23 JAN 19
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 19, 2023
6:00 P.M. – 6:32 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 January 19, 2023 at the regular meeting place of the City Council.
Council Member Bolden delivered the invocation and Mayor Elmore led a
standing audience in the “Pledge of Allegiance” to the flag.
ROLL CALL: City Council Members: Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray,
Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains answered ROLL CALL. Mayor Elmore
also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT TEN (10) ABSENT (0).
Others present for the meeting were: City Attorney Stephanie Friedman,
Finance Director Cheryl Erkel, Parks and Recreation Director Kevin House,
Police Chief Brett Hibbs, Fire Chief Alan Laughy, City Engineer Adam Whitlow,
Human Resource Director Charlette Nelson, IT Director Emily Osment,
Lieutenant Ryan Wright, Wastewater Utility General Manager Thea Hughes, Water
Superintendent Jake Short, Jerry Sanders, Fred Belote, John Ferrell, and
Addie Gibson.
PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Elmore presented the minutes of the regularly
scheduled City Council meeting of January 5, 2023 for approval and/or
correction at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting.
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 December 15, 2022
be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED.
CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/FIRE DEPARTMENT
Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Ray to approve the
regular monthly report for December 2022 from the Jacksonville Fire Department,
reflecting a fire loss of $199,450.00 and a savings total of $2,074,550.00.
REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/POLICE DEPARTMENT
Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Ray to approve the
Regular Monthly Report for December 2022 regarding annual crime statistical
comparisons.
REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/CODE ENFORCEMENT
Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Ray to approve the
regular monthly report as presented for December 2022.
Assigned Calls 53
Self-Initiated Calls 161
Follow Ups 214 Apartment Complexes Inspected 0
Three Day Notices 69 Red Tags Issued 5
Seven Day Letters 112 Search Warrants 0
Citations Issued 1 Rehabbed Structures 2
Vehicles Tagged 40 Structures Condemned 0
Vehicles Towed 4 Demolition by City 2
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 19, 2023
6:00 P.M. – 6:32 P.M.
Garbage Cans Tagged 0 Demolition by Owner 1
Basketball Goals 0 Parking Violations 0
Structures Inspected 214 Grass Mowed 0
ROLL CALL: Council Member: Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn,
Traylor, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED.
WATER DEPARTMENT: 2022 Annual Report by Water Department Superintendent Jake
Short
Water Department Superintendent Jake Short offered the following report:
He expressed on behalf of the Water Commission he is am pleased to provide
City Council with the 2022 Annual Water Works report. He reported that
Jacksonville Water Works had zero water quality violations and has once again
completed the year within budget while providing the citizens of Jacksonville
with quality water and services that they not only deserve, but have come to
expect.
The projects completed during 2022 includes the installation of 9,461 linear
feet of pipe, 12 additional fire hydrants, and 40 valves. At the end of 2022
we had 11,432 water meters in the water distribution system which includes 79
new water services.
Customer service continues to be a top priority of Jacksonville Water Works
staff. We continue to take online payments from our customers through our
secure internet site. In the year 2022, we received 30,833 online payments
totaling $2,953,709. We continue to receive many positive comments from our
customers using this updated service.
Water Production increased in 2022. On December 24, 2022 we reached a peak
demand for the year of 6.7 million gallons. This is well below the previous
year's peak water flow of 10.2 million gallons which occurred on February 18,
2021. The total water production for the year was I .328 billion gallons,
which was a 4.7% increase from the previous year. Our average daily water
flow for the year was 3.64 million gallons per day.
JWW currently operates and maintains close to I .2 million linear feet of
water distribution lines, 800 fire hydrants, 5,250,000 gallons of storage
capacity, and provides an average of 3,500,000 gallons of potable water per
day to the residents of Jacksonville. JWW not only provides reliable water
service to a population of over 29,000 people in the Jacksonville area, but
also delivers wholesale water to LRAFB and three other wholesale customers.
2022 was JWW's fourth full year serving as the privatized owner of the LRAFB
distribution system. This 50-year contract requires JWW to operate, maintain,
repair, upgrade, and improve the LRAFB water system. The LRAFB water
distribution system includes approximately 290,000 linear feet (If) of pipe,
507 hydrants, 3 pump stations, and 1,350,000 gallons of storage. The system
provides an average of 574,000 gallons of potable water per day and serves
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 19, 2023
6:00 P.M. – 6:32 P.M.
approximately 12,000 people. In acquiring these facilities, JWW has employed
the operations and maintenance strategies that have proven successful with
Jacksonville's water distribution system and blended those with procedures
familiar to the LRAFB system. It is important to note that JWW operates this
system independent from its own. There are many advantages to this contract,
but one key benefit to privatization is that by ridding itself of utilities,
LRAFB can now focus on its specific mission requirements instead of water
system upgrades and repairs. JWW not only benefits from increased employment
and from economies of scale through combined utilization of fixed, general
and overhead costs, but it also has gained a closer relationship with the
planning and expansion efforts on LRAFB and is able to integrate planning for
both JWW and base customers alike. I am pleased to report that in calendar
year 2022 the LRAFB system also reported zero water quality violations.
The projects completed on LRAFB during 2022 includes the installation of
16,524 If of PVC water mains, 56 valves, and 29 fire hydrants as part of
Phase Il of renewal and replacement work in Military Family Housing. The JWW
LRAFB Maintenance Team also oversaw the scheduled maintenance of 617 valves
and 353 fire hydrants in the distribution system, conducted training for
LRAFB personnel as needed, and repaired 7 leaks as part of routine
activities.
This work was accomplished with a workforce of 27 employees. We currently
have 9 employees licensed by the Arkansas Department of Health to properly
operate the water system with 4 additional staff members currently working
toward the completion of their water operator license to further enhance the
professionalism of the Jacksonville Water Works team.
We appreciate your confidence and continued support in working with the
Jacksonville Water Commission to ensure that our City will have a safe and
adequate supply of high-quality water for the future growth of the Great City
of Jacksonville today, tomorrow and for many years to come.
WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT: 2022 Annual Report by Wastewater Utility Manager Thea
Hughes
Wastewater Utility Manager Thea Hughes offered the following report:
She acknowledged 2022 Sewer Commissioners: Fred Belote, Chair; John Ferrell,
Vice Chair; Eddie Porter, Secretary; Jerry Sanders and Jeff Elmore.
This has been a year of busy construction. Planning and design of three
projects has been going on for 3-5 years, and suddenly all three projects hit
at the same time. We are moving sewer lines down Hwy 67/167 for the widening
of the highway. We are moving sewer lines on Loop Road for the bridge
overpass, and we finally started the renovations to the treatment plant.
The two sewer relocation projects have been a challenge due to the location
along the freeway, and due to material shortages. The Loop Road project has
been at a stand-still for several months waiting for pipe delivery. The Hwy.
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 19, 2023
6:00 P.M. – 6:32 P.M.
67/167 project is in progress now, but continues to hit obstacles with
conflicting utilities. We are truly appreciative of the cooperation we have
from the local businesses whose parking lots and drive-thrus have been
disturbed.
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At the treatment plant, we completed our 27 consecutive year without a
permit violation. We are currently operating the plant with about ½ maximum
capacity due to construction, so meeting permit during construction is
becoming more and more difficult. Our plant operators are adamant about
keeping our perfect record going, so they have made it a personal goal to try
to operate a live, active plant in the midst of major construction.
The treatment plant renovations consist of replacing 35-year-old aerators and
other equipment, replacing sand filters with new cloth media filters,
replacing antiquated electrical gear, and implementing a SCADA control
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system. This will be the 4 major renovation to the treatment plant since its
installation in 1987, but the first time to replace much of this equipment.
Specific information about the plant upgrades and some pictures can be found
on pages 7-8.
Our Technical Services staff handle investigation, cleaning and televising,
and oversight of all construction. The report for that department is found on
pages 3-4 where you can find details about their activities for the year.
The Collection Systems staff is responsible for repair and replacement of
existing sewer line and manholes, and construction of new lines. Their report
is found on page 5.
The Operations department is responsible for operating the treatment plant,
running process control tests in the laboratory to ensure we are within
permit regulations, assisting our industries with their wastewater treatment,
and maintaining and repairing all plant maintenance and vehicles. Their
reports are found on pages 6-8. Once again, there were no violations from
ADEQ inspections of the plant and solid waste monofill, and no violations of
our biomonitoring testing.
The Administration department handles financial management, personnel,
purchasing, and clerical support. Their report is found on pages 9-10.
Not only was this year filled with construction, but a few pretty significant
awards were earned by our employees. These achievements can be found on pages
10-12 along with pictures of the recipients.
At the local level, David St. Clair received the Dick Morris Employee
Excellence Award given to one outstanding wastewater employee annually.
At the national level, Mike Overstreet received the Water Environment
Federation’s Hatfield Award which is given to acknowledge one expert
treatment plant operator in each of the 50 states.
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 19, 2023
6:00 P.M. – 6:32 P.M.
At the state level, Luke Avery received the Arkansas Water Environment’s
Collection System Award which acknowledges one employee in the state who
demonstrates excellence in maintaining a sewer collection system.
Also at the state level, Thea Hughes was inducted into the Arkansas
Water Works & Water Environment Federation’s Hall of Fame, which is a
lifetime achievement award in the water and wastewater industry.
Employee Licenses & Certifications:
Utility employees hold the following licenses:
o 9 Collection System certifications
o 21 Wastewater Operator’s licenses, with 6 being Class IV (highest)
o 5 Solid Waste licenses
o 7 Plumbing Inspector licenses
o 13 CDL licenses
FIRE DEPARTMENT:
POLICE DEPARTMENT:
STREET DEPARTMENT:
SANITATION DEPARTMENT:
PARKS & RECREATION:
PLANNING COMMISSION:
COMMITTEE(S):
GENERAL: a. DISCUSSION Former Jacksonville Elementary School building
Council Member Rains recalled over the past couple of years she has been
asked periodically by constituents about the former Jacksonville Elementary
School. She then requested Lieutenant Ryan Wright to give an overview of what
is going on there. She noted that the lease agreement was included in the
City Council packets, pointing out it is for 99 years, for $1.00 annually,
that the City has for the building owned by Pulaski County Special School
District (PCSSD).
Lieutenant Wright stated over the past couple of years, since he has taken
over Code Enforcement, they, along with the Parks and Recreation Department,
have had to deal with the building. He explained, as it stands right now, the
building is falling apart, adding that they typically go in once a month to
search and remove the homeless out. He mentioned there have been numerous
fires set inside by them, noting that it has become almost impossible to keep
them out since as soon as they put boards up, they rip them right back down.
He shared that they have had several police calls for people going inside,
along with a possible deceased person found there. He confirmed it is
becoming a problem with the community, as far as the homeless going in, and
with the status of the building, someone could get hurt, because it is in bad
shape. When Council Member Rains inquired about asbestos, he replied from
what he understands, that is why the building has not been torn down because
of the large amount present that would cost quite a bit of money to remove it
before it can be destroyed.
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 19, 2023
6:00 P.M. – 6:32 P.M.
Council Member Rains believes 2012 was the last time it was looked into to
renovate the structure and bring it to hospitable conditions, and the
estimate was approximately $250,000.00.
Council Member Mashburn suggested giving the building back to PCSSD and
letting them tear it down since the City cannot pay $250,000.00 for asbestos
removal, and then go back and tear it down.
Council Member Rains brought up that the cost assessment was made prior to
the fires that have taken place inside, the copper being stripped from the
entire structure, along with tons of other things that have gone on since the
2012 time period, so there is going to be a lot more fees encumbered than
just $250,000.00 to get this building restored.
When Council Member Traylor inquired, City Attorney Friedman confirmed the
City cannot tear it down since they are only leasing the building and do not
own it, but they are responsible for maintenance and repairs. She mentioned
possibly being able to terminate the lease with a 90-day notice.
Lieutenant Wright related as far as feasibly making the repairs and keeping
the building secure, they cannot, because as soon as they board it up,
someone takes them right back down.
Council Member Sansing recalled in the past, Habitat for Humanity was
interested in the location as possibly building houses for the future, but
for that to happen, the City of Jacksonville has to own the property. He
stressed that the taxpayer does not need to take the hit, adding the last
estimate he heard for asbestos abatement was a little after 2012 and was
$400,000.00. He surmised a possible solution that can be discussed is to see
if PCSSD will pay for the asbestos abatement, and then once the City gets the
title to it, the City of Jacksonville, and whatever entity that is interested
in the property, could consider tearing the rest of it down. He explained if
PCSSD does not want to help the City, the City gives it back to them
completely where they deal with it 100%, since they cannot give it to us as
is, if we will not take it as is. He noted there may be other entities that
would be interested in doing something there, but he personally likes the
Habitat for Humanity idea because of the Ward. He reiterated that taxpayers
do not need to take the hit for taking out asbestos that is the result of
years of neglect by PCSSD and Jacksonville. He affirmed they need to step up
and take the asbestos out of there, and if they do not want the property,
give it to the City and we can go from there.
Council Member Bolden stated he cannot stand the building being over there,
however, the City has no power over it. He pointed out that PCSSD owns it and
is responsible for it, assuring they will not take it back because it is an
eyesore to them, so our hands are locked.
Council Member Traylor brought up that they would not have a choice; if the
City terminates the lease, they do not get to say “no you can’t.”
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 19, 2023
6:00 P.M. – 6:32 P.M.
Council Member Sansing then read paragraph 15 of the lease agreement, stating
“Termination: Lessee may terminate this Lease at any time by giving prior
written notice to Lessor not less than Ninety (90) days prior to the stated
date of surrender and then surrendering the premises to Lessor on the stated
date.”
Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to terminate
the lease agreement between the Pulaski County Special School District and
the City of Jacksonville regarding 108 South Oak Street.
Council Member Traylor requested City Attorney Friedman to review and make
sure there is nothing in the lease that says the City will owe them a lot of
money for a building that is not in the same condition it was when we got it.
City Attorney Friedman noted she does not know what the condition was like
when the City signed the lease, but there is no clause in the agreement, as
far as termination or returning the property back to them, that would cost or
penalize the City.
Lieutenant Wright added if it does get given back to PCSSD, it gives the City
the ability to go through the Code Enforcement and condemnation process. He
explained they could send them the notices, cite them if needed, and possibly
take it to the Nuisance Board or to court to sue them and force them to tear
it down.
City Attorney Friedman concurred.
ROLL CALL: Council Member: Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn,
Traylor, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED.
b. STATE OF THE CITY by Mayor Elmore
Mayor Elmore presented the State of the City address:
I am extremely honored and excited to be elected Mayor of the community that
I love, Jacksonville. It is not a responsibility that I take lightly and will
work tirelessly to innovate new ways to grow our city, inform the citizens of
our city, and improve the aspects of our city that need attention. I
wholeheartedly believe that the best years for Jacksonville are ahead of us.
With a collaborative spirit between my office and the members of our city
council, our community can be one that we can all love to call home. Progress
is not an overnight endeavor. Patience, persistence, and diligence will need
to be the tools that we use to build our community.
My goal with this address, as well as in the future, is to profile the
successes of our city. We live in a society where shortcomings are easy to
find and quick to be pointed out. I want to let our citizens also know the
good that is happening within the borders of our city. A community is both a
feeling and a tangible entity. I want to foster the feeling of community with
a hope that positive stories and success will promote more success.
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 19, 2023
6:00 P.M. – 6:32 P.M.
As you can see, 2022 brought a lot of positive projects and energy to our
city. But our work is not done. We cannot be satisfied with past success. We
must look forward. The construction project on 67/167 will be a temporary
headache but the finished product will open new possibilities to Jacksonville
that we have yet to realize. Unity Health will open this year and provide a
world-class medical facility in our community. The Jacksonville North Pulaski
School District will continue to grow, thrive, and educate scholars that
will, hopefully one day, return to Jacksonville to be the next generation of
business and community leaders. I am excited and encouraged for the future of
Jacksonville. I hope that you will join me in this excitement and be a part
of the greatest chapter in our City's history.
APPOINTMENTS:
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Elmore adjourned the meeting at
approximately 6:32 p.m. MOTION CARRIED.
Respectfully,
________________________ _________________________
Susan L. Davitt MAYOR JEFF ELMORE
City Clerk-Treasurer
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