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21 DEC 16 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 16, 2021 6:00 P.M. – 7:09 P.M. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING - CITY HALL - #1 MUNICIPAL DRIVE The City Council of the City of Jacksonville, Arkansas met in a regular session on December 16, 2021 at the regular meeting place of the City Council. Council Member Bolden delivered the invocation and Mayor Johnson led a standing audience in the “Pledge of Allegiance” to the flag. ROLL CALL: City Council Members: Dietz, Bolden, Blevins, Sansing, Ray, Traylor, Twitty, Smith, and Rains answered ROLL CALL. Mayor Johnson also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT NINE (9) ABSENT (1). Council Member Mashburn was absent. Others present for the meeting were: City Attorney Stephanie Friedman, District Judge Rita Bailey, Fire Chief Alan Laughy, Police Chief Brett Hibbs, Public Works Director Jim Oakley, Finance Director Cheryl Erkel, Parks and Recreation Director Kevin House, IT Director Emily Osment, JNPSD Superintendent Dr. Jeremy Owoh, Daniel Gray, Jim Moore, Ron McDaniel, Lauren Martin, Jason Sanders, Janice Walker, and Gerald Clark. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Johnson presented the minutes of the regularly scheduled City Council meeting of October 21, 2021 and November 18, 2021 for approval and/or correction. APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES: Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty that the minutes of the regularly scheduled City Council meeting of 21 October 2021 and 18 November 2021 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden to approve the regular monthly report for November 2021. NOVEMBER PERMITS/LICENSE ISSUED INSPECTIONS PERFORMED Building Permits 20 Building Inspections 38 Business Licenses Electrical 32 Plumbing 25 HVACR 10 REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/FIRE DEPARTMENT Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden to approve the regular monthly report for November 2021 from the Jacksonville Fire Department, reflecting a fire loss of $77,000.00 and a savings total of $358,000.00. REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/POLICE DEPARTMENT Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden to approve the Regular Monthly Report for November 2021 regarding annual crime statistical comparisons. 1 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 16, 2021 6:00 P.M. – 7:09 P.M. REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/CODE ENFORCEMENT Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden to approve the regular monthly report as presented for November 2021. Assigned Calls 8 Self-Initiated Calls 93 Follow ups 101 Structures Inspected 71 Meetings/Court Hearings 2 Rentals Inspected 3 Tickets Issued 2 Properties Red Tagged 7 Three Day Notice 81 Search Warrants Served 0 Seven Day Letter 35 Structures Rehabbed 0 Vehicles Tagged 32 Structures Condemned 0 Vehicles Towed 7 Houses Demolished by City 0 Lots posted 0 Houses Demolished by Owner 1 Signs removed 35 Parking Violations 0 Trash cans tagged 1 Grass Mowed 0 Basketball Goals 0 REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/ANIMAL CONTROL Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden to approve the regular monthly report for November 2021. ADOPTION FEES/FINES $ 375.00 CONTRIBUTIONS 0.00 TOTALS $ 375.00 ROLL CALL: Council Member: Dietz, Bolden, Blevins, Sansing, Ray, Traylor, Twitty, Smith, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. WATER DEPARTMENT: WASTEWATER DEPARTMENTS: FIRE DEPARTMENT: POLICE DEPARTMENT: STREET DEPARTMENT: SANITATION DEPARTMENT: PARKS & RECREATION: PLANNING COMMISSION: COMMITTEE(S): GENERAL: a. PRESENTATION by Dr. Jeremy Owoh JNPSD Superintendent Jacksonville North Pulaski School District Superintendent Dr. Jeremy Owoh stated around five years ago the City of Jacksonville made an impactful decision to support their scholars and staff members by voting yes to the millage extension and he is here now to say thank you for making that commitment for our scholars and educators. He explained that to be good stewards of the funds entrusted in them, they have launched an aggressive marketing campaign to make sure that not only the scholars inside of JNPSD are aware and appreciative of that commitment, but also the surrounding 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 16, 2021 6:00 P.M. – 7:09 P.M. communities. He shared that their goal is to increase enrollment and a couple of weeks ago, their first official average daily membership showed they have grown by one hundred students and want to continue to have that upward growth. He noted that part of the aggressive marketing campaign includes billboards and also a commercial that will start airing next week, making the present audience the first group to view it before Channel 11 airs it. The City Council viewed the commercial. Dr. Owoh reiterated that they want to make sure they are being good stewards of the funds the community of Jacksonville has entrusted in them and not only are they highlighting the great buildings they have, but have started the work on a bid proposal to host athletic regional and state tournaments here. He explained that they submitted their first bid in January and are looking forward to a favorable outcome to host the basketball tournament in March of the upcoming year, and potentially a track or a soccer tournament as well. He related they want to make sure they bring as many people, both inside the City of Jacksonville, as well as the outside communities, to the City of Jacksonville. Not only are they promoting the buildings, they want to make sure that the work is happening and taking place inside the classroom. He then introduced their Annual Report to the public video. He related that the School District’s success is the City’s success and he greatly appreciates the investment that Jacksonville continues to put into the School District for their scholars and educators. Council Member Rains requested that a copy of the Annual Report video be sent to the Council members. Dr. Owoh responded the link is on their website, but would send it out to everyone. Council Member Bolden shared his appreciation for the School District and Dr. Owoh’s leadership and stated that he and all of those who participated in fighting for the District feel good when they see things like this. Dr. Owoh added that he would like to recognize his two great Assistant Superintendents, Bobby E. Lester, who is spearheading the vaccination clinic, and Dr. Janice Walker, who oversees Curriculum and Instruction. He listed the School Board members as President Daniel Gray, Ron McDaniel, Secretary Jim Moore, and Lauren Martin. b. PRESENTATION of 2020 Audit by Gerald Clark of McAllister & Associates Gerald Clark, CPA with McAllister Von-Jacobs & Associates of Jacksonville, stated it is his privilege to present the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the year ending on December 31, 2020. He related the calendar year 2020 marks the twenty-fourth consecutive year that the City has published a CAFR that is prepared by the City’s Finance Department and is audited by his firm. He explained that the purpose of the report is to 3 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 16, 2021 6:00 P.M. – 7:09 P.M. provide the City’s elected officials, citizens, bond holders, and other interested parties with detailed information concerning the City’s operations and financial position. He noted that each year since 1997, including the 2019 report, the City’s CAFR has received the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting that is awarded by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada. He pointed out that the Certificate of Achievement is a prestigious national award recognizing conformance with the highest standards for preparation of state and local government financial reports. He shared that Finance Director Cheryl Erkel has submitted the 2020 report to the GFOA for award consideration. He stated that based on their audit, they rendered a clean or unmodified opinion on the City’s financial statements for the year ending on December 31, 2020. He clarified that an unmodified opinion means that, in their opinion, the financial statements have been prepared using accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, they do not contain any material misstatements, and are fairly presented. He pointed out that their Independent Auditors Report is presented on page 11 of the CAFR. They also have prepared a couple of management letters to address an internal control issue as part of the audit. He related that the City saw decreases in most revenue sources in 2020 compared to 2019, but saw an increase in its largest revenue source of sales tax. He explained that sales tax revenues, which account for 61% of all City revenues, were $15.9 million in 2020, which was an increase of 9% from 2019. He shared their belief that part of this growth in sales tax is attributable to Act 822 of 2019, passed by the Arkansas General Assembly, which allowed sales tax to be charged on purchases from out-of-state vendors, even if the vendor does not have a physical presence in the state. He pointed out that it became effective July 1, 2019, therefore, 2020 was the first full year of tax collections under this Act. He stated the City’s second largest revenue source, Intergovernmental revenues, that includes state tax turnbacks and grant revenues, were $6.3 million for 2020, which was an increase of 14% over 2019. He attributed this increase to the coronavirus pandemic and the state’s allocation of funding from the Federal Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which was received by the City for Police, Fire, and EMS response to the pandemic health crisis. He noted that the City received and spent federal awards totaling $1.5 million in 2020 related to the Covid-19 pandemic. He added that in 2020, charges for services, which represent nearly 4% of governmental revenue, declined 4.3% primarily due to the impact of the Coronavirus on Parks and Recreation activities, fines and fees, and licenses and permits. He related utility franchise taxes came in at $1.1 million, which was just a slight decrease from 2019 and the total 2020 revenues were $26.1 million compared to $24.3 million in 2019, which was an overall increase of 7.6%. He 4 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 16, 2021 6:00 P.M. – 7:09 P.M. stated most categories of expenditures, with the exception of Public Works, increased in 2020; with public safety, which includes Police, Fire, and Emergency Communication’s Department, together accounted for 57% of City expenditures. He explained total expenditures were $23 million, being an increase of 3% over 2019, and expenditures for 2020 were 88% of 2020 revenues. He shared the City’s General fund finished 2020 with a fund balance of $5,113,000, which was an increase of nearly $2 million from the December 31, 2019 fund balance. He added that for three consecutive years now, the fund balance of the General fund has increased in excess of $1 million per year. He pointed out the General fund revenues of $22,600,000 were $734,000 over budgeted revenues, while General fund expenditures of $19,415,000 were $619,000 under budgeted revenues for 2020. He related transfers out of the General fund were $480,000 and $165,000, respectively, to support the operations of Emergency Medical Services fund and the AGFF Shooting Sports Complex fund. He said additionally, $585,000 was transferred out of the General fund to pay debt service on the 2015 Capital Improvement bond issue. He shared that the general policy of the City, and minimum target at the end of a fiscal year for the fund balance to be 60 days of expenditures for the next budget and he is pleased to say that at the end of 2020, the balance of the General fund was approximately 88 days of the 2021 budgeted General fund expenditures. He related this was up from 56 days of reserves at the end of 2019 and this minimum level of fund balance is required to ensure funds availability for unforeseen emergencies that might impact the City’s ability to pay for basic operations and also to guarantee the payment of debt obligations. In conclusion, he encouraged Council to read the Management’s Discussion and Analysis in the report, which contains comments and analysis of the financial statements. He expressed that it was a very good report for a very challenging year and recognized Finance Director Cheryl Erkel and her Department for the job they do in processing all of the transactions that come through the City during the year and for the preparation of this report and the budget for the City. Lastly, he thanked the Council for engaging them to be auditors for the 2020 report. Council Member Traylor reiterated that they had 88 days in reserves and asked if Mr. Clark knew where they stood at the end of 2017, noting that they were way below the 60 days goal. Mr. Clark responded they were at 4.2% of the 2018 budget and that number has increased to nearly 25% for the fund balance at December 31, 2020 of the General fund. He added that the pandemic funds have helped tremendously. When th asked by Mayor Johnson, he replied that this is his 40 audit for the City, with his first one being the 1979 audit. 5 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 16, 2021 6:00 P.M. – 7:09 P.M. Mayor Johnson invited a round of applause for Mr. Clark and his company and showed his appreciation for him as an auditor. Mr. Clark shared that it has been a pleasure to work for the City and noted that the employees demonstrate their commitment to their jobs every day. Non-agenda Item: District Judge Rita Bailey Mayor Johnson pointed out that the District Judge is here if a Council Member had any questions for her. Council Member Traylor stated that he understands that the Police Department is not a money-raising activity for the City, they are like the Fire Department and Parks, they provide services to the citizens, but he cannot understand how they should be spending money more than what they are taking in on fines and courts. District Judge Rita Bailey clarified that she is the Judge for Maumelle and Jacksonville and used to be in Wrightsville and Cammack Village. She admitted that she has had that question posed to her many times before and shared that her answer is that she took an oath to do what she thinks is fair, right, and just; none of which has anything to do with money. She realizes that sometimes they do not make money, but the Court is required to operate by the state, and as a Judge, she tries to be as fair as she can in imposing fines and costs. She then admitted she does not consider whether they are being financially independent in assessing fines because she assesses fines based on the alleged facts or if they are found guilty or plead guilty. She explained that in an effort to become more efficient financially, she asked for a new position for a person who is going to help her with accountability regarding the fines and costs that she does impose. She added that she, Chief Hibbs, and City Attorney Friedman have been working together diligently in an effort to try to make the Court as efficient as they can. She cannot make any promises about money, but she can assure the Council that they are addressing issues of concern. She added recently she has had a talk with the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and she does give them difference about some cases, but there are some things they want to offer someone, such as passing something for six months and it will be dismissed if they get no others. She related it is another thing for that to happen at the beginning of the process before her Clerks have to issue subpoenas three or four times or continuances, but she tells them that they will be assessed Court costs for that person to get the benefit of it. She noted that if they articulate something that will make her feel like it is just to make an exception to that rule; she gave an example of someone needing counseling regarding violence and if that person’s financial means is such that they better spend the money to save the family by taking the classes and paying for them, then that would be a situation where she does not assess Court costs. She pointed out that City Attorney Friedman can attest they have been creative about addressing things and they are doing the best they can. She hopes it will get better this year and acknowledged that she does have a responsibility to be accountable in terms of making sure she properly enforces the fines and costs that she does impose. 6 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 16, 2021 6:00 P.M. – 7:09 P.M. Council Member Dietz asked what is the percentage of tickets that they collect that is issued, for example, if they give five hundred tickets that are issued for a year, how many would she say that they collect on. Judge Bailey did not know the actual number but explained that there are those people that will automatically pay whatever the normal fine will be, but there are also people who have to go to trial that she finds guilty or not guilty. She expressed that getting that number would be hard because if she finds them not guilty, they will not be assessed anything. Council Member Dietz questioned if he is caught speeding doing 50 mph in a 25 mph zone and went to Court, why would she not find him guilty. Judge Bailey clarified that there are two sides to every story and everyone who gets a ticket is entitled to a trial by law if they ask for it, and she has to follow the law when she hears it. She stated that there are times when she finds people guilty, especially with tickets, and assesses fines and costs, and there are times that she finds them not guilty after a trial, where they do not have to pay anything. She reiterated that she does not have any numbers today, but all of those factors would have to be taken into account to offer good information. She offered possibly being able to fashion something after this year since she understands it is a concern. Council Member Dietz added that with the way everything is now in the world, the Policeman are doing their job while they can, but if people are speeding and caught, he believes they were doing something wrong and they need to pay the fine. Judge Bailey assured that is part of what the new position is for, clarifying it is to help them be more efficient in enforcing her orders and holding people accountable. Council Member Dietz pointed out that if they are fined, it brings revenue into the City, and sometimes the only way people will learn is if they are fined. Judge Bailey reiterated that money cannot be the premise of what she operates under. Council Member Traylor noted if people have community service, that will be a cost the City is incurring on the administration side that we are not going to see revenues from, but if those people are doing community service for the City, it is helping us not have to pay someone to do that job. He suggested that community service be more directed to the City working together more and making sure the community service got done, then they can work off fines while providing a service, so in essence, the City is getting paid for it. Judge Bailey admitted that they had a slight issue last year with community service, saying that it has always been her preference to start with the City 7 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 16, 2021 6:00 P.M. – 7:09 P.M. for those who are interested, but the whole groundwork of it fell apart. She shared that her and Chief Hibbs have a plan that they are trying to get implemented and restarted at the first of the year and it has always been her preference, but her thought about handling it has been a bit different. She reiterated that is part of why she asked for the new position, so they can be more efficient regarding accountability. Council Member Traylor brought up that someone assigned community service could decide to do it in Sherwood or North Little Rock, etc., where we pay their administrative costs but that city gets the benefit of the work being done. Judge Bailey related she was sending them to the County as a last resort after we had the little issue, but they are working that out. She explained they have always given Jacksonville preference, starting with the City for those who could work Monday through Friday, but those that could not, she would send them to the County. Mayor Johnson requested clarification in regards to how Judge Bailey splits her time between Jacksonville and Maumelle. Judge Bailey replied that she has some direct contact, whether it be physical Court or not, every day of the week for Jacksonville because she has video jail docket, civil docket on Mondays, traffic docket on Tuesday mornings then in Maumelle, here on Wednesdays she does video jail in the morning then criminal, Thursdays she has Court here, and Fridays she does Probable Cause. She pointed out that in Maumelle, she only has one scheduled Court date a week, being Tuesday afternoon as soon as she leaves Jacksonville, but administratively, she has to appear there at least two to three times a week, not staying a long time since she has to bounce back and forth. Mayor Johnson asked if she would surmise that more than half of her time is in Jacksonville versus Maumelle. She agreed that she has to spend more physical time here and that Jacksonville is a heavier workload for her than Maumelle. Mayor Johnson noted he reached out to the Mayor of Maumelle to compare the differences in their budgets, and when he asked him, he agreed that the Judge needed another person. Judge Bailey stated the Maumelle Mayor used to be her City Attorney, so he understands what premise she is operating from. Mayor Johnson mentioned that he and the Maumelle Mayor have been in several meetings together in the past two weeks and he said we are justified in what we are doing. Mayor Johnson wanted to ensure that the City is not throwing away good money or doing unnecessary things. 8 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 16, 2021 6:00 P.M. – 7:09 P.M. Judge Bailey noted anytime anyone has a question, she does not have a problem appearing to answer it. Mayor Johnson added that the Judge and her Chief Deputy showed up for the budget hearings and gave him good answers on what is going on there in courts. Non-Agenda Item: Citizen Comments on Gunshots A citizen who only offered his first name, Jason, stated he is here to talk about the gunshots that everyone hears in Jacksonville, saying he hears them multiple times a week at his home behind the library on Main Street. He explained that four or five times a week he calls the cops, they pass down the street, then he never sees them again. He believes that one of the problems is there is never a police presence, at least that is how it feels. He pointed out that they are only there when they are called but he sees them all of the time parked in parking lots. He noted that if you move those police, from Chambers or the church parking lots, just one block over, they would be in the community, where hopefully the amount of gunshots would decrease. He feels that when he does call them or try to talk to someone about the problem in the neighborhood, he gets the same response claiming they will step up patrols, but it never actually happens. He reiterated that Jacksonville lacks a police presence in the neighborhoods and he would be interested to know if the cops even knew anyone in the communities they police, their names or even talked to anyone. He stated now they are ghosts and when you call them, they show up, then they leave, or if you notify them of things going down on this street, they will come, community goes quiet for a bit, then they leave, never to be seen again until the next phone call. He believes if they just stayed in the community that the call came from, they could catch the next round. Mayor Johnson recognized that Chief Hibbs is doing things to address this sort of matter and told about how he sometimes gets calls about people asking why cops are always in their neighborhood bothering them. Council Member Rains noted that she has personally seen an increase in patrols, but she did not know if that is because of the difference of this side of town. She says that she does not particularly drive down that area of Main Street, but she has seen increase in patrols and has even been stopped herself this year. She believes that the police have been more than fair when it comes to patrolling, but overall, we have seen an increase in violence in our community. She then acknowledged Chief Hibbs’ concern about it and his diligent work on it. Police Chief Brett Hibbs brought up Warren and Lenora Streets. He related that starting last year, he had citizens come in complaining about traffic and speeding, so they put the speed sign out there and increased patrols to multiple times a day. He assured that he asked for it and has documentation that they did do it, and it is still going on, for a little over year now. He shared that his officers are on Warren Street quite a bit, from calls at the 9 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 16, 2021 6:00 P.M. – 7:09 P.M. end about drug dealing, and on the north end, about a guy with a gun that is not afraid to step outside and shoot in the air then run back inside. He explained that just last week they were there with multiple officers when a man and his girlfriend got into a disturbance. He detailed that multiple witnesses gave them multiple stories and they could not even get the address right. They thought they knew where it was, but the man would not come out. He told how his brother-in-law heard shots fired two weeks ago on Main Street, in the middle of town, 5 o’clock in the afternoon. He agreed that there is something wrong with that and detailed how they were two muffled shots, an hour apart from each other, in the same area. He knows now about who he is over there, but would need an address from the several witnesses that did not agree on who it was or where it came from. He mentioned that violence is up across the Country and gun sales records were broken in 2020, while 2021 is in second place. He added that 14-16 year old kids are shooting these guns and he cannot do a whole lot about it, but they are trying to get them off of the street and doing the best they can. When it comes to Warren Street, he related that he saw patrols there yesterday and that they are there almost every day. He suggested that they may not see the police every time their car drives by, but they are trying to catch those people with the guns. He noted that gunshots for this year are around two hundred calls, which is really high, but homicides are down 75%, from eight last year, down to two this year. He added that shootings are down 22%, having eighteen last year and fourteen this year, then referred to the monthly report in the agenda. He believes that they are doing pretty good in the areas that they can, currently being down eleven positions. He agreed that the gunshots bother him and he has a plan to have a special part-time unit for a few nights a week to reduce the gun shots and gun violence. Council Member Rains brought up the citizen training program, asking what else Council members can do to help lower crime. Chief Hibbs urged that citizens, including those on Warren and Lenora Streets, do not get discouraged, but continue to call the Police, because that is how he knows what is going on and how he directs his patrols. He mentioned a Community Outreach Officer and also how close they are to getting state accredited for the Police Department. He pointed out that since beginning around 2010, no Chief has done it or seen it through, but right now he is the farthest along and closest to being state accredited than they have ever been. He explained that it is a ton of paperwork and around the end of January, there will be evaluators come. He shared that his top priority is getting this accreditation, then he will start some other programs that would take man power. He assured that citizens calling the Police are not being bothersome to them because he would rather them not be sitting in a parking lot if there are more important things to do. He mentioned that car break-ins go up this time of year, that Police are accustomed to checking businesses on the night shift, and suggested people not leave valuables in their car. Council Member Sansing referenced a report that he saw recently on KTHV about our Police Department and Police Chief, saying that it was a very good report for Jacksonville and thanked Chief Hibbs. 10 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 16, 2021 6:00 P.M. – 7:09 P.M. Mayor Johnson agreed and detailed that the report was about diversification at the Police Department, making the force more resemble the community that it serves. Chief Hibbs then introduced the new Animal Control Manager Jamie Parker. He explained that she has been with Animal Control since June and has a lot to learn. He recalled himself, going from a Lieutenant to a Department head, he had a lot to learn and is still learning things. He assured that he will be working with her on what the job requires in the short time that she has to learn it. Ms. Parker related that she has had animals throughout her entire life, recalling that when she was around four years old, her family had pet skunks. She shared that she has been married for five years, has three fur babies at home, has four siblings, and has prior military and law enforcement experience. She appreciates the confidence that Chief Hibbs and Human Resource Director Charlette Nelson have in her to take over this role and noted that her predecessor, Hedy Cass, is a good Supervisor that has taught her a lot in the little time she has been there. She asked for patience as she learns the best she can and hopes to continue to run the Animal Shelter like Hedy has ran it for seventeen years. Mayor Johnson thanked Ms. Parker and showed his appreciation for her willingness to step forward and take a job that can be challenging. APPOINTMENTS: UNFINISHED BUSINESS: ANNOUNCEMENTS: Chamber of Commerce Directory Council Member Twitty announced that they are getting ready to do next year’s Chamber of Commerce Directory and they want everyone’s business in it. She added that there are just a few slots left and if someone wants one, they can get with Steve Pawloski or Lauren. Gun Raffle Winner Council Member Twitty congratulated City Attorney Friedman on her winning a gun raffle. Shop with a Cop Council Member Twitty announced that Shop with a Cop is this Saturday at 7:45 a.m. and they are needing a lot of help since they will have eighty kids to shop for. Chief Hibbs mentioned that last he heard today, they had almost $8,000 raised and Sig Sauer raised about $3,500 of that. He added that he heard it was sixty kids and not all of his fifty-nine officers can be there, typically only the Fraternal Order of Police members. He shared that his wife and a few other spouses may come to volunteer and if anyone else would like to, they can contact Steve Bouwknegt or Ryan Wright. He added that it would start at 8:00 a.m. 11 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 16, 2021 6:00 P.M. – 7:09 P.M. Council Member Twitty clarified that Amy Madison told her that it was eighty kids and any volunteers need to be there at 7:45 a.m. at the Police Department. Chief Hibbs confirmed that volunteers will be there at 7:45 a.m., the kids and families will be there at 8:00 a.m., and after a small discussion about how it will be coordinated, they will go to Wal-Mart. He clarified that he is not in charge of it, but it is being put together by the Fraternal Order of Police. When asked, he responded that they have been doing this a long time before his twenty-six years of being with the Department and they are spending $100-$150 on each child this year. He shared that in the years he has participated, it has been very rewarding because they get kids that really need it and a lot of the times these kids do not even buy toys for themselves, but instead buy clothes, food, or things for their family. Passing of Garrick Feldman Council Member Blevins announced that the head of the Leader newspaper, th Garrick Feldman passed away on December 5. He noted that the Leader has written an incredible article about him that shared his amazing journey. He detailed that as a kid, Mr. Feldman lived history, as an adult, he reported history, and now at his passing, he has left a mark on Jacksonville history. Mayor Johnson added that Mr. Feldman’s vision that he brought to Jacksonville and North Pulaski County has been tremendous for the whole area. ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:09 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully, ________________________ _________________________ Susan L. Davitt MAYOR BOB JOHNSON City Clerk-Treasurer 12