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12 FEB 02.doc CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 2, 2012 7:00 P.M. – 7:37 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 February 2, 2012 at the regular meeting place of the City Council. Alderman Smith delivered the invocation and Mayor Fletcher led a standing audience in the “Pledge of Allegiance” to the flag. ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Traylor, Stroud, Robinson, and Howard answered roll call. Mayor Fletcher also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT TEN (10), ABSENT (0). Others present for the meeting were: City Attorney Robert Bamburg, Director of Administration Jim Durham, Finance Director Cheryl Erkel, Public Works Director Jim Oakley, Fire Chief John Vanderhoof, Human Resource Director Jill Ross, City Engineer Jay Whisker, IT Director Barbara McDaniel, Police Chief Gary Sipes, Code Enforcement Officer Bill Shelley, Parks and Recreation Director Kristen Kennon CDBG Director Theresa Watson, 911 Communications Director Tabby Hughes, Planning Commissioner Jim Moore, Pastor Ricky Allen, Mike Wilson, Lucien Shockey, interested citizens, and members of the press. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Fletcher presented the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of January 19, 2012 for approval and/or correction at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting. APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES: Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Howard that the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of 5 January 2012 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: WATER DEPARTMENT: WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT: FIRE DEPARTMENT: POLICE DEPARTMENT: UPDATE Code Enforcement Police Chief Sipes stated his feeling that the Code Enforcement move at the end of November to the Police Department is a good fit. He related that two additional Code Enforcement officers were hired, both with good credentials. He related that one was a former Code Enforcement Officer and the other is a retired Captain from the Jacksonville Police Department, pointing out that they are familiar with due process and did not require full training. He stated that through discussions regarding the mission and goals, it was decided that inoperable vehicles would be addressed first. He stated that in a short period of time over 100 cars have been tagged and from those only one had to be towed. He stated that the Code Enforcement Department has been operational for 40 days, offering that they have received 157 assigned calls; there were 679 self initiated inspections to address various code violations, a total of two 1 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 2, 2012 7:00 P.M. – 7:37 P.M. citations have been issued, and 39 written notices were left at homes. He stated that the total cars tagged during those 40 days was 160, adding that only two of the vehicles had to be towed. He related that 175 signs have been removed from the rights-of-way, 241 trash cans have been tagged for being left out after the hours of pickup or were in the wrong location. Code Enforcement tagged 13 basketball goals that were brought into compliance and inspected 6 structures, which will probably be placed on the condemnation list. He added that 9 structures have been red tagged or administratively condemned. Code Enforcement conducted 3 search warrants and addressed 113 parking violations. He noted that the parking violations were interfering with garbage pickup. He referenced photographs of a structure that had been condemned and the lot was cleaned by the owner. He added that the City provided two dumpsters, which cost the City approximately $800.00 as opposed to $5,000.00 to demolish and clear the lot. He stated that all results are due to the proactive nature of the Code Enforcement officers. He commended the Code Enforcement officers as well as their secretary Linda Dulaney. He stated that there is a good team in place and bigger and better things are expected for the future. Alderman Howard commended the Code efforts, saying that he rode with Code Enforcement one day and was impressed by the professionalism shown by the officers. Mayor Fletcher related that during a recent trip to Tulsa he met with the City Manager who was intrigued by the concept of having the Code Enforcement Department under the direction of the Police Department. He stated that a majority of times the Police have to be reactive to crime, while Code Enforcement is more proactive, explaining that many times Code violations feed criminal activity. He stated that Code Enforcement under the police is a natural fit. He continued saying that Code Enforcement was put under the Police Department for results and we are seeing those results. STREET DEPARTMENT: SANITATION DEPARTMENT: PARKS & RECREATION: UPDATE Community Center Pool Parks and Recreation Director Kristen Kennon informed the City Council that the company has started taking the roof panels down, adding that all the material, except for the interior wall panels, are due to be in on Monday. She stated that the project should be completed within 30 days of receiving the interior panels. She related that all other materials are currently on site. The old HVAC unit has been removed and the electrical work, that can be done while the roof is being worked on, has started. She stated that it is projected that the interior roof panels will be completed within the next two weeks and then the duct work can begin. 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 2, 2012 7:00 P.M. – 7:37 P.M. She then announced that Parks had bid and got the 6A State Softball Tournament. She related that the big emphasis this year is how the tournaments will impact the entire City. She stated that the Department is pushing to get more tournaments and is currently booked through June th 30 with at least one tournament at Dupree Park every weekend. She stated that they are also working to book Excell Park, noting that a lot of the time is tied up with league play in the spring. She stated that weather permitting this will be one of the best seasons in a long time. She related that the Parks and Recreation Commission have adopted a new policy to waive the field rental fee if a large tournament is booked for over three days with more than 25 teams. She added that this is to encourage the larger tournaments to come to Jacksonville and there has been a notable increase since implementing that policy. PLANNING COMMISSION: GENERAL: a. Formulation of Sign & Billboard Committee Mayor Fletcher noted that approximately one month ago the City Council adopted a Resolution supporting a moratorium on billboards. He stated that the City should know something definite regarding the right-of-way issue from the Arkansas Highway Department. He stated that in the meantime he would like to have a committee created to look at not only billboards but signage throughout the City. He stated that his office has received many complaints regarding the badly maintained signage, especially in the areas coming into and leaving the City. Alderman Reedie Ray offered to chair the committee, Aldermen Stroud, Traylor, and Howard as well as Planning Commissioner Jim Moore volunteered to serve. Keep Jacksonville Beautiful member Charles Jenkins was appointed to serve. b. Mayor’s Economic Report Mayor Fletcher facilitated a PowerPoint presentation for the City Council regarding a recent trip he, Director Jim Durham, City Engineer Jay Whisker, and Police Chief Gary Sipes made to Tulsa, Oklahoma. He reminded everyone that the City’s economic consultant is from the City of Owasso, who was recommended by the City’s previous City Planner. He stated that there are many similarities between Tulsa and the City of Jacksonville statistically speaking. He noted that both cities are located approximately 8 to 10 miles from their capital cities and are considered bedroom communities. He added that Tulsa also has a state highway that runs through the middle of the city running approximately 44 to 48 thousand traffic count daily, adding that Jacksonville’s daily count on the highway is approximately 17 thousand. He stated that the City of Tulsa has doubled its tax base as well as seeing 4 million square feet of retail space being opened. He noted that the City of Jacksonville has opportunities that Tulsa did not have such as having the economic impact of 720 million dollars from the Little Rock Air 3 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 2, 2012 7:00 P.M. – 7:37 P.M. Force Base. He affirmed his believe in Ricky Hayes’ ability as an economic consultant, noting that through his many years on the City Council he saw various individuals who called themselves economic consultants but did not have the practical experience that Ricky Hayes has. He reviewed several photographs of downtown Tulsa noting that the City has many statutes, and are in the process of modernizing their downtown. He related that the Tulsa community went from 17,000 in population to almost 38,000 in less than 10 years. He stated that one thing Tulsa has that Jacksonville does not have that much of is a lot of land for development and growth. He pointed out that this is one of the factors for pushing for the annexations, noting that next year the City will work on a southern corridor annexation. He explained that he, Director Durham, and City Engineer Whisker belong to the ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers) and have attended the national and international shows. He stated that with the aid of Ricky Hayes, Jacksonville’s story is out there. He stated that Jacksonville is the only city in the State that is aggressively going after these types of developers. He stated that interested developers have contacted Ricky Hayes but added that one difficulty is the lack of available land. He stated that he wanted the City Council to see the possibilities for Jacksonville in 5 to 10 years. He offered photographs of statues, high schools and their football fields, the downtown area with a new library, and several shopping centers. He recounted efforts by Ricky Hayes to bring an Olive Garden to the City of Owasso, saying that Ricky has become Owasso’s Merrill Lynch, when he speaks they listen. He stated that the Olive Garden has exceeded all projections. He continued reviewing several photographs of shopping centers, saying that with growth one thing spurs another in economic development. He stated that he had spoken with City Engineer Whisker regarding the concept of having a distinctive entryway into any newly developing subdivisions. He stated that he feels it offers a special identity to a neighborhood. He then noted that the City of Tulsa constructs privacy fences regarding older neighborhoods. He stated that one factor that Tulsa’s manager firmly believes in is that a city has to have a clean appearance to promote economic development. He added that while Code Enforcement has taken a lot of flak for enforcing the nuisance and abatement ordinance, everyone needs to understand that we are trying to sell our community to promote development and growth. He asked for everyone’s patience, noting that some of the Council members have also taken flak because of approximately 130 letters sent out last month regarding police calls to residences. He stated that he spends five hours a month sorting through the police calls so he can know where they are going and what neighborhoods and houses need police assistance. He offered assurances that the City of Jacksonville is doing everything possible to clean up the City not only in appearance but also regarding criminal activity. He added that the City of Jacksonville will get its own schools and this town will rebound strongly. He stated that he feels 4 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 2, 2012 7:00 P.M. – 7:37 P.M. it was helpful to go and see the possibilities for the City of Jacksonville, noting that there is land both north and south regarding those possibilities. Chief Sipes related that he was very impressed by how clean Tulsa was, noting that it had a lot of sidewalks, adding that it was hard to believe a city of that size had that many shopping centers. He stated that he was also impressed with Ricky Hayes, saying he is the man known for making Owasso. APPOINTMENT(S): BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to approve the appointment of Jon Johnson to fill the unexpired term of Joe Cummings, Jr. to expire 2/05/2013. ANNUAL JOINT MEETING Mayor Fletcher announced that the annual meeting is scheduled for th Tuesday, February 28 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., but added that there has been discussion of not holding a meeting this year or changing the format and direction. He noted that any permanent changes would require an ordinance to amend the original ordinance. Alderman Stroud stated that past meetings have produced good input from citizenry but has never accomplished a more cohesiveness among the various sections of the City. He stated that because of this he has been disappointed in the meetings and would be receptive to having it every other year or totally disbanding. Alderman Howard offered that he feels some of the suggestions need to be followed up, adding that with new City Council members they may have ideas to offer. It was the consensus of the City Council to have the meeting facilitated from an outside entity and keep the theme as general. ANNOUNCEMENT(S): BLACK HISTORY MONTH Director Durham thanked Alderman McCleary for contacting Pastor Gibson, noting that February is Black History Month, adding that he had the opportunity to attend the Martin Luther King celebration on Base featuring Pastor Gibson. He praised the program, saying that it was one of the most amazing events he has attended. He announced that Pastor Gibson has agreed to be at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting. He stated that Pastor Gibson knows the “I have a Dream” speech by heart and he sounds exactly like Dr. King. Mayor Fletcher offered his praise, saying that he had the opportunity as well. 5 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 2, 2012 7:00 P.M. – 7:37 P.M. TRAFFIC LIGHT AT MILITARY AND LOOP ROADS Mayor Fletcher then addressed the issue of having a traffic light at Military and Loop Road. He explained that City Engineer Whisker has written a letter to the Arkansas Highway Department and made a request for a traffic light. He added that the Arkansas Highway Department replied this week, saying that the traffic count does not warrant a traffic light. He stated that he feels it still needs to be pursued, saying that there are concerns for the pedestrian traffic crossing that road. As a side note, he related that City Engineer Whisker is almost finished with the round-a-bout plans for Harris Road and General Samuels. ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Fletcher adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:37 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully, ________________________ _________________________ Susan L. Davitt MAYOR GARY FLETCHER City Clerk-Treasurer 6