14 DEC 29
CITY 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
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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.
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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
th
the proposed budget was emailed on December 18 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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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ORDINANCE 1520 (#13-2014) APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 29 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).
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
st
ANNOUNCMENTS: City Hall will be closed January 1 in observance of New
Year’s Day
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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
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