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12 NOV 15.docCITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 15, 2012 7:00 P.M. – 8:20 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 November 15, 2012 at the regular meeting place of the City Council. Alderman Howard delivered the invocation and Mayor Fletcher led a standing audience in the “Pledge of Allegiance” to the flag. ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, McCleary, Sansing, Rinker, Traylor, Stroud, Robinson, and Howard answered roll call. Mayor Fletcher also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT EIGHT (8), ABSENT (1), ONE SEAT OPEN. Others present for the meeting were: City Attorney Robert Bamburg, Director of Administration Jim Durham, Finance Director Cheryl Erkel, Fire Chief John Vanderhoof, Police Chief Gary Sipes, City Engineer Jay Whisker, Nick Whisker, IT Director Barbara McDaniel, 911 Communications Director Tabby Hughes, Parks and Recreation Director Kristen Kennon, Code Enforcement Officer Charlie Jenkins, Wastewater Manager Thea Hughes, Water Department Manager Jay Short, Planning Commissioner Jim Moore, Glenda Fletcher, Alderman elect Mary Twitty, Helen Stroud, Alderman elect Barbara Mashburn, interested citizens, and members of the press. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Fletcher presented the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of October 18, 2012 for approval and/or correction at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting. APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES: Alderman Howard moved, seconded by Alderman Stroud that the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of 1 November 2012 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/POLICE DEPARTMENT Alderman Sansing moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary to approve the Regular Monthly Report for October 2012 regarding annual crime statistical comparisons. Code Enforcement for October 2012 Assigned Calls 71 Self Initiated Calls 485 Follow ups meetings/court 349 Basketball goals 0 Meetings/Court Hearings attended 205 Structures inspected 13 Citations/Warnings Issued 3 Rental properties inspected 2 Notices/Letters written 87 Properties red tagged 5 Vehicles tagged 2 Search warrants served 2 Vehicles towed 1 Structures rehabbed 1 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 15, 2012 7:00 P.M. – 8:20 P.M. Lots posted 24 Structures condemned 0 Signs removed 165 Houses demolished by City 3 Trash cans tagged 39 Houses demolished by owner 4 Parking violations 62 Grass letters 7 Grass mowed 28 REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/FIRE DEPARTMENT Alderman Sansing moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary to approve the regular monthly report for October 2012 from the Jacksonville Fire Department, reflecting a fire loss of $60,000.00 and a savings total of $170,000.00. REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/ANIMAL CONTROL Alderman Sansing moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary to approve the regular monthly Animal Control report for October 2012. Said report reflects: ADOPTION/FINES: $1,945.00 CONTRIBUTIONS: $ 0.00 TOTAL: $1,945.00 REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT Alderman Sansing moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary to approve the regular monthly report for October 2012. PERMITS/LICENSE ISSUED INSPECTIONS PREFORMED Building Permits 17 Building Inspections 82 Business Licenses 9 Electrical 103 Plumbing 84 HVACR 59 ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, McCleary, Sansing, Rinker, Traylor, Stroud, Robinson, and Howard voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. WATER DEPARTMENT: WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT: FIRE DEPARTMENT: POLICE DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCE 1462 (24-2012) AN ORDINANCE CONDEMNING STRUCTURES AND REAL PROPERTY AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS NOTED BELOW IN JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS, FOR STRUCTURAL DEFECTS, DEFICIENCIES, AND PUBLIC HAZARD CONDITIONS; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Mayor Fletcher opened the public hearing at approximately 7:02 p.m. Code Enforcement Officer Jenkins noted that there are eight properties being presented for condemnation, pointing out that one of the properties is a commercial property. He offered a PowerPoint presentation of each CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 15, 2012 7:00 P.M. – 8:20 P.M. property. All properties were demonstrated to be structurally hazardous with extensive damage leading to black mold and vermin infestation. Several of the properties included foundation and slab instability; as well there were cases of plumbing having been stripped from the houses. Several of the residential properties and the one commercial property located at 111 North James demonstrated electrical hazardous conditions involving the wiring and the electrical boxes. The addresses of the properties are 606 Marion, 170 Pike Avenue, 111 North James, 1018 Ray Road, 1404 Stamps Street, 300 North Elm, 119 Roosevelt Road, and 114 Roosevelt Circle. He related that 119 Roosevelt was issued a building permit for rehab, explaining that he originally became involved with the property in early spring, noting that the house had been abandoned for at least four years. He also related that 606 Marion and 170 Pike Avenue were purchased this year by Jay Properties from the State Land Commission. He stated that the new owner has submitted a rehab plan for 170 Pike Avenue, pointing out that it is a year-long rehab plan, adding that it is his contention that the house is not rehab-able. He then noted that the house had burn damage. He then addressed the property at 606 Marion, explaining that the foundation has been bolstered with concrete blocks and the ceiling joists are cracked and broken. He addressed the commercial property at 111 North James, noting that it had been pulled from an earlier agenda pending the owner having his own expert inspect the property. He reviewed the property, noting black mold, collapsed ceiling tiles, as well as at least 47 visible places where the metal roofing has rusted through causing extensive water damage to the structure, support beams, and the electrical wiring. He added that some of the support rods that anchor the façade have broken loose and the façade is in danger of collapsing. He then noted a photograph of a pile of mummified chicken on the roof. Mayor Fletcher opened the floor for anyone wishing to address the properties specifically. Mr. Tim Curtis, owner of 1404 Stamps Street, explained that his mother-in-law was the owner of the property, but has passed away after a lengthy illness. He stated that until recently they were not aware that she owned the property. He appealed to the City Council requesting an opportunity to have the trailer removed and the property cleaned within 30 days. He stated that this opportunity would save him money if he could be allowed to contract the work himself. Mr. Duane Hall, owner of 119 Roosevelt Road, stated that he has put together a rehab schedule for the property with Code Enforcement Officer Jenkins. He related that he was asked by Officer Jenkins to appear before City Council tonight and present his rehab plan. He presented the CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 15, 2012 7:00 P.M. – 8:20 P.M. City Council with a numbered list regarding repairs and corrections along with a copy of the email correspondence with Code Enforcement Officer Jenkins regarding Mr. Hall applying for a building permit in order to begin work on the repairs as outlined. He read from the email that Officer Jenkins did not have a problem with him receiving a building permit as long as there is no protracted lapse in progress. He explained that he has already begun the rehab, demonstrating the items on the list that have been completed. He related that all trash and debris has been removed from inside the house and cleaned up regarding any kind of rodent infestation. He went on to say that the carpets have been removed, adding that he is currently working on the roof leak. He stated that he understood it was to be completed yesterday, but he is almost done, saying that it will be completed by Saturday. He specifically detailed his work to repair the roofing. He asked the City Council for an opportunity to complete the schedule of repairs. He then noted that a large storage building in the back yard has been removed as part of the clean-up. He related that they have been able to paint the roof in the front area where it is not leaking. He explained that this is a family property, answering that the property was purchased in 1999. He then answered that they have a dumpster on the property that they have been filling. He reiterated his request to be able to continue the repairs as scheduled, adding that he is trying to follow the schedule. He related that he did get a building permit as discussed. Mayor Fletcher questioned, if the property has been owned by the family for 13 years, why is it that only now it is being given attention. He added that the property did not get into this shape overnight. Mr. Hall answered that the property was rented for a long time, explaining that the renters had some problems with the law and the property was raided. He went on to say that subsequently the property became vacant and more damage has occurred. He then answered that the property has been vacant for approximately four years. He explained that he had not done anything to the property in the last four years, saying that he has had a lot of other things going on in his life. He stated that he has been working on the property now for six weeks, adding that he intends to bring the property completely up to Code and hopefully sell the property. He related that he now lives in Benton and that is too far a distance to be able to properly manage the property, noting that he had previously lived in Gravel Ridge. Code Enforcement Officer Jenkins again showed the PowerPoint photographs of 119 Roosevelt Road, while Mr. Hall explained the work that has been completed regarding each photograph. He noted that some of the roof repair needs to be inspected by Engineering before he moves forward. Alderman Elliott questioned Mr. Hall’s plan to address the black mold. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 15, 2012 7:00 P.M. – 8:20 P.M. Mr. Hall noted that it is item number seven on the list, completion scheduled for 11-28-2012. Mayor Fletcher stated that his concern is not only the mold that is easily visible, but the mold on the roof decking that is not easily seen. He stated that covering the black mold or spraying it with Clorox will not kill the mold. He continued saying that spraying with Clorox takes the moisture out of the mold, putting it in more or less a dormant state. He reiterated that with this much visible mold, his concern is the roof decking. Mr. Hall stated that he has replaced quite a bit of the roof decking that was rotten and needed to be replaced. He stated that the ceiling has been removed so Engineering could inspect the structural repairs. Mayor Fletcher stated that it needs to be inspected before being covered. In response to a question from Alderman Stroud, Mr. Hall stated that his plan was to bleach the black mold. He added that from what Mayor Fletcher said, it sounds like that will not take care of it. Mayor Fletcher stated that he used to be a painting contractor with a commercial license and has dealt with mold, saying that it cannot be killed; bleach will only put it into a dormant state. He added that any mold needs to be removed. He surmised that this level of rehab done correctly, is going to cost a lot of money. Mr. Hall stated that the sheet rock has been completely removed, adding that there are some studs and floor joists with mold that are going to have to be replaced. He added that there are some areas he did not plan on replacing the wood but maybe he will need to. He stated that the rotten wood would definitely need to be replaced and should be inspected before it is covered. Alderman Howard issued concerns for attempting a rehab of this magnitude, saying that he feels the house is beyond repair. Alderman Traylor noted that with a building permit, repairs would have to be inspected as the project goes along. He stated that since Mr. Hall was issued a building permit and has a time-line for scheduled repairs it should not be condemned if he follows that schedule. He added that if the plan is not adhered to by Mr. Hall, the property would be put back on the condemnation list at the end of March. Alderman Sansing stated that the rehab of the property should be followed closely by the inspectors to make sure all repairs are compliant and any hazards are addressed. He went on to say however, he is not comfortable with anyone purchasing this house after seeing it in this condition because of hidden problems. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 15, 2012 7:00 P.M. – 8:20 P.M. Mr. Hall assured Alderman Sansing that it is not in the condition that was presented on the PowerPoint presentation. Alderman Sansing requested that Officer Jenkins present the City Council with current pictures at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting. Alderman Traylor confirmed with Officer Jenkins that the agreed completion date is March 2012. Officer Jenkins explained that Mr. Hall was given a week to develop a time-line regarding a schedule for repairs and was told that as long as he adheres to the schedule he could proceed with the project. Alderman McCleary stated that he would like to see reports and photos regarding weekly or monthly progress. Discussion ensued regarding the circumstances of a police raid on the property almost four years previously. Chief Sipes pointed out that the property has been vacant for that amount of time. He then explained that there were miscommunications regarding Mr. Hall getting a building permit, saying that it was not Code Enforcement. He stated that the property needs to be condemned. He then pointed out that Mr. Hall’s name appears three times on the lien list that is also being presented for Council action on another Ordinance. He continued saying that he feels this lends to Mr. Hall’s credibility. Mr. Hall stated that he understands that sentiment, but offered that he feels the City Council should look at what he has accomplished in the last six weeks. He continued saying that he has diligently worked on this property, noting that he has two jobs in Benton, a full time job and a part time job at night. He stated that he works on this property every single opportunity he can, saying that he came from the property to be at this City Council meeting. He stated that he does not intend for anymore time to pass that he is not working on the property, noting that he has already invested quite a bit of money on the project. Mayor Fletcher stated that the Police Department has recently taken on the challenge of addressing properties that have been in a longtime state of disrepair. He noted that there is too much of this going on in the City and most owners do not address the issues until they are confronted with action by the City. He added that the property should have been addressed by the owner before now, saying that it should not have been allowed to decline over a four year period. Mr. Hall reiterated that the photograph of the back room with the roof leak shown on the screen does not represent the condition of other rooms in the house. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 15, 2012 7:00 P.M. – 8:20 P.M. Code Enforcement Officer Jenkins explained that basically the entire rear of the house has the roof falling in due to rot and water damage including the kitchen and rear bedroom. Alderman Stroud and Alderman Rinker concurred that they were bothered by the fact a building permit was issued for rehab. Alderman Stroud continued saying that it is not fair to the neighbors that the house has been like this for so long. He added that he is sympathetic regarding the money that has been spent on the repairs. In response to a question from Mayor Fletcher, Mr. Hall stated that he expects to spend approximately $7,500.00 to bring the house up to Code and make it suitable for sale. Mayor Fletcher expressed some skepticism and Mr. Hall reiterated that the house is not in as bad a shape as what was seen on the PowerPoint presentation. He stated that he has taken down the water damaged sheet rock on the back part of the house and is preparing to do the structural work so that it can be inspected. He reiterated that the rest of the house is not in this shape. He stated that he recognizes that this house has to come up to Code and he intends on doing that. He related that he has a court date on the 27th because Judge Batton wants to know about the progress, noting that he has already had two court hearings over this property. He acknowledged that he waited too long to address the property, but is now working on the property and it does not look like what is shown in these photographs. He went on to say that he has no intention of allowing the property to deteriorate again. With no further comment, Mayor Fletcher closed the public hearing at approximately 7:45 p.m. Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Stroud that Ordinance 1462 be placed on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, McCleary, Sansing, Rinker, Traylor, Stroud, Robinson, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1462 and the property addresses: 606 Marion, 170 Pike Avenue, 111 North James, 1018 Ray Road, 1404 Stamps, 300 North Elm, 119 Roosevelt, 114 Roosevelt Circle. Alderman Elliott moved to remove 1404 Stamps Street from the Ordinance and grant the owner a 30-day opportunity to have the trailer removed and the property cleaned up. Alderman Stroud seconded the motion. City Attorney Bamburg pointed out that the Ordinance allows 30 days for the properties to become compliant, which is mandated by law. He stated that if the property is addressed within the 30 day period built into the Ordinance, there would be no lien filed against the property. Alderman Elliott removed his motion and Alderman Stroud concurred. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 15, 2012 7:00 P.M. – 8:20 P.M. Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Howard to APPROVE Ordinance 1462 on FIRST READING and to suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1462 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, McCleary, Sansing, Rinker, Traylor, Stroud, Robinson, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1462 and the property addresses: 606 Marion, 170 Pike Avenue, 111 North James, 1018 Ray Road, 1404 Stamps, 300 North Elm, 119 Roosevelt, 114 Roosevelt Circle. Alderman Howard moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to APPROVE Ordinance 1462 on SECOND READING and to further suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1462 on THIRD and FINAL READING. Alderman Traylor stated that since a schedule of repairs was agreed to and a building permit was issued to 119 Roosevelt it should be removed from the Ordinance. Alderman Stroud concurred, citing his reason for agreeing is because of the building permit being issued. Alderman Howard stated that a building permit should not have been issued; adding that he does not feel repairs could be done to the extent that it would prevent it from becoming a problem for a new owner. Alderman Elliott agreed, but noted that Mr. Hall was issued a building permit and has already spent funds to begin the rehab. Alderman Traylor moved to amend Ordinance 1462 by allowing the owner of 119 Roosevelt until March 15, 2013 to complete the rehab. Alderman Stroud seconded the motion with the stipulation that the property be checked monthly to ensure progress. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, McCleary, Sansing, Rinker, Traylor, Stroud, and Robinson voted AYE. Alderman Howard voted NAY (1). MOTION CARRIED. Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to APPROVE Ordinance 1462 on SECOND READING and to further suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1462 on THIRD and FINAL READING as amended. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, McCleary, Sansing, Rinker, Traylor, Stroud, and Robinson voted AYE. Alderman Howard voted NAY (1). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1462 and the property addresses: 606 Marion, 170 Pike Avenue, 111 North James, 1018 Ray Road, 1404 Stamps, 300 North Elm, 114 Roosevelt Circle. Alderman Sansing moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary that Ordinance 1462 be APPROVED AND ADOPTED as amended. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, McCleary, Sansing, Rinker, Traylor, Stroud, and Robinson voted AYE. Alderman Howard voted NAY (1). MOTION CARRIED. ORDINANCE APPROVED, ADOPTED, AND NUMBERED 1462 THIS 15th DAY OF NOVEMBER 2012. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 15, 2012 7:00 P.M. – 8:20 P.M. STREET DEPARTMENT: SANITATION DEPARTMENT: PARKS & RECREATION: PLANNING COMMISSION: GENERAL: a. PROCLAMATION “Water’s Worth It” Mayor Fletcher read a mayoral proclamation signed the 1st day of November 2012 as follows: WHEREAS: WATER’S WORTH IT Month is being promoted by the Arkansas Water Environment Association to help increase community awareness of Jacksonville’s most precious natural resource; and WHEREAS: WATER’SWORTH IT is a campaign by the Water Environment Federation to help answer questions about how our actions, attitudes, and the things we most value are closely connected with water. WHEREAS: WATER’S WORTH IT Month is one of the many ways to help promote the protection of Jacksonville’s water by increasing educational efforts. Educational efforts include speaking at schools, civic meetings and various functions, information in newspapers and literature, showing citizens how to conserve and protect water; and WHEREAS: WATER’S WORTH our respect . . .communities are built on water; and WHEREAS: WATER’S WORTH our effort . . .clean water is everyone’s responsibility; and WHEREAS: WATER’S WORTH our health . . .water is life; and WHEREAS: WATER’S WORTH our future . . .dealing with and aging infrastructure; and WHEREAS: WATER’S WORTH our passion as we find solutions for the 21st Century; and WHEREAS: The protection and conservation of Jacksonville’s water improves the quality of life by having a cleaner and more abundant supply of water now and in the future and reduces the cost of water and wastewater treatment. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gary Fletcher, Mayor of the City of Jacksonville, AR, do hereby proclaim the month of November 2012, as WATER’S WORTH IT MONTH in Jacksonville, and call all citizens and civic organizations to become knowledgeable and acquaint themselves with the problems involved in maintaining safe water. Mayor Fletcher presented the “Water’s Worth It” proclamation to Water Department Superintendant Jay Short and Wastewater General Manager Thea Hughes. Mayor Fletcher expressed his appreciation to both managers for their leadership and their staff. He recognized the accomplishments to ensure clean water and treatment of wastewater. He then noted that while there has been “flack” regarding recent rate increases, other cities are also raising rates, saying that these vital services are not cheap. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 15, 2012 7:00 P.M. – 8:20 P.M. b. ORDINANCE 1464 (#26-2012) AN ORDINANCE CREATING AND CERTIFYING TAX LIENS AGAINST REAL PROPERTIES AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS WITHIN THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS, FOR BALANCES DUE FROM SERVICES RENDERED BY AND/OR ON BEHALF OF THE CITY; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Mayor Fletcher opened the public hearing at approximately 7:59 p.m. With no one wishing to address Ordinance 1464 either pro or con, Mayor Fletcher closed the public hearing at approximately 8:00 p.m. Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing that Ordinance 1464 be placed on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, McCleary, Sansing, Rinker, Traylor, Stroud, Robinson, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1464. Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary to APPROVE Ordinance 1464 on FIRST READING and to suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1464 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, McCleary, Sansing, Rinker, Traylor, Stroud, Robinson, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1464. Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Traylor to APPROVE Ordinance 1464 on SECOND READING and to further suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1464 on THIRD and FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, McCleary, Sansing, Rinker, Traylor, Stroud, Robinson, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1464. Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing that Ordinance 1464 be APPROVED AND ADOPTED. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, McCleary, Sansing, Rinker, Traylor, Stroud, Robinson, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. ORDINANCE APPROVED, ADOPTED, AND NUMBERED 1464 THIS 15th DAY OF NOVEMBER 2012. c. Request to accept bid for Building and Contents Insurance Finance Director Cheryl Erkel informed the Council that the low bid represents a savings of $5,610.00 over last year’s building and contents policy. Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to accept the low bid from C.N.A. in the amount of $51,000.00. MOTION CARRIED. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 15, 2012 7:00 P.M. – 8:20 P.M. d. REPORT regarding International Council of Shopping Centers meeting City Engineer Jay Whisker related that he and Director Durham have been to the ICSC Conference for the past three years, explaining that each year Jacksonville has become more known to the members with increasing interest in Jacksonville’s demographics. He stated that members looking to expand their businesses have shown interest in northwest and central Arkansas, noting Jacksonville fits that demographic as well as being considered part of the Little Rock market. He related that there has been a lot of positive feedback, adding that another interesting fact is that nationally there were only 88 multi-development sites last year. Mayor Fletcher stated that while it has taken a little time for the members of the ICSC to come to know Jacksonville, there have been visits that we are not initially notified of. He stated that the fact they are taking the time to come to Jacksonville means they are interested in us and like the demographics we can offer. Director Durham noted that in January, Ricky Hayes will come and speak before the legislative committee to explain to the State what they are missing in opportunities. He added that the City Council may need to consider a Resolution in support of efforts to make the State and the cities of Arkansas more competitive by allowing the SIC Code. He pointed out that Oklahoma and Texas seem to be the current hot spots for growth. He then noted that Arkansas does not have many big box store developers, adding that we are dependent on the Texas/Oklahoma group to develop in Arkansas. He stated that if the legislature will help make Arkansas more competitive, it will offer developers reasons to sign pre-leases with large scale shopping center stores. He related that it has been hard to get the data from DF&A for the developers to get pre-leases. Mayor Fletcher noted that the Municipal League recognizes this and will also be talking to the legislature. He further noted that the City is not only working to get retail and restaurants, but also industry. He then related that 65% of the total City budget is derived from sales tax, so the focus is to raise revenues without raising taxes or cutting services. Director Durham stated that both City Engineer Whisker and Police Chief Sipes are great directors, pointing out that when Code Enforcement was moved to the Police Department; building permits remained with City Engineer Whisker since that is the proper authority. He stated that in this instance it was an anomaly that would not normally occur. He suggested that rehab building permits could be checked with Code Enforcement regarding any ongoing condemnation actions in order to circumvent this happening in the future. APPOINTMENT(S): CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 15, 2012 7:00 P.M. – 8:20 P.M. ANNOUNCEMENT(S): Mayor Fletcher announced that City Offices will be closed November 22nd & 23rd for the Thanksgiving holiday. He then informed the City Council that the 2013 Arkansas Municipal League Winter Conference will be held in Little Rock January 16-18 2013; reminding them that the deadline to register is December 14, 2012. He asked that Council members wishing to attend contact Michelle in his office. He noted that the holiday lighting ceremony at City Hall will be held on November 29th @ 6:00 p.m., pointing out that this year it is not being held in conjunction with the first City Council meeting in December, but is being placed ahead of the 54th Annual Christmas Parade that will be held on December 1, 2012 beginning @ 1:00 p.m. He asked that anyone interested in participating in the parade contact Laura Walker at 982-4316. He then responded that City Hall Christmas Open House will be held December 14th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. SHOOTING RANGE UPDATE: Mayor Fletcher related that last Friday he met with other Mayors and the County Judge to consider ways to obtain the additional funding for 80 beds at the Pulaski County Jail. He related that following that meeting he stopped by to speak with one of the members of the Game and Fish Foundation, explaining that the current problem is that the members of the Foundation will have to make the decision about raising extra funds and currently they are scattered throughout the Country on business trips. He added that they should return within the next week and the decision about raising the extra funds will be made at that time. He then noted that the County Judge has committed to constructing the parking lot area which constitutes approximately $300,000 in funds. He added that the Water and Sewer Departments are going to take care of their areas and also the dirt work bid has been reduced by approximately $300,000. He stated that this represents approximately $700,000 of the 1.5 million necessary, adding that they are still in the process of obtaining a commitment from the Game and Fish Foundation. He explained that the site work is what ran the price of the project up, stating that the land has to be made conducive to harvesting the lead and brought out of the flood zone. He explained that the lead will probably have to be harvested every five years, which consists of cutting 3” of top soil off the ground, harvesting the lead, and then treating the top soil before it is put back. He explained that he had conveyed to the Game and Fish Foundation the importance of addressing any flooding issues, noting that tournament events held at Dupree Park have had to be cancelled due to flooding. He stated that heavy rains should not be an issue to deter any functions that are planned months and even years in advance. He related that he believes there is a general understanding of these issues and the associated costs. He then stated that he believes there will be a decision very soon. He then answered Alderman Robinson that the CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 15, 2012 7:00 P.M. – 8:20 P.M. City would have to sign contracts with Game and Fish, explaining that one reason that has not happened yet is because of the funding issues and some uncertainty regarding the completion date that would be incorporated into the contract. He stated that everyone involved in the project is doing everything humanly possible to see this project to fruition. He then announced that the Public Safety Building is projected to open sometime next month. He then noted that the Senior Citizen Safe Room should also be completed at the same time. City Engineer Whisker updated the City Council regarding the round-a-bout on West Main, saying that the utility agreements have been completed and the project is beginning to move forward. He noted that the Graham Road project is progressing, relating that they are currently working on the south side of the Road putting in the base. He then answered that the General Samuels and Harris Road project is still in the design phase. ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Fletcher adjourned the meeting at approximately 8:20 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully, ________________________ _________________________ Susan L. Davitt MAYOR GARY FLETCHER City Clerk-Treasurer