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24 SEP 5 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 5, 2024 6:00 P.M. – 7:10 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 September 5, 2024 at their regular meeting place. Council Member Bolden delivered the invocation and Mayor Elmore led a standing audience in the “Pledge of Allegiance.” ROLL CALL: City Council Members: Dietz, Bolden, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains answered ROLL CALL. Mayor Elmore also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. Council Member McCleary arrived at approximately 6:02 p.m. PRESENT NINE (9) ABSENT ONE (1). Council Member Mashburn was absent. Others present for the meeting were: Director of Engineering and Public Works Adam Whitlow, Director of Economic Development Robert Birch, CDBG Director Michelle Spencer, Communications Director Emily Sundermeier, IT Director Brian Harvey, Lynette Culpepper, Trenika McCoy, Tanner Ruple, Jim Moore, Reginald Ford, and Addie Gibson. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Elmore presented the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of August 15, 2024 for approval and/or correction at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting. APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES: Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden that the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of July 18, 2024 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Ray to approve the regular monthly report for August 2024. PERMITS/LICENSE ISSUED INSPECTIONS PERFORMED Building Permits 32 Building Inspections 94 Business License - Electrical 67 Plumbing 69 HVACR 40 ROLL CALL: Council Member: Dietz, Bolden, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. WATER DEPARTMENT: WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT: FIRE DEPARTMENT: POLICE DEPARTMENT: STREET DEPARTMENT: SANITATION DEPARTMENT: PARKS & RECREATION: PLANNING COMMISSION: COMMITTEE(S): GENERAL: By general consensus of City Council, it was decided to make a DEVIATION in the agenda and discuss item b. first. 1 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 5, 2024 6:00 P.M. – 7:10 P.M. b. Fire Department Recognition Division Chief of EMS David Jones shared that he is a board member for the Arkansas EMT Association (AEMTA), which was founded in 1978 to provide support to every EMS provider in the State of Arkansas, no matter what level they serve; whether they are a first responder, emergency driver, dispatcher, paramedic, EMT, or work for law enforcement, ambulance service, or hospital. He explained with every certification there are certain requirements to meet every two years in continuing education, listing how the EMT level requires 40 hours, and the paramedic level requires 60. He detailed that part of their mission at AEMTA in supporting their membership is to have a four-day conference to provide continuing education opportunities from 8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. He told how they try to keep the charge affordable for those services who do not have the personnel to provide training in-house. He mentioned during the conference, they have several different competitions and awards in order to recognize certain individuals across the State, with the people who compete being the best of the best in the State. Fire Chief Alan Laughy announced the first award earned from the Jacksonville Fire Department in 2024 was Caitlan Neal for the Arkansas EMT of the Year. He then brought forth Lieutenant Colter Antonsen, Chris Jenkins, Colin Schorgl, rd who competed in two different competitions, placing 3 Place in Paramedic st Critic Care and 1 Place in the State for the Fire/EMS Competition. RESUME AGENDA: a. PRESENTATION by Errin Stanger with Providence Park Economic Director Robert Birch introduced Errin Stanger with Providence Park, explaining that he has worked with Errin in the past when he was the Director in North Little Rock of the Innovation Hub. He related that Providence Park is Pulaski County’s Homeless Village being constructed. Ms. Errin Stanger stated that Providence Park is an entire neighborhood to care for the chronically homeless that will provide permeant housing with wrap around support services. She noted that she has been in non-profit work for over 20 years, pointing out that during her tenure at the Innovation Hub, she became acquainted with a homeless woman and was able to get her immediate help. At this time, she began to notice more and more chronically homeless individuals. She explained that HUD defines someone who has been on the streets for more than 12 months as chronically homeless. She began to investigate available services which turned into a passion project for her. She stated that she began searching for a long-term care opportunity for the chronically homeless. She related that in that search she found a place called Community First Village in Austin, Texas which is an entire 50-acre neighborhood that provides permanent housing with tiny homes. It has a medical clinic on site, garden work opportunities, with various kinds of incredible care and resources. She noted that there are approximately 90 partners that feed into this Village to make it work. She explained that following several meetings with Mayors and Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde, she was able to sell the idea of starting the same model of Village for Pulaski County. She reviewed the plans that have been designed for Providence Park, mentioning community kitchens for social purposes, as well 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 5, 2024 6:00 P.M. – 7:10 P.M. as gardening. She noted that 50 acres of a 150-acre purchase has been set aside for this development by Pulaski County. She explained that Rock Region Metro has included the Village in their southwest loop. She related that the development will also feature a community center type building called Harmony Hall which will house staff offices, kitchen, a large gathering space for meals and meetings, as well as a convenience store and gift shop for the neighbors that are crafting in the fabrication lab. She stated that behind Providence Park there will be a Health Center, that will provide medical, dental and mental care for the neighbors on site. She noted that gardening will help introduce a healthy relationship with food. She related that the Village will have several different types of homes, micro homes, micro-plus homes, and park homes. She pointed out that the micro homes do not have plumbing which are served by kitchen, bathroom, laundry that is available within 100 feet. She stated that the micro-plus homes do have a bathroom, a toilet and a sink; adding that the park homes have a full bathroom and a little bit of a kitchen area. She then noted that the Village will also have an Inn modeled after Community First Village. She related that Community First has a replicator program, and she has been attending for over three years learning how to do this for her community. She related that the underground work is underway and town hall meetings have been held in order to keep everyone informed regarding the progress as well as gathering the views of interested citizens. She then noted that hopefully the project will be ready for neighbors next summer. She then offered photographs of the first completed tiny home as well as the designs of the other homes to be constructed. In response to a question from Council Member Rains, Ms. Errin Stanger responded that she would suggest visiting Community First Village for anyone interested in replicating this type of development. She then answered that there will not necessarily be police on site but there is be security. She stated that it will be open for the chronically homeless adults, be ready to obey civil law. She reiterated that it is a forever home, the neighbors do not ever have to leave, they will handle death there, there will be a memorial garden on site, offering all the things for end of life care. In further discussion, Ms. Stanger explained that some of the homes do have carports for neighbors who manage to obtain cars. She then answered that they help the neighbors get jobs and even work within the Village. She reiterated that they do not serve families, adding that if they had a woman to become pregnant they would meet the need if it were to arise or work through the process. She explained that there will be an application process online and paper copies available at entities or trusted partners. She then answered that with the Wolf Street Foundation will be providing recover services to help the neighbors get off drugs with AA and NA meetings on site, adding that they have peer recovery specialist that will come onsite. c. PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCE 1760 (#13-2024) AN ORDINANCE CONDEMNING STRUCTURES AND REAL PROPERTY AT THE LOCATION NOTED BELOW IN JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS, FOR STRUCTURAL DEFECTS, DEFICIENCIES, AND PUBLIC HAZARD CONDITIONS; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. 3 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 5, 2024 6:00 P.M. – 7:10 P.M. Mayor Elmore opened the public hearing at approximately 6:38 p.m. Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Sansing to place Ordinance 1760 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Friedman read the heading of Ordinance 1760. Council Member Twitty requested pictures of the properties. When Council Member McCleary inquired, Code Enforcement Officer Marissa Barger replied the majority of these were given 12 months, and a lot were damaged during the March 2023 tornado. She confirmed they have not responded to any Code notices. She noted 209 Pike Avenue was originally a tornado- damaged house, and six months later it became burned, so they would like to condemn the remaining pieces of structure in order to clean it up. She confirmed the owner passed away then her sons had taken it over, but has had no response when attempting to notify them. She noted that 1306 King Street was not a tornado-affected housed, but the owner passed away. She believes their children remained in the home with no utility services, so Code tried to remove them from the home, but it ended up burning as well. She mentioned the owner of 208 East Main Street passed away and it has now become a squatter location that is deteriorating with a lot of trash and debris. She related that 104 Wilson Street was a tornado-damaged house that has a large tree fallen in the rubble remaining of that home. She pointed out that the owner is a Trust and they have not reached out to Code after multiple letters have been sent. She stated 1001 Eastview Drive is a tornado-damaged home where the owner is deceased and the son who is supposed to be responsible for the property has left after the tornado and has not responded to any notices sent. She explained 2103 Hamilton Street mobile home park was sold to Fairmont Holdings LLC, who has not responded to any notices sent out. She added that the property is also becoming a squatting location for multiple individuals since there are 6-8 mobile home units on that lot that are deteriorated and hazardous. When Council Member McCleary inquired about the demolishing order, she replied that 209 Pike Avenue and 1306 King Street should be a quick clean since there is not a lot left of the homes. She noted it also has to do with funding. Police Captain Ryan Wright add the priority is also determined by the Department of Environmental Quality since Code has to space out destroying the properties. He explained if they do one within a block of another, Code has to get asbestos surveyed, etc. Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member McCleary to APPROVE Ordinance 1760 on FIRST READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1760 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. 4 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 5, 2024 6:00 P.M. – 7:10 P.M. Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Sansing to APPROVE Ordinance 1760 on SECOND READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1760 on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Sansing to APPROVE AND ADOPT Ordinance 1760 in its entirety. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden that the EMERGENCY CLAUSE be approved and adopted. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. TH ORDINANCE 1760 (#13-2024) APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 5 DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2024. Public hearing was closed at 6:47 p.m. d. PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCE 1761 (#14-2024) AN ORDINANCE CREATING AND CERTIFYING TAX LIENS AGAINST REAL PROPERTIES AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS WITHIN THE CITY FOR BALANCES DUE FROM SERVICES RENDERED BY AND/OR ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Mayor Elmore opened the public hearing at approximately 6:48 p.m. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Sansing to place Ordinance 1761 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Friedman read the heading of Ordinance 1761. City Attorney Friedman confirmed this Ordinance contains balances due from mowing these properties. In response to a question from Council Member Rains about multiple entries for Aviator Drive, Officer Barger replied the owner owns three separate parcels on that street. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden to APPROVE Ordinance 1761 on FIRST READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1761 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden to APPROVE Ordinance 1761 on SECOND READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1761 on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, 5 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 5, 2024 6:00 P.M. – 7:10 P.M. McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden to APPROVE AND ADOPT Ordinance 1761 in its entirety. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden that the EMERGENCY CLAUSE be approved and adopted. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. TH ORDINANCE 1761 (#14-2024) APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 5 DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2024. Public hearing was closed at approximately 6:51 p.m. e. PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCE 1762 (#15-2024) AN ORDINANCE CREATING AND CERTIFYING TAX LIENS AGAINST REAL PROPERTIES AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS WITHIN THE CITY FOR BALANCES DUE FROM SERVICES RENDERED BY AND/OR ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Mayor Elmore opened the public hearing at approximately 6:52 p.m. Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member McCleary to place Ordinance 1762 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. City Attorney Friedman referenced page 17 of the agenda that states $35,500.00 for 618 West Main Street. She requested this to be removed and for Council to approve the ordinance as amended. She explained the property owner has paid off a large portion of that balance and has signed an agreement to pay the remainder. Mayor Elmore added the owner paid $10,000.00 a month, then the final month would be $5,500.00. He confirmed as of now, $20,000.00 has been paid. City Attorney Friedman then read the heading of Ordinance 1762. When clarification was requested, Officer Barger responded that two were for demolition of structures; on page 17 and one on page 18 for $6,549.00. She confirmed the remaining are for mowing, noting the first mow is $165.00, then they charge an additional $25.00 on top of that per each mow afterwards. She mentioned a lot of these yards have been maintained more than once already, and then there are some over an acre that their contractors bid a reasonable amount to mow. She listed Foxwood Drive Trust, Green J Development Company, 6 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 5, 2024 6:00 P.M. – 7:10 P.M. and Iremodel Holdings LLC the owners of the bid lots. She explained the initial invoice gives them 30 days to pay, and when they do not pay it, they are given an additional 30 days before they are placed on the lien notice. She confirmed they have up to 90 days to pay since they are given another 30 days when sent the lien notice. She mentioned the liens are placed on their taxes and they pay it on their tax bill, or they will be penalized. Council Member Sansing urged citizens to keep up their properties. Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Ray to APPROVE Ordinance 1762 AS AMENDED on FIRST READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1762 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden to APPROVE Ordinance 1762 AS AMENDED on SECOND READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1762 on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Sansing to APPROVE AND ADOPT Ordinance 1762 AS AMENDED in its entirety. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Sansing that the EMERGENCY CLAUSE be approved and adopted. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. TH ORDINANCE 1762 (#15-2024) APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 5 DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2024. Public hearing was closed at approximately 6:57 p.m. f. RESOLUTION 850 (#08-2024) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS SUPPORTING A PUBLIC RECREATION FACILITIES PROJECT, COMMITTING CITY RESOURCES TO MAINTAIN PROJECT, AUTHORIZING CITY REPRESENTATIVES TO APPLY FOR GRANT FUNDING; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Mayor Elmore explained this a resolution of support for application to the Great Strides Program/Trails for Life Grant. He stressed that this is not a commitment at this point, but is the starting process for application for a grant to do this project. He confirmed it is for a 100% grant. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member McCleary to read Resolution 850 (#08-2024). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Friedman read the heading of Resolution 850 (#08-2024). 7 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 5, 2024 6:00 P.M. – 7:10 P.M. Council Member Rains questioned if this project is part of the Greater Trails Project throughout Arkansas? Mayor Elmore answered that at this time, it is not. But, the way it is being done and where it will be done and the land that the City would be donated by Wally and Dana Nixon. He continued saying that once Metroplan, the trail system that they have been talking about connecting from basically Hot Springs through Little Rock all the way up our corridor heading north this could at that point and time be tied in, it would run through. He added that this would be ahead of that. Ms. Dana Nixon explained that she owns Nixon Farm on Graham Road and are doing the next phase of the Subdivision off of Westwood, saying this is all tied in together. She stated that this grant just fell into her lap about a month ago. She went on to explain that behind the big drainage ditch they have 80 acres that she wants to donate 25 acres of to the City for a park and the remainder to nature conservancy or some other conservation easement so there will be an 80-acre nature park in the middle of Jacksonville. She related that this is a grant to pave biking and walking trails, adding that she got a landscaping architect referred by Chad Young, who donated his time to design approximately ½ mile paved trail on the north side of the drainage ditch. She stated that she would donate lot 54 in the next phase of the Subdivision for a trail head and a parking lot. She continued saying that a bridge would have to be constructed over the drainage ditch, saying this would go down to the pipeline and make a loop through the woods. She stated that this should all be included in the grant so the City should not be out any funds on the front end. She then pointed out that there would be some maintenance fees for the next 25 years but it would be the start of what she hopes is an incredible trail system on the east side of Jacksonville and it would be free. She offered that she could do the application because she is going to donate the property in fee. She said that it is a great deal, adding that it is not everyday that you get $250,000 free. She stated that she is working with other groups to do stuff on that acreage. She then answered that she can not do anything without approval of the Resolution, th explaining that the application has to be in by September 30 with a grant hearing being held mid-November and then the project has to be completed within one year. She then answered Council Member Twitty that the maintenance is mowing and that the City already mows this, saying that it is part of the easement regarding the drainage ditch so it is no extra maintenance except for the short loop through the woods. Mayor Elmore stated that it is capitalizing on a space that we already maintain. She pointed out that the City will get a 25-acre park that the City can do whatever it wants there except cut down the trees. She then answered that other maintenance would be the bridge which should not take any maintenance if it is built correctly first and maintain the asphalt. She noted that a contractor under the grant would build the bridge. 8 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 5, 2024 6:00 P.M. – 7:10 P.M. Parks and Recreation Director Kevin House stated that this grant is very similar to the one done through Game and Fish for Paradise Park where the City agreed to 50 years of maintenance. Council Member Twitty noted that we still have a park that has damage, that we have not been able to get cleaned because we do not have the manpower to do it. She answered Mayor Elmore that she has gotten calls regarding Dupree Park. Ms. Nixon stated that if correctly built, there should not be any maintenance for the first eight or ten years and the mowing is already done. She pointed out that the mowing would be less with 8’ of the path being asphalted. Council Member Ray called for a question to the vote. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member McCleary to adopt Resolution 850 (#08-2024) in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED with Council Member Twitty voting NAY. City Clerk Davitt clarified that the Resolution would need to be corrected regarding the lot number and phase being stated in the Resolution. It was noted that an exact address would not be needed for grant purposes. Council Member McCleary recognized Parks and Recreation, Fire and Police for outstanding jobs regarding FestiVille. Council Member Rains asked for updates for setting up the optional tax regarding personal property tax for the CDBG as well as having it on the City website. Mayor Elmore related that there has been no further action at this point. Council Member Bolden stated that of the two churches that were demolished during the storm, offering thanks to the Lord, there is now opportunities for them to rebuild. He recognized Pastor Eddie Miller of the New Command Church of God and Christ and the Pastor of First Assembly of God of Jacksonville who purchased the church on Bailey Street and remodeled it. He offered thanks to the Lord for restoring the house of God. Council Member Dietz commended Code Enforcement for the job they do, along with all the City employees. APPOINTMENTS: UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NEW BUSINESS: ANNOUNCEMENTS: 9 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 5, 2024 6:00 P.M. – 7:10 P.M. ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Elmore adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:10 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully, ________________________ _________________________ Susan L. Davitt MAYOR JEFF ELMORE City Clerk-Treasurer 10