20 OCT 15CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OCTOBER 15, 2020
6:00 P.M. – 6:26 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 October 15, 2020 at the regular meeting place of the City Council. Council Member Ray delivered the
invocation and Mayor Johnson led a standing audience in the “Pledge of Allegiance” to the flag.
ROLL CALL: City Council Members: Dietz, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Smith, and Collins answered ROLL CALL. Mayor Johnson also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT
EIGHT (8) ABSENT (0) ONE SEAT VACANT.
Others present for the meeting via teleconference were: City Attorney Stephanie Friedman, Human Resource Director Charlette Nelson. Present in the audience were: Finance Director Cheryl
Erkel, Police Chief Brett Hibbs, and Fire Chief Alan Laughy.
PRESENTATION OF MINUTES:
Mayor Johnson presented the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of October 1, 2020 for approval and/or correction at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting.
APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES:
Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Sansing that the minutes of the regular scheduled City Council meeting of 17 September 2020 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED.
CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/FIRE DEPARTMENT
Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to approve the regular monthly report for September 2020 from the Jacksonville Fire Department, reflecting a fire loss of
$18,700.00 and a savings total of $381,300.00.
REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/CODE ENFORCEMENT
Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to approve the regular monthly report as presented for September 2020.
Assigned Calls 49
Self-Initiated Calls 102
Follow ups 114 Structures Inspected 1
Meetings/Court Hearings 0 Rentals Inspected 0
Warnings Issued 0 Properties Red Tagged 0
Tickets Issued 4 Search Warrants Served 0
Three Day Notice 108 Structures Rehabbed 0
Seven Day Letter 44 Structures Condemned 0
Vehicles Tagged 32 Houses Demolished by City 0
Vehicles Towed 5 Houses Demolished by Owner 0
Lots posted 0 Parking Violations 5
Signs removed 0 Grass Letters 48
Trash cans tagged 2 Grass Mowed
Basketball Goals 2
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OCTOBER 15, 2020
6:00 P.M. – 6:26 P.M.
REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/ANIMAL CONTROL
Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to approve the regular monthly report for September 2020.
ADOPTION FEES/FINES $ 960.00
CONTRIBUTIONS 0.00
TOTALS $ 960.00
REGULAR MONTHLY/ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to approve the regular monthly report for September 2020.
PERMITS/LICENSE ISSUED INSPECTIONS PERFORMED
Building Permits 15 Building Inspections 11
Business Licenses Electrical 31 Plumbing 16
HVACR 14
ROLL CALL: Council Members: Dietz, 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:
COMMITTEE(S): Used Car Lot Committee (Council Member Mashburn)
No committee report to present.
GENERAL: a. CDBG Substantial Amendment to the FY 2016-2020 Consolidated Plan
CDBG Director Theresa Watson explained that CARES Funds were distributed to cities to be utilized in conjunction with their regular CDBG Funds; pointing out that the first round of Cares
Funds was more than $23,000.00 that was included in the Action Plan. She then related that a third round of funds was given recently and the City of Jacksonville CDBG received approximately
$120,000.00 plus, saying that it was specified strongly how it was to be used, which was to help individuals (low to moderate income) to help pay rent, mortgage and/or utilities. He
stated that the CDBG Action Plan will have to be amended in order to comply with regulations to receive those funds.
Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Sansing to approve the amendment to the FY 2016-2020 Consolidated Plan in order to qualify for additional CARES funds.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OCTOBER 15, 2020
6:00 P.M. – 6:26 P.M.
Mayor Johnson clarified that applicants have to show there is a decrease regarding income.
At this time, MOTION CARRIED.
b. ORDINANCE 1641 (#15-2020)
AN ORDINANCE WAIVING COMPETITIVE BIDDING FOR THE PURCHASE OF NEW AV EQUIPMENT AND VIDEO CONFERENCE CAPABILITIES FOR JACKSONVILLE CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS; FOR APPROPRIATE IMPLEMENTATION
AND ACCESS FOR DEPARTMENT AND CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REPRESENTATIVES; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Council Member Twitty moved, seconded by Council Member Sansing that Ordinance 1641 be placed on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty,
Smith, and Collins voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. City Attorney Friedman read the heading of Ordinance 1641 (#15-2020).
Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Traylor to approve Ordinance 1641 on FIRST READING and SUSPEND THE RULES to place Ordinance 1641 on SECOND READING.
Mayor Johnson related that IT is requesting to Waive Competitive Bidding because there is a supply and demand problem, explaining that if the City doesn't move forward quickly we may
not be able to make this purchase for another six to eight months. He added that the City has done business with this company in the past regarding the training room at the Police Department
and they were a good company. He then mentioned that it would provide us with the capability to livestream and is 100% refundable under the CARES Act money. He related that City Council
will be able to conduct business with Plexiglas and look toward the future by bringing some of the public back to the City Council meetings. He stated that the City Council would make
the rules and protocol before allowing the public back in.
IT Director Emily Osment explained that there would be cameras at each end of the room with extra microphones so everyone can continue to social distance, as well as replacing the old
recording equipment and we will be able to livestream from the system. She then answered Mayor Johnson that all the dais monitors would be replaced with larger monitors. She stated
that there would be a lot improvements regarding the AV equipment.
In response to a question from Council Member Mashburn, Mayor Johnson reiterated that the City would be reimbursed through the Federal CARES Act, adding that the City is expected to
receive 1.1 million dollars for any COVID-19 related items. He then explained that it is not part of the 75% reimbursement, which is a different fund that we have asked for later regarding
other expenditures.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OCTOBER 15, 2020
6:00 P.M. – 6:26 P.M.
In response to a question from Council Member Collins, Director Osment stated that she is sure the City will have a service contract adding she is not sure for how long contract will
be for through Travis Martin Company. She noted that currently they service the training rooms. She stated that she would research the exact time of service and warranty.
Mayor Johnson related that this purchase would bring the AV equipment into modern times.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Smith, and Collins voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED.
Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to APPROVE on SECOND READING and further SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1641 on THIRD AND FINAL READING.
In response to a question from Council Member Collins, Mayor Johnson further reiterated that this purchase is 100% reimbursable by the CARES Act. He then offered that there are other
purchases such a portable hand-washing stations as well as heat thermometer cameras for the entrance to buildings, which is all covered by the CARES Act. He stated that the City is
trying to make improvements that will protect City of Jacksonville employees and our citizens regarding COVID-19.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Smith, and Collins voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED.
Council Member Twitty moved, seconded by Council Member Ray to APPROVE AND ADOPT Ordinance 1641 in its entirety. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty,
Smith, and Collins voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED.
Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty that the EMERGENCY CLAUSE be approved and adopted. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty,
Smith, and Collins voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED.
ORDINANCE 1641 (#15-2020) APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 15th DAY OF OCTOBER, 2020.
c. ORDINANCE 1642 (#16-2020)
AN ORDINANCE TO SET ADDITIONAL MILLAGE TAX RATES TO BE ESTABLISHED IN 2021 FOR THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Council Member Twitty moved, seconded by Council Member Sansing that Ordinance 1642 be placed on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty,
Smith, and Collins voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. City Attorney Friedman read the heading of Ordinance 1642 (#16-2020).
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OCTOBER 15, 2020
6:00 P.M. – 6:26 P.M.
Mayor Johnson agreed with Council Member Sansing that this is an annual housekeeping measure and does not raise taxes. He went on to explain that this is for the Police and Fire Pensions
and is not a tax increase. He then answered Council Member Traylor that the value of 1 mill is approximately $300,000 to $350,000. He then answered that this is the second year that
we are doing the .5 mil and .5 mil for General and Capital Equipment. He also noted that it replaces the 1 mil for the Library.
Council Member Sansing moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to approve Ordinance 1642 on FIRST READING and SUSPEND THE RULES to place Ordinance 1642 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL:
Council Member Dietz, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Smith, and Collins voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED.
Council Member Collins moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to APPROVE on SECOND READING and further SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1642 on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL CALL:
Council Member Dietz, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Smith, and Collins voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED.
Council Member Sansing moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to APPROVE AND ADOPT Ordinance 1642 in its entirety. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor,
Twitty, Smith, and Collins voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED.
Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Traylor that the EMERGENCY CLAUSE be approved and adopted. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Sansing, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Smith,
and Collins voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED.
ORDINANCE 1642 (#16-2020) APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 15th DAY OF OCTOBER, 2020.
Mayor Johnson asked the City Council to suspend the rules and add Ordinance 1643 (#17-2020) to the agenda.
Council Member Sansing moved, seconded by Council Member Collins to suspend the rules and add Ordinance 1643 to the agenda. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Sansing, Mashburn, Traylor,
Twitty, Smith, and Collins voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED.
d. ORDINANCE 1643 (#17-2020)
AN ORDINANCE RECLASSIFYING PROPERTY IN THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS (GENERAL LOCATION: 517 GREGORY STREET, JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS); AMENDING ORDINANCE NOS. 213 AND 238 AND THE
LAND USE MAP OF THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Council Member Twitty moved, seconded by Council Member Sansing that Ordinance 1643 be placed on FIRST READING.
Mayor Johnson explained that there is a vacant piece of property behind Papitos Restaurant and the front half is commercial and the rear half (R-3)
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OCTOBER 15, 2020
6:00 P.M. – 6:26 P.M.
had duplexes that became dilapidated and were removed. He related that the owner has requested that the two lots be rezoned to commercial and it was approved by the Planning Commission.
He stated that the property would be good for a commercial business because it is located where the new road will come out from Walmart.
ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Smith, and Collins voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. City Attorney Friedman read the heading of Ordinance 1643 (#17-2020).
Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to approve Ordinance 1643 on FIRST READING and SUSPEND THE RULES to place Ordinance 1643 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Council
Member Dietz, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Smith, and Collins voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED.
Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to APPROVE on SECOND READING and further SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1643 on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL CALL:
Council Member Dietz, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Smith, and Collins voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED.
Council Member Sansing moved, seconded by Council Member Ray to APPROVE AND ADOPT Ordinance 1643 in its entirety. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty,
Smith, and Collins voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED.
Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Sansing that the EMERGENCY CLAUSE be approved and adopted. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty,
Smith, and Collins voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED.
ORDINANCE 1643 (#17-2020) APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 15th DAY OF OCTOBER, 2020.
APPOINTMENTS:
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mayor Johnson announced that October 20th would be the annual fundraiser for the Jacksonville Senior Center “Beans and Cornbread”.
Mayor Johnson stated that he would like to say that while the City Council has not been getting along, he would like to offer a saying that he truly believes in; “If you’re looking at
your past – you’re tripping over your future”. He stated that when he was in the State Legislature, their speaker told them that “you got to have thick skin, short memory and quick
to forgive; because your enemy today could be your friend tomorrow”. He stated that we are never going to move Jacksonville forward and unite this City if us as leaders cannot unite
ourselves. He offered that we need to quit looking backwards, forget the past, look to the future; the future is bright for Jacksonville. He went on to say that he is asking the City
Council to join together and help him lead Jacksonville, so we can create a unified city.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OCTOBER 15, 2020
6:00 P.M. – 6:26 P.M.
ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at approximately 6:26 p.m. MOTION CARRIED.
Respectfully,
________________________ _________________________
Susan L. Davitt MAYOR BOB JOHNSON
City Clerk-Treasurer