists of funds received donations for Animal Control, Police and Fire Departments, accident reports, and City liens. She pointed out that the canine expense (5250) under the Police Department increase from $5,000.00 in 2017 to the proposed $12,500.00 of 2018 due to the Department planning to purchase a new canine in 2018. She added that this line item also includes the food and veterinarian fees. She related that under the Fire Department contract services (5030) increased from $14,070.00 in 2017 to $24,654.00 for 2018. She stated that this line item includes lawn maintenance for the fire stations, explaining that in the past the firefighters have maintained the lawns and this year we budgeted to have a company come in and do that service, that way the firefighters are not in the 100° heat, mowing the lawns and then getting called out on fires. In response to a comment from Councilman Traylor, Finance Director Cheryl Erkel concurred that roughly $10,000.00 was contract for this purpose. She then addressed line item 5090 under IT budget regarding supplies/office expense, which increased from $867.00 in 2017 to $1,813.00 for 2018. She stated that battery backups, external hard- drives, and additional tapes for backups are included in 5090. Councilman Traylor questioned if the Parks & Recreation who already mow a lot of grass could also mow the fire stations instead of paying $10,000.00 to an outside company. Parks & Recreation Director Kevin House responded that may be possible. Mayor Fletcher noted that Parks Department also mows the lots for Code Enforcement as well as the park properties. Councilman Traylor pointed out that the Parks & Recreation budget includes $27,000.00 for three zero-turn lawnmowers. Director House then responded that he did not have a problem with his Department mowing the fire stations. 5 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 7, 2017 7:00 P.M. – 8:40 P.M. Chief Laughy interjected that the amount budgeted to hire an outside company to cut the grass is actually $4,800.00. Councilman Traylor noted that the increase was for $10,000.00. Finance Director Cheryl Erkel stated that the grass cutting was just the majority of the difference. Councilman Traylor then asked Finance Director Cheryl Erkel what the total cost of raises. Finance Director Cheryl Erkel referred Councilman Traylor to Human Resource Director Jill Ross. Human Resource Director Ross offered to retrieve the information. Finance Director Cheryl Erkel surmised that it is roughly $153,000.00 regarding the General Fund only. Councilman Traylor stated that he does support raises, pointing out that there is approximately another $35,000.00 that goes with the $153,000.00 regarding associated costs such as retirement expenses and social security, saying that total cost is actually more around $188,000.00. Councilman Bolden moved, seconded by Councilman Mashburn to move into Executive Session at approximately 7:24 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. The City Council retired to Executive Session at approximately 7:24 p.m. Councilman Bolden moved, seconded by Councilman Mashburn to come out of Executive Session at approximately 8:01 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Councilman Smith noted a decrease in the line item for salaries in the Police Department budget. She questioned if positions are not being filled. City Attorney Bamburg and Acting Director of the Police Department related beyond positions not being filled, to keep this accreditation that a former Chief had set up, we have to post and fund a certain number of employees. He went on to say that the accreditation is not required any longer because the Police Department is now getting its accreditation through the State. He added that those positions have been dropped from funding, previously they were carried and funded but not filled. He stated that in doing so it also affected the retirement match and insurance. Mayor Fletcher stated that it inflated the budget, which affects the reserves. 6 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 7, 2017 7:00 P.M. – 8:40 P.M. Councilman Smith questioned if the Captain and Lieutenant positions would be filled. City Attorney Bamburg related that the Lieutenant position is not vacated yet and the Captain’s position has not been filled at this point, adding that he is still juggling as to what will take place with those… “The Mayor and I have been working on some plans to determine if there needs to be a fill or if there can be some adjustments to personnel to take care of the same processes and obligations”. Councilman Smith questioned if any Departments would receive new vehicles this year. City Attorney Bamburg stated that he is unaware of other Departments but he did not budget for any vehicles in the Police Department. He then noted that the Police Department received four in 2017. He stated that it was a struggle to come up with the funds to cover the purchase costs for those that already been ordered prior to the time he had become Director. He then explained that the vehicles were budgeted but ended up costing more than anticipated. He stated that with the four vehicles purchased in 2017, he did not budget for any vehicles in 2018 because of directives from Finance Director Cheryl Erkel and the Mayor to budget as thin as possible. In response to a question from Councilman Smith, Finance Director Cheryl Erkel answered that certificate pay and longevity pay is not included in the 2018 budget. She then answered that healthcare costs are not going up for the employee. Councilman Collins commented that if revenues exceed expenditures then certificate pay could be at the end of November. City Attorney Bamburg concurred that the City Council can amend the budget at any point during the year. Councilman Collins noted that the problem is that we have not been achieving our revenue projections. Finance Director Cheryl Erkel stated that our revenue has not been coming in as projected, which is the reason we amended the budget this year. Councilman Collins stated that if we start out with lower revenue projections and tighten our belts, then if revenues do go up, that is where certificate pay and other items can make their way to the top. Councilman Bolden asked Parks and Recreation Director Kevin House if he drives his own vehicle as a supervisor. Director House confirmed that he does and the reason is a lack of vehicles. 7 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 7, 2017 7:00 P.M. – 8:40 P.M. Councilman Bolden stated that he wanted to enumerate that everyone is lacking vehicles. Councilman Traylor questioned if telephone expenses could be reviewed, noting that just the General Fund spends $225,000.00 on telephones. Finance Director Cheryl Erkel related that it is not only land lines but that amount also includes cell phones. Councilman Traylor stated that he would like to have cell phones audited to see if all that is necessary. City Attorney Bamburg related that most of our officers use their personal cell phones, not all but most. He continued saying that there is no way that we can afford to purchase or provide cell phones for all of the officers. He added that because we have the radios, we know that we can communicate with our officers. He went on to say that the reality is that these days everybody uses their phone. Councilman Traylor cited for example that he would believe that the 911 Department has a sophisticated phone system but the Shooting Range is half of what 911 spends on phones. Mayor Fletcher pointed out that it is because of the lines and the City has to have dedicated lines for security cameras and alarms. Councilman Collins stated that he would like to also look at ways to decrease line items 5090 and 5095 regarding office supplies and office equipment for all Departments. He mentioned doing business across the network using PDF files. He mentioned City Attorney Bamburg is trying to get the Police Department into doing electronic tickets, which is the kind of innovation we need to bring down the costs of office supplies. City Attorney Bamburg stated that the amount of paperwork created by the Police Department alone is enough to fill landfills but it is necessary paperwork and it is not anything we can get away with not doing. He stated that he is trying to reduce some of that in favor of it being done electronically in order to save money on supplies. He stated that the reality is that it is going to take awhile to get there. Councilman Collins then noted that the City is housing Pit Bulls and they are supposed to be a banned breed in the City of Jacksonville, questioning if we could reduce the time they are held. City Attorney Bamburg stated that unfortunately not, explaining that in many of the cases where a Pit Bull has been seized we have to house the animal until the owner is cited into court. 8 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 7, 2017 7:00 P.M. – 8:40 P.M. Councilman Traylor conferred with Finance Director Cheryl Erkel who answered that the Municipal League dues went up for 2017 from the budgeted $64,427.00 to $85,699.00, which was invoiced from Arkansas Municipal League. She related that this fund covers the Municipal League Defense and the drug testing. Councilman Traylor questioned how the amount for dues is set or what it is based on. City Attorney Bamburg stated that there is a very complicated formula that it is based on, adding that he is unaware of how that is created. He referred Councilman Traylor to Don Zimmerman or someone else at the League. He related that the City has no direct input into how those amounts are determined. He then stated that it is based on population, usage, and expenses for each city. He stated that when they refer to usage it is not just the legal defense fund, it is also insurance, health and life, as well as some other factors. He added that it also involves the number of payouts regarding vehicle coverage or building coverage if they have our building coverage as well. Councilman Traylor noted that there are no funds for the Boys and Girls Club in the 2018 budget, questioning if it is possible to at least fund half of what was funded last year. Councilman Bolden stated that when their request was funded last year they were told ahead of time that they would not be further funded in the 2018 budget. He added that it was a push to fund it last year, and they were publicly told that it could not be funded after that based on the budget. Councilman Traylor noted that 5030 contract services for IT went up to $116,081.00 for 2018. Finance Director Cheryl Erkel stated that the reason for the increase is because in years past they had split up the ClearPointe monitoring among the different Departments and in 2018 we are putting that all underneath the IT Department. Councilman Traylor confirmed with Finance Director Cheryl Erkel that would mean that contract services for all other Departments would decrease. He then noted that Parks & Rec. Department 40 had an increase from $35,527.00 to $51,000.00 regarding 5110 printing & advertising. Finance Director Cheryl Erkel stated that is because a lot of their advertising is done by the A&P Commission with the Sells Agency and the A&P Commission has voted to reduce the amount that they are paying the Sells Agency for 2018 and they are allocating extra funds to Parks & 9 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 7, 2017 7:00 P.M. – 8:40 P.M. Recreation for marketing. She added that they are going to be focusing more on promoting their different programs that they have locally rather than trying to reach out. Councilman Traylor confirmed that an increase in contributions from the A&P Commission would show up in the revenue side of 4450 A&P promotions and contributions. Finance Director Cheryl Erkel noted that it is going down because in the past, A&P Commission also contributed approximately $150,000 for the Shooting Range and that will no longer be there for 2018. Councilman Traylor noted that under Parks & Recreation Department 45 athletics, 5030 contract services was increased from $85,746 to $100,000. Finance Director Cheryl Erkel answered that they have increased their program services with volleyball requiring more officials and referees. Councilman Traylor stated that he loves sports and realizes the benefits but the amount of money spent on athletics is enormous. Parks and Recreation Director Kevin House added that the amount also includes aerobics and karate instructors contracted at the Center, pointing out that it is not just umpires and referees. Councilman Traylor noted that athletics is $438,000 of the Parks and Recreation budget. He then noted that the ballpark’s electricity is $66,258, questioning how much Parks charges for someone to have a tournament. Director House replied that they charge $50.00 per field per day. Mayor Fletcher stated that this year, Parks has increased participation in volleyball, soccer, and basketball. Councilman Twitty stated that Director House and his staff have done an excellent job on the volleyball. Mayor Fletcher noted that in the past, students have not had a youth volleyball program, saying that it is a building program for when it is offered to higher grades in the schools. Discussion ensued regarding the importance of sports programs and scholarships. Councilman Twitty noted that the youth programs prepare the students for th when they will begin playing in the schools around 7 grade. 10 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 7, 2017 7:00 P.M. – 8:40 P.M. Councilman Traylor questioned how much of the proposed salaries is a reflection of the volleyball programs. He asked other than providing the teams a place to play at the Center, what is Parks providing. Director House stated that they organize, schedule, and provide officials. He related that Parks is running the whole program. Councilman Twitty noted that the Center has teams coming in from Cabot and it will only get bigger next year, adding that everyone is so excited to be able to come to Jacksonville. She related that they stay after and eat in Jacksonville. Councilman McCleary stated that Director House and his staff do an excellent job with adult flag football, noting that people come from Little Rock, Fayetteville, and Conway to play flag football. Councilman Ray stated that the big question is - are these people staying and eating in Jacksonville. Councilman McCleary reiterated his support of the programs, saying that kickball and basketball is drawing people from all around. He added that the return may not be immediately obvious but it has to be given time to grow. Mayor Fletcher added that when it comes to youth, if these programs keep them off the streets, it is an investment. Councilman Traylor stated he is addressing more the adults rather than the youth programs. He then noted that the auditors cautioned the City Council as much as two years ago regarding the depleted reserves, pointing out that the proposed budget does not provide anything for the reserves. Finance Director Cheryl Erkel that the fund balance is at 5%, which is 18.75 days in reserves, which is higher than what it was in 2016 at 15 days. She then answered that the auditors have stated that we should have 60 days in reserve. Mayor Fletcher noted that the proposed budget for 2018 is roughly $800,000 less than it was last year. He explained that when you have a smaller budget then the amount of money needed for 60 days in reserve is smaller because you need less money per day and that is what stretches it out from 15 to 18.75. He commented that it is moving in the right direction and then answered that the City does not have the money to move very fast. Councilman Traylor stated that sometimes it is not having the money but spending less money. 11 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 7, 2017 7:00 P.M. – 8:40 P.M. Mayor Fletcher stated that is what they have been doing since he has been in office. Councilman Collins questioned the confidence factor in being able to hit the revenue projection of $20,153,389.00. Finance Director Cheryl Erkel stated that she has been really conservative with the revenue streams that she has projected for 2018. She pointed out that she detected a trend of revenue fees decreasing regarding franchise fees so she decreased her project regarding those fees. She then noted that she kept the City and County Sales Tax at a 2% increase. She then noted that there is some Grant revenue that is listed in line item of 4400, being raised from $58,532 in 2017 to $207,600 for 2018. Councilman Collins stated that it would be nice if we started with lower revenue projection and then were able to move up during the course of the year, having the revenues outdistance the expenditures. Mayor Fletcher stated that the City is going to have to address a more stabilized revenue source than what we have had in the past. He pointed out that the economy is changing and cities live by the economy, citing franchise fees have been decreasing for years because people are using alternatives regarding television and phones. He went on to say that Internet sales tax is hurting cities. He added that most cities have millages; the problem is that Jacksonville just passed a big millage for the schools. He related that Jacksonville has 3 mills but it goes to retire the debt on the Library and to fund the Police and Fire Pensions. He then noted Sherwood is about to go up on their millage, adding that it has been pointed out that Jacksonville has the highest sales tax, but since the new chart has come out a lot of cities went to a 3 cent sales tax so Jacksonville is now where everyone else is at. He stated that the truth of the matter is that we need new more durable and reliable sources of revenue or we are going to be in trouble. Finance Director Cheryl Erkel then answered that Game and Fish still owes the City money, pointing out that in line item 4901 of donations she has projected $201,149 as coming in from Game and Fish. She then answered Commission Traylor that Arkansas Game and Fish owes $351,000 that has to be paid by March 2018. She stated that she is expecting $100,000 to $150,000 to be paid this year before the end of the year. Councilman Traylor confirmed and Finance Director Cheryl Erkel concurred that if revenues exceed expenses then the City is adding to its Fund Balance. He questioned if the amount of transfers into the Shooting Range could be reduced by $45,000 without spending anymore money. 12 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 7, 2017 7:00 P.M. – 8:40 P.M. Finance Director Cheryl Erkel stated that the transfer for the Shooting Range is basically to help keep the cash flow. She then stated “the revenues coming in and the expenditures going out is not necessarily all this going on regarding the cash flow because it is an enterprise fund you are not actually seeing all of the assets and stuff that have to be paid to.” She stated that the transfer from the General Fund into the Shooting Range is to help keep them in a positive cash flow. She then informed the City Council that the City will purchase a new ambulance in 2018, saying that they were able to speak to the people who have the Bond Issue, because we came in a little bit below what we estimated for the Fire Station renovation and the left over money is going to go toward the purchase of a new ambulance. She added that it is not listed in the EMS budget because it is going to be coming from those funds. Councilman Traylor questioned what is the life of an ambulance. Chief Laughy stated that it depends on how many runs you have per year and it depends on what type of ambulance it is, he stated that currently they have one ambulance that is 16 or 17 years old, which is the one that they are trying to replace. He then related that the other ambulance is a 2008, which is Medic 2 and Medic 1 and 3 are 2011s. He stated that realistically we should be looking at replacing them between 5 and 8 years. Councilman Traylor noted the length of bond issue, pointing out that is the reason we did not look at police cars for the bond issue. Chief Laughy added that the types of ambulances he is looking at, he hopes to be able to keep them for 15 years. He stated that it all depends on what you buy. Finance Director Cheryl Erkel confirmed that she is directed to review the phones to see if there can be a savings and also review the supplies 5090 and 5095 in all of the Departments. She continued saying that the Parks and Recreation Department is going to do the mowing for the Fire Stations. APPOINTMENTS: PLANNING COMMISSION Councilman Sansing moved, seconded by Councilman Bolden to approve the reappointment of Patrick Thomas for a term to expire 01/01/2021 and the appointment of Vivian Brittenum for a term to expire 01/01/2021. MOTION CARRIED. BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT Councilman Bolden moved, seconded by Councilman Sansing to approve the appointment of Jeff Twitty to fill the unexpired term of Vivian Brittenum to expire 02/05/2020. MOTION CARRIED with Councilman Traylor voting NAY and Councilman Twitty abstaining. 13 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 7, 2017 7:00 P.M. – 8:40 P.M. In response to a question from Councilman Ray, Mayor Fletcher stated that The Meadows Subdivision residents’ issues of concern that were presented at the previous City Council meeting have been resolved by the Housing Authority. He noted that they would be invited to speak to City Council in one of the next few regularly scheduled City Council meetings. ANNOUNCMENTS: ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Fletcher adjourned the meeting at approximately 8:40 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully, ________________________ _________________________ Susan L. Davitt MAYOR GARY FLETCHER City Clerk-Treasurer 14