14 DEC 29CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
RESCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 29, 2014
7:00 P.M. – 7:47 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 29, 2014 at the regular meeting place of the City Council. Alderman Bishop 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, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, and Robinson answered ROLL CALL. Mayor Fletcher also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum.
Aldermen Howard was absent. PRESENT EIGHT (9), ABSENT (1).
Others present for the meeting were: City Attorney Robert Bamburg, Director of Administration Jim Durham, Finance Director Cheryl Erkel, City Engineer Jay Whisker, Public Works Director
Jim Oakley, Parks and Recreation Director Kevin House, Police Chief Kenny Boyd, Fire Chief Alan Laughy, CDBG Director Theresa Watson, 911 Communications Director Tabby Hughes, IT Director
Scott Rothlisberger, Wastewater Manager Thea Hughes, Sewer Commissioner Pat Griggs, Planning Commissioner Jim Moore, Patrick Thomas, interested citizens, and members of the press.
PRESENTATION OF MINUTES:
Mayor Fletcher presented the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of December 4, 2014 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 Ray that the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of 20 November 2014 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 November 2014 regarding annual crime statistical comparisons.
Code Enforcement for November 2014
Assigned Calls 106
Self-Initiated Calls 364
Follow ups 215 Basketball Goals 3
Meetings/Court Hearings 94 Structures Inspected 7
Citations/Warnings Issued 2 Rental Properties Inspected 1
Notices/Letters Written 5 Properties Red Tagged 0
Vehicles Tagged 0 Search Warrants Served 0
Vehicles Towed 0 Structures Rehabbed 1
Lots posted 0 Structures Condemned 0
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
RECHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 29, 2014
7:00 P.M. – 7:47 P.M.
Signs removed 198 Houses Demolished by City 0
Trash cans tagged 13 Houses Demolished by Owner 0
Parking Violations 47
Grass Letters 0
Grass Mowed 0
REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/FIRE DEPARTMENT
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Elliott to approve the regular monthly report for November 2014 from the Jacksonville Fire Department, reflecting a fire loss of $28,000.00 and
a savings total of $132,000.00.
REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Elliott to approve the regular monthly report for November 2014.
PERMITS/LICENSE ISSUED INSPECTIONS PERFORMED
Building Permits 11 Building Inspections 22
Business Licenses 4 Electrical 29 Plumbing 18
HVACR 12
REGULAR MONTH REPORT/ANIMAL CONTROL
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Elliott to approve the regular monthly report for November 2014.
ADOPTION FEES/FINES $2,505.00
CONTRIBUTIONS 50.00
TOTALS $2,555.00
ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, and Robinson voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED.
WATER DEPARTMENT:
WASTEWATER DEPARTMENTS:
FIRE DEPARTMENT:
POLICE DEPARTMENT:
STREET DEPARTMENT:
SANITATION DEPARTMENT:
PARKS & RECREATION:
PLANNING COMMISSION:
GENERAL: ORDINANCE 1520 (#13-2014)
AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A FISCAL BUDGET FOR 2015; MAKING APPROPRIATIONS AND AUTHORIZING EXPENDITURES FOR OPERATION OF VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS OF CITY GOVERNMENT; FOR THE PURCHASE OF MATERIALS,
SUPPLIES, EQUIPMENT, AND SERVICES COVERING GENERAL FUND OPERATIONS, STREET FUND, EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES FUND, AND SANITATION FUND; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
RECHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 29, 2014
7:00 P.M. – 7:47 P.M.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden that Ordinance 1520 be placed on FIRST READING.
Finance Director Cheryl Erkel reminded the City Council that a copy of the proposed budget was emailed on December 18th for their review, adding that hard copies were placed at their
stations prior to the meeting. She related that a notes page was included with that data.
She reviewed the Notes on 2015 Budget page:
General Fund
Estimated Revenues and Expenditures - $20,657,218
Decreases in revenues are due to no donations from AG&F Foundation. City and County sales taxes are estimated at 2% increases. There is a new revenue source from Fines that will help
offset the jail cost. We are also expected to receive payment from Windstream on Franchise Fees to cover the years 2012 – 2015.
Fire department has applied for a Fire grant to purchase 40 air packs, 80 air bottles, 63 face pieces, Posecheck & laptop with testing software. This has increased the revenues by $248,366.70
and the expenditures by $275,963.
Transfers Out is for $200,000 to EMS for cash flow purposes.
There will be no cost of living/annual raises for the employees, any layoffs, or furloughs. The following benefits are not in this budget: Clothing allowance ($20,246), Tuition Reimbursement
($20,000), Longevity pay ($121,000), and degree incentive pay ($28,800). The employee portion for health insurance will remain the same as 2014: $72 for single and $150 for family
per month.
The debt service department includes the following loan payments: 9-1-1 Equipment $324,135, Capital Improvements $732,693, and Shooting range $373,003.
We will use $427,689 in Fund balance.
Street Fund
Estimated Revenues and Expenditures – $2,234,746
Increase in revenue will come from State Tax Turnback.
Increases in expenditures are due to equipment purchases and maintenance costs.
The next two 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.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
RECHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 29, 2014
7:00 P.M. – 7:47 P.M.
Sanitation Fund
Estimated Revenue - $1,822,600
Estimated Expenditure - $1,823,039
Increase in revenues will come from sanitation fees.
Increases in expenses are due to vehicle and equipment maintenance.
EMS Fund
Estimated Revenue - $1,402,901
Estimated Expenditures - $1,184,144
Increase in revenues will come from ambulance service billings.
Contract Services- Includes charges for services performed by individuals who work under contract or agreement such as janitorial services, secretarial allowances, and uniform volunteers.
Parks Aquatics contract services pays for instructors per swim lessons they provide. Actual cost depends on actual number of swim lessons provided to patrons. There is offsetting revenues
generated by the swim lessons.
Police and 9-1-1 have opted to discontinue their janitorial service. They will have their employees to pick up those duties.
Telephone – Charges for monthly services, long distance fees, disconnect fees and other related fees associated with telephones, cell phones, pagers, air cards, data packages for Wi-Fi
and modems, internet, and Ethernet services. There does not appear to be any duplications of expenses in the budget.
Personnel Cost information that was requested:
The average base salary of a City employee is roughly $36,000;
The average salary/benefits/taxes, etc. for a City employee is roughly $55,000;
The Retail Attractions contract was terminated in 2014. We have allocated $25,000 to the Chamber of Commerce for economic development.
Currently, we have an agreement with Windstream to pay us a franchise fee. They owe us for the years 2012 through 2015. We are not certain of the exact amount of revenue that this will
generate. We put in a conservative estimate of $80,000 to cover all four years.
We currently have our vehicle insurance through the Municipal League with only liability coverage except for vehicles that are being financed (CDBG and Sanitation trucks that are covered
by the loan).
The printing & advertising listed in the Parks & Rec. budget is mostly ads in publication and some radio for special events. It also includes ads in the yellow pages and promotional
items.
The City pays for 66 cell phones and 47 of those have data packages.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
RECHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 29, 2014
7:00 P.M. – 7:47 P.M.
In response to a question from Alderman Traylor, Finance Director Cheryl Erkel answered that the difference between the one-cent Sales Tax and the City Sales Tax, explaining that the
one-cent Sales Tax is the County Sales Tax and the City Sales Tax is two-cents. She concurred that the City gets a portion of the County Sales Tax, then noted that the State takes
3% for their administrative costs. She explained that the County Sales Tax is calculated by the total amount of County population and a percentage is given by the City’s population.
She answered that the revenue from the Hotel/Motel tax are funds that are given by the A&P Commission, which is actually designated for the Parks and Recreation Department.
Mayor Fletcher noted that the funds from A&P Commission are 50% of collections.
Alderman Traylor clarified with Finance Director Cheryl Erkel that the amount is 50% of 1% and the same calculation is used for Prepared Food Tax collected by the A&P Commission.
Finance Director Cheryl Erkel then added that both collections are designated for the Parks and Recreation Department.
She then reviewed the collections by millage regarding 1 mill and 1 mill for the Police and Fire Pension Plans, noting that the monies received from State Insurance Turnback are from
LOPFI, which is also for the Police and Fire Pensions. She then explained that Police and Fire also collect funds from the State regarding the old pension plan. She then answered
that property tax amounts collected from the State monthly for Fire and Police Pensions are recorded in the General Fund and are then expensed out into the Fire and Police Pension funds,
which pays the retirees.
Mayor Fletcher clarified that it is not a General operating expense but a pass through.
Finance Director Cheryl Erkel explained that in July or August, a one-time lump sum payment is kept in a savings account by LOPFI and when the monthly LOPFI bill the amount sent to them
is the amount that is withheld from the employees portion and they will subtract the City’s portion from that pot of money until it is depleted and then the City will have to start
paying its share again.
Alderman Traylor questioned under Revenues/charges for services, the revenue received from engineering services reimbursement.
Finance Director Cheryl Erkel concurred that those funds are coming into the General Fund from the Street and Sanitation Departments. She then answered that the revenue listed in the
General Fund under Director of
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
RECHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 29, 2014
7:00 P.M. – 7:47 P.M.
Public Works reimbursement also comes from the Street and Sanitation Departments, which helps to pay for the labor and City mechanic salaries for the amount of work they do for the Street
and Sanitation Departments, adding that the accounting services is the same.
In response to a question from Alderman Traylor, Finance Director Cheryl Erkel answered that there are no other funds from any other Department that contributes in that same manner.
Mayor Fletcher stated that this was the toughest budget so far, adding that the City cannot operate next year’s on the same standard as the past. He added that the City has to look
for new sources of revenues, pointing out that it is not just the City of Jacksonville, Friday’s Democrat had a front page article citing that Little Rock’s sales tax are flat. He
stated that the City of Little Rock is going to have to cut projects.
He then noted that 3% that is held by the State from cities, saying that it is very aggravating for cities that pass taxes for projects and the State automatically takes 3% when the
expense for their handing of those taxes does not go up any. He stated that the State gets more money and the cities get less. He added that Elect State Representative Bob Johnson
will be help cities lobby for a fairer distribution. He related that last year the City suffered badly regarding the Rebate Program, explaining that normally it has been approximately
$180,000 annually but last year it was close to $400,000. He related that the cities cannot find out exactly what the rebate is; saying that there are approximately 120 categories
that these rebates are listed under but they do not give cities the exact information. He noted that this is something that Arkansas does, that other surrounding states do not
do. He stated that cities need to know how the money is collected and where it is going regarding rebates. He stated that cities live on sales tax, when you get a large sales tax
check you feel like you are doing good and the next month the rebates are taken out. He related that the Sales Tax goes up and then down. He stated that there needs to be more transparency
regarding the rebates.
Finance Director Cheryl Erkel noted that companies have up to six months to turn in their invoice request for a rebate, adding that it is impossible to determine what period of time
the rebate represents.
Mayor Fletcher stated that the City needs to look at other revenue sources, adding that the privilege tax ordinance is outdated; it has not been revisited in twenty years. He stated
that the City Council needs to look at and deal with these issues at the beginning of next year, noting that it may take up to a year for any amendments to be put in place.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
RECHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 29, 2014
7:00 P.M. – 7:47 P.M.
Mayor Fletcher stated that on a good note, the Sales Tax results for last month came in at a 5% increase. He stated that the budget is based off a 2% annual increase in Sale Tax collections.
He stated that if the Sales Tax does well this year, he would support amending the budget. He stated that while he is not happy about the budget this year, especially regarding the
employees, they were able to get the longevity pay for last year. He stated that he is thankful that the longevity pay was able to be given. He noted that there are things happening
in 2015 that were not happening last year, such as the road construction and a few new businesses. He stated that he is optimistic about the future, but for now it is a tight budget.
ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, and Robinson voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading
of Ordinance 1520.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to APPROVE Ordinance 1520 on FIRST READING and suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1520 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott,
Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, and Robinson voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1520.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden to further suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1520 on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing,
Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, and Robinson voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1520.
Alderman Bolden moved, seconded by Alderman Mashburn that Ordinance 1520 be APPROVED AND ADOPTED. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty,
and Robinson voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary that the EMERGENCY CLAUSE be approved and adopted. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor,
Twitty, and Robinson voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED.
ORDINANCE 1520 (#13-2014) APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 29th DAY OF DECEMBER, 2014
b. RESOLUTION 721 (#16-2014)
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR TO ENTER INTO AN AMENDMENT TO THE CITY’S IRC SECTION 457(b) DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Alderman Traylor moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to read Resolution 721 (#16-2014).
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
RECHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 29, 2014
7:00 P.M. – 7:47 P.M.
City Attorney Bamburg stated that since Human Resource Director Ross is on vacation, he will be presenting the information. He noted that the City Council has made amendments to the
457 Deferred Compensation plan that the City has had for its employees for many years. He stated that due to some changes in the laws and circumstances, there needs to be some amendments
adopted, adding that those amendments need to approved by the City Council. He stated that in this circumstance the amendments are to better provide for the administration of the plan.
He explained that new definitions would be implemented that will help in the way that benefits are calculated as well as in the way that benefits are paid, adding that there would
be some alternate payment elections that the employees will be allowed to use in the event that they choose. He stated that there are some changes regarding the age qualifications
that came through some Federal laws, there are contribution eligibility changes, previous designations had the Mayor and City Clerk as the ones to handle this but because Human Resource
Director Ross is actually the one or H.R. deals with this, the designation will be Human Resource Director Ross so that she can take care of the paperwork and leave City Clerk Davitt
out of the loop. He offered to answer any questions the City Council may have, adding that it is a housekeeping measure.
Alderman Traylor questioned if there would be an additional document to come before the City Council or is the Resolution the approval and then the changes are made.
City Attorney Bamburg stated that the Resolution is the approval and then the changes will be made from that, adding that because the Mayor will be authorized to sign off on the document
that implements the changes.
Alderman Traylor asked what the modified provisions regarding age qualifications.
City Attorney Bamburg stated that it changes the age limits, it lowers it slightly as to whether payouts can come in that regard. He stated that there is both a lowering provision that
drop it down; apologizing that he is not aware of that specific age, there is also another provision that changed the age to increase it slightly. He explained that they are taking
the current plan and matching what Federal law has changed in the last year. He stated that there are not a lot of options in that regard, saying that the City has to satisfy what
Federal law requires.
Alderman McCleary questioned if the only reason to amend the plan was because of Federal law requirements.
City Attorney Bamburg concurred, plus the Federal law change to allow the City to change some of the contribution eligibility circumstances as well as some of the payout elections and
it gives a broader base for the employees to work from in the election payout plans that they choose. He
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
RECHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 29, 2014
7:00 P.M. – 7:47 P.M.
stated that the employees choose those, but they have to be approved by the Feds. He stated that once it is approved by the Federal Government then it has to be implemented by City
Council action. He stated that to make the designation change from City Clerk to the Human Resource Director, will require City Council action as well. He stated that any changes on
the plan are brought before the City Council because the Plan was implemented by the City Council 12 to 15 years ago. He offered his uncertainty that he has provided all the specifics
but said he has done his best.
Alderman Traylor questioned the eligibility changes, City Attorney Bamburg stated in the way that the payments are authorizing you to make payments out of that through a 457 or authorizing
you to use those funds for certain expenditures, they have broaden some of that and in order to allow the employees to make those choices, we have to implement these changes.
At this time, MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Resolution 721 (#16-2014).
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Mashburn to approve Resolution 721 (#16-2014) in its entirety with Alderman Traylor voting NAY. MOTION CARRIED.
c. RESOLUTION 722 (#17-2014)
A RESOLUTION GRANTING AUTHORITY AND EXPRESSING APPRECIATION AND SUPPORT FOR THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND ARKANSAS STATE GAME & FISH FOUNDATION; AND, FOR
OTHER PURPOSES.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary to read Resolution 722 (#17-2014).
City Attorney Bamburg recalled that this was recently brought before the City Council in October and there was a specific figure of how much was going to be authorized on the expenditure
and the change of what had previously been done. He stated that through the negotiations and actions that figure changed, in order for the Mayor and City Clerk to be authorized to
sign off on the agreement and the changes that were made through the negotiations, the City Council has to address it with the specific amounts in the Resolution.
Mayor Fletcher stated that this is a good thing for the City, explaining that it will free-up the cash flow considerably.
At this time MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Resolution 722 (#17-2014).
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to approve Resolution 722 (#17-2014) in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
RECHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 29, 2014
7:00 P.M. – 7:47 P.M.
d. RESOLUTION 723 (#18-2014)
A RESOLUTION GRANTING AUTHORITY AND EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE CREATION OF A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE AGFC FOR CONSTRUCTION OF AN AYSSP STORAGE FACILITY AT THE ARKANSAS STATE GAME &
FISH FOUNDATION SHOOTING SPORTS COMPLEX; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Mashburn to read Resolution 723 (#18-2014).
City Attorney Bamburg stated that the AYSSP, which works through the Game & Fish Commission, would be better served by having a specific storage facility on the Shooting Range property.
He related that Parks and Recreation Director Kevin House and his staff have verified the location and the circumstance, adding that the lease agreement includes the legal description
of the property where the building will be constructed. He added that all expenses for the building will be paid through the Game & Fish Commission; there will be no expense to the
City in order for this to take place. He went on to say that the City would receive a nominal amount regarding the lease payment and that it is factored into the circumstance of the
Commission as well as the Foundation’s support in getting the Shooting Range Complex done. He stated that the storage facility will help in the situation when there are tournaments
or other events that involve AYSSP, because it will put all of AYSSP’s material on site and allow them to be more flexible rather than having to cart the material in for every event.
Alderman Elliott noted that it would be a metal building next to the City’s storage facility, adding that the Game & Fish Commission is ready to begin storage if approved.
City Attorney Bamburg added that Parks and Recreation Director House has ensured the agreement requires that it be made of the same material, same structure and same design as the City’s
storage building.
MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Resolution 723 (#18-2014).
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden to approve Resolution 723 (#18-2014) in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED.
ADDITION TO THE AGENDA:
Alderman Sansing moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to suspend the rules and place Resolution 724 (#19-2014) on the agenda.
RESOLUTION 724 (#19-2014)
A RESOLUTION GRANTING AUTHORITY FOR MAYOR FLETCHER AND CITY CLERK DAVITT TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH PULASKI COUNTY FOR HOUSING COSTS OF INMATES AT THE PULASKI COUNTY REGIONAL DETENTION
FACILITY; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
RECHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 29, 2014
7:00 P.M. – 7:47 P.M.
Mayor Fletcher introduced Bob Johnson, the State Representative elect, explaining that he along with Bob Johnson and Judge elect Barry Hyde have been in conversations about the Jail.
He stated that it has been no secret that no one is happy about Jacksonville’s place on the contract. He stated that if he had his preference it would have been a one-year contract
with all the cities, and the State may have been more involved in the process. He related that he feels the State has gotten a “good ride”. He then added that the situation now, is
that the City does not want to be the only hold out; Jacksonville wants to work with the County because we are all in this together. He then added that he feels the cities need to
put pressure on the State to pay their fair share. He stated that if the State steps up and does what is needed, then this can be revisited for a fairer contract for everyone.
State Representative Bob Johnson addressed the City Council saying that if you look at just the agreement between Jacksonville and the County it is not a bad deal. He added that if
you look at everyone’s agreement then it is obvious that some people are getting a better deal than others, which is unfair. He stated that the Quorum Court agrees and the new County
Judge agrees. He stated that the talk about the needed amount of money and how it would be split among the cities did not happen. He stated that Judge Elect Hyde has said that if he
is still County Judge when the contract is renewed, he would make that talk happen, allowing the cities to renegotiate their percentage. He stated that he is hoping the State will
go to closer to $40.00 a day per prisoner; it would lower the amounts that the cities have to contribute. He stated that the cost paid by Jacksonville is what it cost to run a jail
in 1994 in Jacksonville. He stated that when you look at overall dollars, it is not a bad deal but it is not a fair and equitable deal. He stated that if the State does what they are
projecting for them to do, then the deal could be reworked in a year or two. He stated that things have changed in the 20 years since the tax was passed to build the Jail and the agreement
needs to change.
Mayor Fletcher reiterated that he still feels the cities would have had more leverage if the contract had only been for one-year, adding that he feels the State would have seen more
urgency in getting this done. He stated now that the contract is for five-years, he feels the “can is just being kicked more down the road”. He urged anyone who knows the legislators
on a personal basis to make calls. He stated that the problem is that it will be perceived as a Central Arkansas problem, but it is not.
State Representative Johnson stated that there are legislators from other parts of the State that are bringing their concerns with them because it is not just Pulaski County that has
a problem. It is approximately 40 counties that have a problem with State prisoners. He stated that they expect to do some major modifications in the General Session that is coming
up. He stated that he recommended six months ago to the current
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
RECHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 29, 2014
7:00 P.M. – 7:47 P.M.
County Judge to keep current agreement we have for one more year and let the new County Judge work out a new agreement, but he would not do that. He stated that at that time the State
problem was not as bad as it is today. He added that we need to get the State prisoners out of the County Jail or pay them enough that they can make other plans.
Mayor Fletcher stated as a matter of record that “this disagreement goes back 20 years, but if you go back even 10 years, it is not a battle between Jacksonville and Sherwood, but they
are two comparable cities but no one can explain why there is such a disparity between the two.” He added that “at the rate of about $60,000 annually for 10 years that is $600,000.
We sign this agreement and that is another $350,000, we are talking about 1 million dollars in 15 years and that irks me.”
Representative Johnson stated that when the agreement was signed, there were lawsuits filed and Judge Villains was Mayor and sued the County over the agreement but ended up being County
Judge so it was Villains vs. Villains in the court. He reiterated that the amount Jacksonville pays is what Jacksonville said that it cost them to maintain a jail in 1994. He noted
that at the time Sherwood was 18,000 in population, and $136,000 is what it cost them to run a jail. He related that over the years we have gotten a good deal, but it has not been
kept fair and balanced between all the cities as the growth has changed. He stated that there have been no negotiating factors in the last 20 years and that is way too long.
Alderman Bolden questioned why the City of Jacksonville has to make a five year agreement instead of a one or two year agreement regardless of what the other cities are agreeing to.
Representative Johnson stated that he does not believe the City of Jacksonville has the option of voting something different, he clarified saying that what is before the City is a five-year
agreement or go on a per day payment basis.
Mayor Fletcher stated that could run as much as half of a million dollars instead of $200,000. He stated that the reason they will not do that is because other cities have issues with
this and if they negotiate with one city then they would have to negotiate with all. He stated that the decision is a five-year contract or no contract.
Representative Johnson stated that if the State does what he hopes they will do, it would significantly change the amount of money that the County Jails have to work with and therefore
change the amount of money that is needed from the cities and that would reopen this agreement. He added that may not happen if the County Judge decides it is not significant, adding
that it is unpredictable.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
RECHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 29, 2014
7:00 P.M. – 7:47 P.M.
Alderman Bolden stated that if the cities sign a five-year agreement, they will say it is not significant because they can count on that money for the next five years.
Representative Johnson stated that the County Judge agrees, adding that he does not think that there has ever been the leadership in the mediation to set this deal forward. He stated
that the County and cities were not in agreement as to what should happen.
Mayor Fletcher stated that through his experience with the legislators, their perception was that it is an issue between the cities when it is really an issue between the cities, County,
and State. He pointed out the possibility of it being a distraction for the legislators that it is between cities, saying that the State would step back into the shadows, so issue
regarding State prisoners needs to be addressed now.
Representative Johnson stated that the State is looking at putting it a category A on the funding to the County Jails instead of a B category, so that it would be paid on a timelier
basis, which would help with budgeting. He stated there have been meetings to discuss funding, adding that it is more about solving the problem for cities having room at the County
Jail. He stated that public safety is the number one issue and the State is not helping the cities or the counties to protect their citizens.
Alderman Ray called for a question to the motion. MOTION CARRIED.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Traylor to read Resolution 724 (#19-2014). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Resolution 724 (#19-2014).
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Robinson to approve Resolution 724 (#19-2014) in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED.
RESUME AGENDA:
d. Discussion to reschedule the January City Council meetings
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Mashburn to cancel the Regularly Scheduled City Council meeting of January 1, 2015. MOTION CARRIED.
APPOINTMENTS: SEWER COMMISSION
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden to approve the appointment of Terry Vick to fill the unexpired term of Barbara Meyers for a term to expire 4/20/2019. MOTION CARRIED.
ANNOUNCMENTS: City Hall will be closed January 1st in observance of New Year’s Day
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
RECHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 29, 2014
7:00 P.M. – 7:47 P.M.
Alderman Bolden thanked the Police Department, relating that officers met at his Church, offering lessons to young African American children regarding the procedures being pulled over
and other information for how to respond to those circumstances. He stated that Chief Boyd and the officers did an outstanding job. He stated that given the current climate in the
Nation regarding people disrespecting police officers, he thanked the Police Department for putting their best foot forward to motivate people and get them to realize our Police Department
does care, but there are procedures if you get pulled over.
Mayor Fletcher noted that he received a phone call from an EMT who works at the Little Rock Fire Department, who complimented our EMTs when he witness them in action regarding an incident
at Chili’s. He said the gentleman said he had never seen such a high professional group of people, and he wanted to call the Mayor and let him know.
Mayor Fletcher stated that we have great people working for the City; people are quick to tell what is bad, and all too often we do not hear about the good things. He thanked all City
employees for what they do.
ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Fletcher adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:47 p.m. MOTION CARRIED.
Respectfully,
________________________ _________________________
Susan L. Davitt MAYOR GARY FLETCHER
City Clerk-Treasurer