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12 JAN 19.doc CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 19, 2012 7:00 P.M. – 7:41 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 January 19 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, and Howard answered roll call. Mayor Fletcher also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. Aldermen Sansing arrived at approximately 7:02 p.m. PRESENT NINE (9), ABSENT (1). Others present for the meeting were: City Attorney Robert Bamburg, Director of Administration Jim Durham, Public Works Director Jim Oakley, Human Resource Director Jill Ross, City Engineer Jay Whisker, IT Director Barbara McDaniel, Parks and Recreation Director Kristen Kennon, CDBG Director Theresa Watson, 911 Communications Director Tabby Hughes, Fire Chief John Vanderhoof, Police Chief Gary Sipes, Water Department Superintendent Mike Simpson, Wastewater Manager Thea Hughes, Sewer Chairman Joan Zumwalt, Mike Wilson, Planning Commissioner Jim Moore, Glenda Fletcher, Marie Fletcher, Jennifer Wintz, Helen Stroud, Pastor Ricky Allen, Scott Scholl, interested citizens, and members of the press. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Fletcher presented the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of January 5, 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 15 December 2011 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/POLICE DEPARTMENT Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Stroud to approve the Regular Monthly Report for December 2011 annual crime statistical comparisons. Code Enforcement for December 2011 Assigned Calls 44 Self Initiated Calls 223 Follow up meetings/Court Hearings 75 Structures Inspected 0 Attend Citations/Warnings 2 Food Services Inspected 0 Issued Notices/Letters 1 Rentals Inspected 0 Written 25 Properties Red Tagged 0 Vehicles Tagged 103 Search Warrants Served 10 Vehicles Towed 1 Structures Rehabbed 0 Lots posted 0 Structures Condemned 0 Signs removed 25 Houses Demolished by City 0 Trash cans tagged 140 Misc. Other Calls 0 1 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 19, 2012 7:00 P.M. – 7:41 P.M. REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/FIRE DEPARTMENT Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Stroud to approve the Regular Monthly Report for December 2011 from the Jacksonville Fire Department, reflecting a fire loss of $76,500 and a savings total of $123.500. REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/ANIMAL CONTROL Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Stroud to approve the Regular Monthly Animal Control Report for December 2011 and Annual Statistics for 2011. Said reports reflect: ADOPTION/FINES: $2,010.00 ADOPTION/FINES: $24,040.00 CONTRIBUTIONS: $ 25.00 CONTRIBUTIONS: $ 450.00 TOTAL: $2,035.00 TOTALS: $24,490.00 REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to approve the Regular Monthly Report for December 2011. PERMITS/LICENSE ISSUED INSPECTIONS PREFORMED Building Permits 17 Building Inspections 26 Business Licenses 9 Electrical 18 Plumbing 18 HVACR 14 UNSIGHTLY & UNSANITARY VEHICLES Grass Letters Notice of Noncompliance 103 Property Mowed Towed 1 Trash Letters CONDEMNATIONS Trash Removal Structural Maint. Letters Property Maint. Letters 2 Structural repairs made Cost Demolitions CITATIONS WARRANTS Debris & open storage Arrest Property maintenance 1 Search 10 ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Traylor, Stroud, and Howard voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. WATER DEPARTMENT: 2011 Annual Report by Mike Simpson Water Superintendent Mike Simpson stated on behalf of the Jacksonville Water Commission, he is pleased to provide City Council with the 2011 Annual Water Works report. He read the following from a prepared statement: This year the water utility had zero water quality violations to report and had the good fortune to be able to have a standing record of zero violations for the past 12 years. 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 19, 2012 7:00 P.M. – 7:41 P.M. This year, the Safe Drinking Water Act water quality standards will become even more stringent; we are working with Garver Engineers and Central Arkansas Water Works to continue providing the best quality water for our City while continuing to meet or exceed all SDWA standards. As everyone is aware, we consistently strive to provide the citizens of Jacksonville with the best quality water and service possible. Jacksonville Water Works has secured financing from the Arkansas Natural Resource Commission for 25 million dollars in low interest loans, which will be utilized for completing major infrastructure projects that will provide a safe and plentiful water supply to the City beyond the year 2050. We are in the process of receiving bids for the 3 Million Gallon Elevated Water Storage Tank, which will replace the 65 year old 5 million gallon ground storage tank and our Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) System, which will replace and upgrade our existing control system that suffered lighting damage last year. We are expecting to have three additional pipeline project bids this year with the South Source 24” Main and Meter Station Project, the North/South Water Line Project and the General Samuels 24” Water Line Project, which are scheduled to be completed by 2013. The Utility is looking forward to accomplishing goals set forth in the 2008 Master Plan Update with participation in the North Belt Transmission Main Improvements coming to Jacksonville from the Wilson Water Treatment Plant, which will supply up to 12 million gallons of water per day from Central Arkansas Water Works. Central Arkansas Water Works is projecting a 2012 completion date for this important major infrastructure project. Jacksonville’s proportional cost for this project will be $11,255,000.00 of the total $33 Million Dollar Project. We are proud to report that our participation was accomplished without borrowing any money and was paid with reserve funds that were saved for future water supplies. We are pleased to announce that the Lonoke White Public Water Authority Project has been funded through the USDA-RW and ARNC for a total project funding of $53 million dollars. This vitally important project will provide Jacksonville with a secondary water source should a catastrophic event occur in the water lines coming from Central Arkansas Water. For other members it will provide a primary water source for their water systems in the near future and for years to come. Lonoke White Public Water Authority Project is scheduled to begin construction this year and will be completed in 2014. This vitally important project will include an intake structure, a water 3 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 19, 2012 7:00 P.M. – 7:41 P.M. treatment plant at the lake and will also include over 50 miles of water transmission mains that will provide water to the eight member communities including Jacksonville, further north to the Cities of Austin, Beebe, Vilonia, and Ward to the west North Pulaski Water Works and east to the Grand Prairie Water and Furlow Water User’s Association. We are looking forward to the benefits from these and several other capital water distribution system projects, most of which will be started and completed this year. All the projects are projected to be completed within the next three years, which will allow our water system to expand our service capacity and provide high quality water service to our community as the City continues to grow. We are looking toward new horizons with the new Water Works Facility construction plans for the old Sutherland’s property located on West Main Street, which will allow Jacksonville Water Works to consolidate our facilities on one centralized property. The interior of the existing building has been remodeled and our warehouse was moved to that location in 2011. This year we will work to improve the exterior look of the building by cleaning and painting the front area, which will match the color scheme of our new facility. The time frame has shifted out a little further for the construction of the Administration and Operations Building to 2014, allowing for proper management regarding the construction of our capital infrastructure projects. Projects completed during 2011 includes the installation of 15,381 linear feet of pipe, 16 additional fire hydrants, 56 valves, and updating 203 existing water services. At the end of 2011, we had 9,723 water meters in the water distribution system including 134 new water services. This was accomplished with a workforce of 36 employees. Currently, we have eleven employees licensed by the Arkansas Department of Health to operate the water system with two additional employees working toward obtaining their water operator’s license. We are accepting online customer payments through our secure internet site. Beginning in January 2011 and ending December 31, 2011, we received 3,445 online payments totaling $ 275,450. We have received many positive comments from our customers using this updated service. Water Production was up in 2011. On August 4, 2011, we reached a peak demand of 6.5 million gallons per day, which is over the previous year’s peak water flow of 5.9 million gallons that occurred on June 23, 2010. The total water production for the year was 1.4 billion gallons, a 6.2% increase from the previous year. Our average daily water flow for the year was 3.8 million gallons per day. 4 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 19, 2012 7:00 P.M. – 7:41 P.M. He concluded saying that they appreciate the City Council’s confidence and continued support in working with the Jacksonville Water Commission toward completion of important capital projects set forth in the Water Master Plan. The scope of projects included in the Master Plan will insure our City will have a safe and adequate supply of high quality water for future growth of the great City of Jacksonville today, tomorrow and for many years to come. WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT: 2011 Annual Report by Thea Hughes Wastewater Manager Thea Hughes critiqued a summary of the written report provided to City Council as follows: Bond-Funded Projects In October 2009, the City Council approved the issuance of $18 million in bond funds for the following projects. As of December 2011, the project status is as follows. Treatment Plant Updates: Sealed bids for construction of the treatment plant updates were opened March 30, 2011 and the low bid of $4,498,080 was awarded to VEI Construction from Russellville. The updates include the replacement of three primary screw pumps, changing the disinfection system from chlorine to an ultraviolet light system, and replacement of several pieces of plant equipment such as 27 sluice gates, effluent flume, yard piping, electrical updates, installation of a security fence, and other miscellaneous items. The project is currently on schedule and anticipated to be completed by May 2012. Page 13 of the Report outlines the map showing the layout of the treatment plant upgrades. Interceptors D & F: The Utility is constructing two new Interceptors known as Interceptor “D” and Interceptor “F”. These interceptors will consist of 14,715 feet of mainline and 52 new manholes at a cost of $2,749,874. This work was bid on June 3, 2011 and contract awarded to S&J Construction of Jacksonville. These interceptors will provide gravity sewer service from the Quince Hill and Northwood Acres area and the Leonard Street/Pinion Street area to the East Pump Station on Loop Road. They will also provide additional capacity for growth to the north of the City. When construction is complete the Utility will be able to decommission four of our remote pump stations. The Pump Stations that will be decommissioned are: Northeastern Pump Station at the intersection of Northeastern Avenue and T.P. White Drive; Foxwood Pump Station on Foxwood Drive; Loop Road Pump Station at the intersection of Loop Road and Leonard Street; and Pinion Pump Station behind 1712 Leonard Street. The project is currently on schedule and anticipated to be completed by July 2012. Page 14 of the Report shows mapped routes of planned interceptors. 5 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 19, 2012 7:00 P.M. – 7:41 P.M. Rehabilitation of existing sewers: The Utility completed 29,366 feet (5.56 miles) of replacement of mainlines by Pipe Bursting in 2011 at various locations within the City. This work will continue in 2012. Page 15 of the Report features a map showing all contracted rehabilitation work completed in 2011. Treatment, Lab & Pretreatment  16th consecutive year with 0 treatment plant permit violations  Successfully treated 2,135,037,000 gallons of wastewater  Accepted 4,699,497 gallons leachate water from Two Pine Landfill  856 inspections were conducted at restaurants for proper grease trap maintenance, and 12 inspections for oil/water separators and sand traps at various mechanic shops, car washes, & garages  Passed annual inspections by ADEQ in all areas  All industries are in compliance with their discharge permits Collection System & Technical Services  Rehabilitated 30,973 feet of main line (5.87 miles) with in-house and contracted crews combined  Replaced 28 manholes  Repaired 89 manholes  Responded to 256 customer calls (main lines, service lines & other reasons)  Inflow/Infiltration – only 9 out of 37 overflowing manholes and only 11 out of 55 main line calls, were the result of I/I, which is a good indication that our extensive rehabilitation program is working  “Can the Grease” Program – 33 of 55 of our main line customer calls for sewer problems were grease related. This costs the Utility approximately $595 per call to respond to a grease related call. At 33 calls in 2011, that equates to $19,635  Televised 83,807 feet of line for investigative purposes (15.87 miles)  Inspected 221 private service lines  Property owners repaired 139 privately owned service lines. Most agencies and engineers are in agreement that 50% of I/I comes from privately owned service lines. Our service line policy has been complimented and considered by numerous other cities  A special thanks to the Office of Community Development (Theresa Watson) for working closely with us to assist in the repairs of service lines in low-to-moderate income areas in Jacksonville. Administration  Operating Revenue from sewer use fees was $2,894,480, which is down from last year by $67,513 (2.33%). The trend for using less water consumption over the past few years has resulted in decreased revenue. 6 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 19, 2012 7:00 P.M. – 7:41 P.M. Employees with Licenses:  Class I Wastewater = 4  Class II Wastewater = 1  Class III Wastewater = 8  Class IV Wastewater = 5  Commercial Driver License = 19  Solid Waste = 6  Ark. Plumbing Inspector = 6 She thanked the City Council for an opportunity to report on the progress of the Utility. She then answered that while there is a leveled decline in grease calls; education is the key to continually improve those statistics. She stated that when there is a grease blockage, postcards are sent out to residents of that area. She then noted that there is a billboard advertisement on Hwy. 67/167 as well as being displayed on the large wastewater trucks. FIRE DEPARTMENT: POLICE DEPARTMENT: STREET DEPARTMENT: SANITATION DEPARTMENT: PARKS & RECREATION: PLANNING COMMISSION: GENERAL: a. Request to approve new bid amount for Asbestos Removal & Demolition City Engineer Whisker reminded the City Council that two weeks ago the bid was approved for $37,068.00 reduced by $12,000.00 less regarding asbestos abatement. He explained that the landfill would not allow them to landfill the asbestos material the same as normal demolition material, increasing the cost and making cost not prohibitive to demolition without asbestos abatement. He asked City Council to approve the original bid of $49,934.00. He then explained that the new law allows cities not to pay for asbestos abatement regarding a nuisance situation, but because the asbestos surveys were conducted and the information is documented, the landfill will not accept the material without the asbestos abatement. Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Howard to approve the new bid amount of $49,934.00 from Goolsby Inc. with funds to be drawn from budgeted funds. MOTION CARRIED. b. UPDATE regarding sale of Hospital property Mr. Wilson reminded the City Council that a resolution executing the complete transfer and sale of the Hospital property was adopted slightly over a year ago, offering the City Council an update regarding the sale. He stated that the Hospital Board met and has authorized the execution of the closing documents as approved by the resolution. He related that the 7 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 19, 2012 7:00 P.M. – 7:41 P.M. closing is expected to happen toward the end of January, adding that the title insurance, survey, and appraisal have all been completed. He stated that the Hospital has a first class management team, commending CEO Jay Quebedeaux. He noted the good reports regarding the Hospital’s service to the community, adding that the agreement with Allegiance will ensure that continued service. He stated that services for in-patient, out-patient, emergency room, imagining and etc. are guaranteed through agreement with Allegiance. He related that following the closing there will be no difference in services. He stated that First Arkansas Bank is providing the financing to Allegiance to purchase the Hospital and pay off its bond issue, adding for obvious reasons he did not vote at the previous Board meeting regarding the sale. He informed the City Council that the City would retain several out parcels that are not being purchased by Allegiance, mentioning the Jacksonville Medical Clinic as one of those parcels, along with a parcel at Crestview Shopping Center, and the Cabot Clinic. He then noted that the Hospital Board will still operated under the authority of the City. He then related that the financing arrangements require the mortgage of the Jacksonville Medical Clinic to the bank as additional security for the approximately 10 million dollar loan, which the Board has approved that stipulation. He went on to say that the Bank will also be secure on the Hospital building as well as personal guarantees of the individuals who own Allegiance. He reminded the City Council that the City retains the “right of first refusal to repurchase” the Hospital from Allegiance for a period of 5 years from closing to match any other offer to purchase the Hospital. He thanked the Mayor and City Council for their helpful support in these endeavors. Discussion ensued regarding the additional security of the Jacksonville Medical Center building for the lender. Mr. Wilson stated that the bank wanted additional security regarding available property as opposed to a Hospital that may or may not be operating in a default situation. He stated that the securities by personal grantees are individuals that are not local. He then answered the Jacksonville Medical Center building is free and clear of mortgage, but is leased to the doctors group operating within the building. He then related that approximately ¼ of the building is leased back to the Hospital regarding operations for physical therapy. He stated that in effect the City is helping finance the buyer in order to facilitate the sale. He assured the City Council that he was not involved in either the discussions or the vote to meet those financial obligations regarding the sale because of personal conflict. CEO Jay Quebedeaux thanked the City Council for their support and Resolution 654 to help facilitate the sale. He stated that the Hospital is extremely important to the City and the sale will offer the Hospital a fresh start. He stated that the Hospital is celebrating 50 years this year and all plans are to continue for another 50 years. 8 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 19, 2012 7:00 P.M. – 7:41 P.M. Mayor Fletcher pointed out that Jay Quebedeaux has only been with the Hospital slightly under one year and is personally responsible for bringing in new equipment, doctors, and surgeons. c. STATE OF THE CITY by Mayor Fletcher Mayor Fletcher stated that as we look forward to the beginning of a new year, 2012 holds much promise for our city due to developments and decisions last year. As always, education is the top concern for any community and Jacksonville is by far no exception. Frustrated over the past by the lack of response to our needs and facilities, the State of Arkansas took a major step in correcting these neglects by taking over the Pulaski County Special School District and are working hard to resolve the Federal Court case of desegregation that has run a course nearly three decades at a cost just short of 1 billion dollars to the three school districts in Central Arkansas. This will move us toward the creation of an independent school district for the City of Jacksonville, Little Rock Air Force Base, and North Pulaski County. While it has been a struggle for parents and patrons to gain control of the schools for their children, the City showed what it is capable of doing on its own through the ribbon cutting of the Jacksonville-Little Rock Air Force Base Joint University Center, which houses six universities. With recognition of the need for an independent school district from state leaders, diligent work of local leaders, constant visits and phone calls to the Mayor’s Office by both teachers and parents pushing the effort, I believe that day of being held back from doing for the children what the parents and leaders in every city and town in this state has been allowed to do for their own will come the opportunities that our very own Constitution promises the “pursuit of happiness”, which has not been the case when it comes to providing the most basic thing a parent could offer their child, and that is simply the highest quality educational opportunities. 2012 will be the year that the issue of the State Fair should be settled. We have patiently waited for two years, and we will move forward with the establishment of a regional fair that will both provide economic opportunities for our City and help solidify the future of the fairgrounds as we work toward building an event center that will accommodate national shows and events. Much of the thought of an alternative fair came from our Economic Developer, Rickey Hayes of Retail Attractions and his contacts. Many times, success is the result of what happens to you, but by and large, I believe greater success is what you make for yourself. Jacksonville will not wait and depend on others, but will chart our own course and work hard to accomplish our dreams. This year will see much construction in our City as the new Public Safety Building should be completed in the later part of the year. The building will house the Police Department, which will be better equipped to train, organize and motivate our officers, as well as serve our citizens. It will also include the 911 Communications Center, with state of the art 9 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 19, 2012 7:00 P.M. – 7:41 P.M. digital radio systems that will have the capability to communicate not just citywide, but statewide. One of the many benefits of becoming an AWIN site is that the State is now responsible for maintenance, which once was borne by the City. Training rooms for police and fire, a safe room to shelter approximately 600 residents in times of severe weather that will double as a meeting room and a small kitchen are also included in the building. Another safe room will be constructed across town at the Jacksonville Senior Wellness and Fitness Center. This will not only serve the area in times of severe weather, but will also provide space for our active senior adults to exercise. The Community Center will have the indoor pool open and operational within the next few weeks after being closed since last spring due to corrosion in the roof. Not only will the Center have a new roof, but a pool pack will also be installed to prohibit this from recurring and to create a more pleasant and enjoyable atmosphere as it will better control the humidity. The issuance of 55 building permits at the close of December signals the start of construction for the 55 dream homes to be built near Homer Adkins Pre-K. They are tax credit housing that will be available to those who qualify. We begin 2012 with a new direction as we look to expand our City’s borders with a new annexation effort as we seek to include areas in the southern edge that align South Highway 161 to Interstate 440, along with an area on Military Road. This next step will improve the quality of life and provide services to those property owners as we work together to maximize economic opportunities for both property owners and the City. The City was successful in 2011 in the annexation of the business corridor along North 67/167 to the County line. This was accomplished through hard work and long, consuming hours of personal visits with almost all property owners and I would like to personally thank City Engineer Jay Whisker, as well as Director of Administration Jim Durham for their dedication and shoe leather. This year will bring very noticeable change in our physical appearance as we have moved Code Enforcement and expanded it under the leadership of Police Chief Gary Sipes. Much time in the past had been spent reacting, however; now with additional officers and realizing that code violations and crime are many times tied together, it is more of a natural fit as we become more proactive. I know it will not be comfortable and it will not be popular, but it is necessary to build the kind of city that attracts families and industries. The sale of North Metro Medical Center will secure quality health care for our City for generations to come. For a city to have the ability to offer emergency, standard and long-term care is a great asset that helps sell a community. North Metro Medical Center is also one of our largest employers, as they provide approximately 400 jobs. The quality of services, as well as the expansion of services, in the past year causes all of us to reconsider what we have at home, as now services are 10 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 19, 2012 7:00 P.M. – 7:41 P.M. provided that could only be received in the larger hospitals in other cities. Under the leadership of Jay Quebedeaux, great strides have been taken in such a short time, and with his energy and vision, it’s hard not to be excited about the future of North Metro Medical Center. In closing, there is so much more that could be noted, however; I want to use these last few lines to acknowledge those who truly make a difference in the success of our City. Countless volunteers work tirelessly in our schools, hospital, Senior Center, and serve on our various boards and commissions. My department heads, through their knowledge, experience, passion and desire, run their departments with excellence as their standard. A department head’s effectiveness is directly related to the caliber of employees they have. I say with utmost pride that our City employees strive to perform their duties with the highest standards and with pride. They know they are what make the difference as they supply the support that builds Jacksonville into a first class city. Finally, I want to thank a City Council that shares a common vision and has a progressive agenda, and has the willingness to move in a new direction, understanding the value of building upon the past but not being limited by it. As I visit with fellow mayors, I find I am truly blessed to have a team that sees our City as one and not a group of individuals pushing their own personal agendas. L APPOINTMENT(S): PLANNING COMMISSION Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Smith, to approve the appointments of Scott Scholl and Joe Cummings, Jr. to expire 1/01/2015. ANNOUNCEMENT(S): ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Fletcher adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:41 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully, ________________________ _________________________ Susan L. Davitt MAYOR GARY FLETCHER City Clerk-Treasurer 11