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2024CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 18, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:34 P.M. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING -CITY HALL -#1 MUNICIPAL DRIVE The City Council of the City of Jacksonville, Arkansas met in a regular session on January 18, 2024 at the regular meeting place of the City Council. Council Member Bolden delivered the invocation and Mayor Elmore led a standing audience in the "Pledge of Allegianceu to the flag. ROLL CALL: City Council Members: Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains answered ROLL CALL. Council Member Dietz arrived at approximately 6:01 p.m. Mayor Elmore also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT SEVEN (7) ABSENT THREE (3). Council Members Ray, Mashburn, and Moss were absent. Others present for the meeting were: City Attorney Stephanie Friedman, Police Chief Brett Hibbs, Fire Chief Alan Laughy, Assistant City Clerk Emilia Vazquez, IT Director Emily Osment, and Communications Director Emily Sundermeier. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Elmore presented the minutes of the regularly scheduled City Council meeting of December 21, 2023 for approval and/or correction at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting. APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES: Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty that the minutes of the regularly scheduled City Council meeting of December 7, 2023 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT: ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Sansing to approve the regular monthly report for December 2023. DECEMBER PERMITS/LICENSE ISSUED Building Permits 12 INSPECTIONS PERFORMED Building Inspections Electrical Plumbing HVACR REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT: FIRE DEPARTMENT 25 40 42 25 Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Sansing to approve the regular monthly report for December 2023, reflecting a fire loss of $3,500.00 and a savings total of $350,000.00. REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT: POLICE DEPARTMENT Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Sansing to approve the regular monthly report for December 2023 regarding annual crime statistical comparisons. REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT: CODE ENFORCEMENT Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Sansing to approve the regular monthly report as presented for December 2023. 1 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 18, 2024 Assigned Calls Self-Initiated Calls Follow Up Inspections Complied after Notice Three Day Notice Seven Day Letter Citation Letters Mailed Citations Issued Vehicles Tagged Vehicles Towed Unsafe Structures Tagged Structures Condemned Structures Rehabbed 41 77 6:00 P.M. - 6 :34 P.M. 159 Demolition by City 83 Demolition by Owner 29 Parking Violations 8 9 Garbage Cans Tagged 13 Basketball Goals 3 Structures Inspected 2 9 Apartment Complexes Inspected 9 Red Tags Issued 1 Search Warrants 0 Grass Mowed 5 Signs Removed REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT: ANIMAL CONTROL 0 3 2 0 0 277 0 2 1 0 18 Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Sansing t o approve the regular monthly reports for December 2023. ADOPTION FEES $ SPAY/NEUTER FOR ADOPTED DOGS Paid by the City of Jacksonville Best Friends Animal Rescue Grant Paid for by JFOTA FINES CONTRIBUTIONS TOTAL 2023 ANNUAL REPORT: ANIMAL CONTROL $ 2,475.00 2,475.00 2,475 .00 1,035.00 8,137.25 9,172.25 Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Sansing to approve the regular monthly reports for December 2 023. ADOPTION FEES $ SPAY/NEUTER FOR ADOPTED DOGS Paid by the City of Jacksonville Best Friends Animal Rescue Grant Paid for by JFOTA FINES CONTRIBUTIONS TOTAL $ 29,040.00 29,040.00 8,160.00 4,545.00 16,335.00 16,995.17 63' 441.31 59,556.48 ROLL CALL: Council Member: Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. WATER DEPARTMENT: 2023 Annual Report Water Department Superintendent Jake Short read the following statement: "On behalf of the Jacksonville Water Commission, I am pleased to provide the Council with the 2023 Annual Water Works report. Water Works had zero water quality violations in 2023 and has once again completed the year within its budget while also providing the citizens of Jacksonville with the quality water and services that they not only deserve, but have come to expect. 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 18, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:34 P.M. The projects completed in 2023 includes the installation of 1,272 linear feet of pipe, 4 additional fire hydrants, and 6 valves. At the end of the year, we had 11, 458 meters in the distribution system which includes 104 new water services. Customer service continues to be a top priority for our staff. In 2023, we received 34,524 online payments totaling just shy of $3.4 million, where that number was $2. 9 million last year, so that number continues to increase as people use that service. Water demand for the year increased ever so slightly in 2023. On September lOth we reached our peak demand for the year of 5. 4 million gallons. That is well below the peak demand in 2022 which occurred on Christmas Eve that was 6.7 million gallons. I have a feeling that I will be here next year giving this report and the peak demand will be sometime around these couple of days here dealing with this winter weather event. We are close to 9 million gallons yesterday alone. The total water production for the year was 0.60% up. We are at 1.34 billion gallons for the year. We averaged 3.66 million gallons of flow daily. We operate and maintain close to 1. 2 million linear feet of pipe, 800 fire hydrants, 5. 25 million gallons of storage capacity, and provides an average of 3.6 million gallons of potable water to the residents of Jacksonville, LRAFB, and to three other wholesale customers. 2023 was JWW' s fifth full calendar year serving as the privatized owner of the LRAFB distribution system. It is a 50-year contract that requires us to operate, maintain, repair, upgrade, and improve that system. The Base system is roughly 290,000 linear feet (lf) of pipe, 507 hydrants, 3 pump stations, and 1.35 million gallons of storage capacity. The Base itself averages 481,000 gallons of usage per day serving close to 12,000 people. The projects completed on Base during 2023 includes the installation of 16,524 lf of pipe, 56 valves, and 29 fire hydrants all part of Phase II of renewal and replacement work in Military Family Housing. The Maintenance Team on Base also oversaw the scheduled maintenance of 509 valves and 284 fire hydrants, and conducted training for LRAFB personnel as needed. It is important to note we are talking about two separate systems that operate independently of one another. With that being said, I can also report that the LRAFB system also had zero water quality violations in 2023. This work was accomplished with a workforce of 2 9 staff members, 11 of which are licensed with the State of Arkansas to operate the system, with 5 individuals working to get licensed. That concludes my report. On behalf of the Commission, we appreciate your confidence and your continued support.u WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT: 2023 Annual Report Wastewater Utility Manager Thea Hughes read the following statement: "A short history of the sewer system is found on pages 3-4. Jacksonville's sewer system consists of about 181 miles of gravity sewer line ranging in size from 6-42 inches, about 13 miles of force main, and over 3800 manholes. We also have 14 remote pump stations. This year we completed our 28th consecutive year at the treatment plant with no permit violations, while operating the plant for two years at about ~ capacity due to construction. The operators have taken great pride in doing everything they possibly can to make sure we continue to operate the plant and meet permit, working long hours, tweaked this and tweaked that, and moved once piece of equipment to 3 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 18, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:34 P.M. another location, going above and beyond trying not to break that record they are proud of. A poem of tribute to them is attached as the last page of your report. By this time next month, we will have completed Phase I of the treatment plant improvements at a cost of about $18 million. If you look on pages 10- 12, you can see pictures of the most significant equipment we replaced and upgraded that was the biggest part of the project. Phase II of the treatment plant improvements is currently in the design stage. We hope to begin construction by mid-summer or at least by the fall. Page 12 of the report lists the details of the Phase II. A one-year-old estimate of Phase II was $6 million, so I'm sure the costs will come in higher now. The Sewer Commission was approved for a 1. 75% interest loan from the clean water revolving loan fund distributed through the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission. We were able to get approved and get locked in at that rate and will be coming to you for an ordinance to see about going forward with getting that loan. Two other large projects were in progress at the same time as the treatment plant improvements. We moved sewer lines for the Loop Road Bridge Overpass and that project is actually complete. We moved lines for the Hwy. 67/167 road widening and after numerous obstacles, we are getting close to the finish line of that too. We currently have only three segments left to finish. We are waiting on approval from ARDOT for one, removal of communications lines in the way on another, and are almost complete with the third. We hope very soon to be finished with that project. The wastewater utility is broken down into four departments. Technical Services handles investigation, cleaning and televising, and oversee of all construction. Their report is on pages 5-6. Our Collection Systems department is responsible for repairing and replacing all sewer lines and manholes, and construction of new lines. Their report is on page 7-8. Our Operations department is responsible for operating the treatment plant, running process control tests in the laboratory to ensure we are within permit regulations, assisting our industries with any kind of pre-treatment they have to do, and they maintain the plant and repair vehicles. The plant treated over 1. 8 billion gallons of water in 2023. That report is on pages 9-12. Our Administration department handles financial, personnel, and all clerical needs. That report is on pages 9-10. This year our employees maintained licenses and upgraded licenses. We have 8 Collection System certifications, 15 Wastewater Operator's licenses, 4 Solid Waste licenses, 6 Plumbing Inspector licenses, and 12 COL licenses." FIRE DEPARTMENT: Request to accept bid: New Fire Station 2 President and CEO of WOO Architects Chad Young gave an overview of the Graham Road Fire Station #2. He displayed the exterior rendering, explaining it will be 11,000 square feet, has fire engine bays on the left side, and the dwelling side/office area on the right. He described the front entrance being exterior metal panel with a brick base veneer with colors matching City Hall, Community Center, and Public Safety Center, in terms of the same red brick and bronze metal. He related the perforated metal panel on the right hand side is actually a grilling porch that will glow at night from LED lights 4 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 18, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:34 P.M. where the number 2 will be silhouetted out. He pointed out that the next images are the interior renderings of the kitchen that has three refrigerators and two islands in the middle, and the living area with a vaulted ceiling. He assured it is super economical construction where the dwelling side is built like a house with wood framing and exterior materials being metal and brick that is durable and maintenance-free. He noted the fire engine bay is about 80' X 70' since one of the plans was to get trucks in back-to-back. He mentioned seven dwelling units and the main living area is over to the right next to the grilling porch. He stated the blue rectangle is the training gym and there is a safe room at the center. He listed having turnout gear areas, decontamination rooms, washer and dryer, storage for EMS, and four individual showers. He shared that there was a bid opening on Thursday, January 11th where the low bidder was Hydco, Inc. coming in at $3,439,000.00. He noted there were six bidders overall ranging from $3.4-$3.9 million. He recommended approval of Hydco, Inc., confirming he has worked with them on a Splash Zone project, and they are a good, reputable company. He disclosed that they gave them seven months to complete the construction. Council Member Twitty moved, seconded by Council Member Rains to accept the low bid of $3,439,000.00 from Hydco, Inc. for the new Fire Station 2. MOTION CARRIED. POLICE DEPARTMENT: STREET DEPARTMENT: RESOLUTION 844 (#2-2024) A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE WILLINGNESS OF THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE TO UTILIZE STATE AID STREET MONIES FOR THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE STREET OVERLAY PROJECT: Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member McCleary to read Resolution 844 (#2-2024). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Friedman read the headinq of Resolution 844 (#2-2024) . Mayor Elmore recalled it would be sections of Northeastern Avenue, Foxwood Drive, Madden Road, and the south end of Redmond Road, basically Municipal Drive to James Street. City Engineer Adam Whitlow related these are ones the last Public Works Director Jimmy Oakley applied for. He explained that it works out nice for him since he can "piggyback" on their bid and the nice thing about State Aid is that the State handles it all where the City just submits the streets we want overlayed. He related that the State puts together the full package, bids it, and has the money. He noted all we do is contribute if it goes over the $300,000.00 allotted. He recalled last year the City did not do an overlay program, with the tornado, etc., so this year they set aside to do that amount. He surmised it is about two miles of overlay total and was unsure of how long it will take to get started. Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Rains to adopt Resolution 844 (#2-2024) in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED. 5 SANITATION DEPARTMENT: PARKS & RECREATION: PLANNING COMMISSION: COMMITTEE ( S) : GENERAL: a . RESOLUTION 843 (#1-2024) CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 18, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:34 P.M. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO ENTER INTO A REVISED PULASKI AREA GEOGRAPHIC INFO~TION SYSTEM (PAqis) INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Rains to read Resolution 843 (#1-2024). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Friedman read the headinq of Resolution 843 (#1-2024) . Mayor Elmore confirmed this is housekeeping for PAgis~ noting we are already a member and Maumelle is joining, so all cities represented have to pass a resolution acknowledging they are fine with Maumelle being a part of it. Council Member Rains moved, seconded by Council Member McCleary to adopt Resolution 843 (#1-2024) in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED. b. STATE OF THE CITY by Mayor Elmore Mayor Elmore read the following statement: "Serving as the Mayor of Jacksonville for the past year has been an honor and a privilege. Holding this position of service is a responsibility that I do not take for granted. Since I took the oath of office on January 1, 2023, I have been committed to cultivating a culture of open and honest communication between the City and the citizens of Jacksonville. I have tirelessly worked to innovate new ideas and ways for this beloved city to not only grow, but to thrive. I have brought awareness to aspects of our city that had previously lacked attention. All of this and more has been for the improvement of quality of life for all of Jacksonville. None of the above would have been accomplished without the collaborative efforts between my office and our City's councilmembers. I thank them for their tireless, selfless and dedicated service, and the duty that they fulfill towards the people and the City alike. The local government of Jacksonville, along with its citizens, can-and must-work together for a brighter, better Jacksonville, for a community that we can all love and proudly call our home. I undoubtedly believe that this is possible, and that this is only the beginning of a flourishing future for Jacksonville. 2023 was a rollercoaster of a year for Jacksonville. In the face of hardship, we stood united. Numerous homes, businesses and facilities were destroyed on March 31, 2023 due to a strong EF3 tornado. A large portion of Jacksonville suffered significant damage. In the midst of this crisis, I saw restoration and hope, compassion and humanity. Churches, groups, individuals and organizations stepped up to lend a helping hand, whether it was providing a meal, cleaning up debris or simply being a source of comfort. Slowly yet surely, Jacksonville is recovering and will come back stronger than before. 6 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 18, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:34 P.M. 2023 was also a year of prosperity and celebration for Jacksonville. Unity Health opened the doors to its state-of-the-art facility on Braden Street. The skies of Jacksonville welcomed back the mighty roar of engines, as Little Rock Air Force Base's Thunder Over the Rock Air Show returned for the first time since 2018. In October, Dupree Park opened the Marshall Smith Inclusive Playground, which features equipment that children of all abilities can play with; it has also been recognized as a National Demonstration Site by Playcore for inclusive play and advancing recreation through research based best practices. SIG Sauer announced plans to expand their manufacturing facility in the city, creating 625 new jobs in Jacksonville over the next five years. FestiVille, Jacksonville's beloved annual festival, made a move from its traditional home in Dupree Park to the Five Points area of downtown, where record attendance was reported. FestiVille not only moved in regard to location, but its date moved as well, happening during Labor Day Weekend rather than mid-to-late October. In unity, there is strength. I have seen this community come together during times of celebration, and I have seen this community support one another during times of need. For a city to not only be a community, but a home we can all be proud of, it takes everyone contributing to make Jacksonville the best place we all know it can be. Jacksonville has an optimistic future ahead, and I enthusiastically anticipate the progress ahead. However, there is always work to be done, and 2 02 4 is no exception. Construction of the Highway 67/167 widening project will continue, and while it will continue to cause some stress and traffic hassle, the final result will bring about unprecedented possibilities. All buildings in the Jacksonville-North Pulaski School District will be brand new, giving thousands of scholars the opportunity to learn valuable skills that extend beyond the classroom. We are stronger together, and I invite you to unite with me in anticipation for what 2024 will bring for Jacksonville." He shared through the work done passing the budget last month, we have hired 10 officers. He stated we have three in the Academy now and seven who got hired, with three of those being certified officers from other cities. APPOINTMENTS: UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NEW BUSINESS: ANNOUNCEMENTS: ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Elmore adjourned the meeting at approximately 6:34 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully, Susan L. Davitt City Clerk-Treasurer ~--. OR ·FF ELMORE 7 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 1, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:21 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 February 1, 2024 at the regular meeting place of the City Council. Council Member Bolden delivered the invocation and Mayor Elmore led a standing audience in the "Pledge of Allegiance" to the flag. ROLL CALL: City Council Members: Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains answered ROLL CALL. Mayor Elmore also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT TEN (10) ABSENT ZERO (0). Others present for the meeting were: City Attorney Stephanie Friedman, Police Chief Brett Hibbs, Fire Chief Alan Laughy, Director of Engineering & Public Works Adam Whitlow, Lt. Ryan Wright, Human Resource Director Charlette Nelson, Finance Director Cheryl Erkel, Parks and Recreation Director Kevin House, IT Director Emily Osment, Communications Director Emily Sundermeier, John Ferrell, and Jim Moore. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Elmore presented the minutes of the regularly scheduled City Council meeting of January 18, 2024 for approval and/or correction at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting. APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES: Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty that the minutes of the regularly scheduled City Council meeting of December 21, 2023 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED . CONSENT AGENDA: WATER DEPARTMENT: WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT: RESOLUTION 845 (#3-2024) A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE AND GENERAL MANAGER OF JACKSONVILLE WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT TO EXECUTE CERTAIN DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE REVOLVING LOAN FUND PROGRAM ADMINISTERED BY THE ARKANSAS NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION. Wastewater Utility Manager Thea Hughes stated the Sewer Commission submitted a preapplication and were approved for a 1. 7 5% interest loan to finish out the treatment plant improvements they started last year. She explained once they get this part finished, they will have an almost brand new sewage treatment plant. She recalled a year ago the estimate was $6 million, but they expect it will be more now, so they are looking for an amount in that range for the loan. She confirmed there will not be any rate increases to the citizens at this time. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden to read Resolution 845 (#3-2024). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Friedman read the heading of Resolution 845 (#3-2024) . Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden to adopt Resolution 845 (#3-2024) in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED. 1 FIRE DEPARTMENT: POLICE DEPARTMENT: STREET DEPARTMENT: SANITATION DEPARTMENT: PARKS & RECREATION: PLANNING COMMISSION: COMMITTEE(S): GENERAL: APPOINTMENTS: PLANNING COMMISSION CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 1, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:21 P.M. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden to approve the appointments of Jim Oakley and Zeke Brown for terms to expire 01/01/2027. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member McCleary to approve Council Member Dietz to continue to serve. MOTION CARRIED. CIVIL SERVICE Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Sansing to approve the reappointment of Bill Shelley for a term to expire 04/01/2029. MOTION CARRIED. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NEW BUSINESS: Council Member Twitty moved, seconded by Council Member Ray to ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION at approximately 6:06 p.m. to discuss a personnel matter. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member McCleary to RECONVENE FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION at approximately 6:18 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. ANNOUNCEMENTS : Mayor Elmore shared that Code Enforcement and the Police Department closed down three businesses this week that were not operating properly. He explained Lt. Wright did a great job, as did the Police Department and Legal. Council Member Twitty thanked Lt. Wright, adding that he went with her to look at Code calls she received, but most had already been addressed. ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Elmore adjourned the meeting at approximately 6:21 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully, 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 15, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:14 P.M. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING -CITY HALL -#1 MUNICIPAL DRIVE The City Council of the City of Jacksonville, Arkansas met in session on February 15, 2024 at the regular meeting place of Council. Council Member Bolden delivered the invocation and Mayor a standing audience in the "Pledge of Allegiance" to the flag. a regular the City Elmore led ROLL CALL: City Council Members: Dietz, Bolden, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains answered ROLL CALL. Mayor Elmore also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT EIGHT (8) ABSENT TWO (2). Council Members McCleary and Sansing were absent. Others present for the meeting were: City Attorney Stephanie Friedman, Police Chief Brett Hibbs, and Finance Director Cheryl Erkel. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Elmore presented the minutes of the regularly scheduled City Council meeting of February 1, 2024 for approval and/or correction at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting. APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES: Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Mashburn that the minutes of the regularly scheduled City Council meeting of January 18, 2024 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT: ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Rains to approve the regular monthly report for January 2024. JANUARY PERMITS/LICENSE ISSUED Building Permits 11 INSPECTIONS PERFORMED Building Inspections Electrical Plumbing HVACR REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT: FIRE DEPARTMENT 26 50 23 22 Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Rains to approve the regular monthly report for January 2024, reflecting a fire loss of $490,000.00 and a savings total of $570,000.00. REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT: POLICE DEPARTMENT Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Rains to approve the regular monthly report for January 2024 regarding annual crime statistical comparisons. REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT: CODE ENFORCEMENT Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Rains to approve the regular monthly report as presented for January 2024. 1 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 15, 2024 Assigned Calls Self-Initiated Calls Follow Up Inspections Complied after Notice Three Day Notice Seven Day Letter Citation Letters Mailed Citations Issued Vehicles Tagged Vehicles Towed Unsafe Structures Tagged Structures Condemned Structures Rehabbed 6:00 P.M. -6:14 P.M. 47 Demolition by City 96 Demolition by Owner 210 Parking Violations 71 Garbage Cans Tagged 36 Basketball Goals 86 Structures Inspected 30 Apartment Complexes Inspected 13 Red Tags Issued 44 Search Warrants 5 Grass Mowed 0 Signs Removed 0 Shopping Carts 2 3 1 3 0 1 353 0 0 0 0 1 0 ROLL CALL: Council Member: Dietz , Bolden, Ray, Mashburn , 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: a. Award Recognition for Black History Council Member Bolden presented plaques for the Superintendent of Jacksonville North Pulaski School District Dr. Jeremy Owoh and Jacksonville High School Principal Lagail Biggs in honor of Black History Month and for their dedicated service. b. ORDINANCE 1748 (#01-2024) AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A FRANCHISE AGREEMENT FOR FIBER OPTIC CABLE, DATA MANAGEMENT, DIGITAL INFORMJ\.TION SERVICES, AND ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES WITHIN THE CITY WITH CONNECT2FIRST; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden to place Ordinance 1748 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Friedman read the heading of Ordinance 1748. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden to APPROVE Ordinance 17 48 on FIRST READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1748 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 15, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:14 P.M. Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Ray to APPROVE Ordinance 17 4 8 on SECOND READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1748 on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden to APPROVE AND ADOPT Ordinance 1748 in its entirety. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. ORDINANCE 1748 (#01-2024) APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 15TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2024. c. RESOLUTION 846 (#4-2024) A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF A SECTION OF ARKANSAS HIGHWAY 67/167 TO BE NAMED "DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS MEMORIAL HIGHWAY" AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to read Resolution 846 (#4-2024). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Friedman read the heading of Resolution 846 (#4-2024) . Mayor Elmore stated the sign will be on the right when you are corning southbound from Cabot, just before you get to the Vandenburg exit. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to adopt Resolution 846 (#4-2024) in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED. d. ORDINANCE 1749 (#02-2024) AN ORDINANCE MAIVING COMPETITIVE BIDDING FOR ROOF REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT FOR A CITY OF JACKSONVILLE BUILDING LOCATED AT 200 DUPREE DRIVE, AND VARIOUS OTHER REPAIRS; FOR APPROPRIATE IMPLEMENTATION AND ACCESS FOR DEPARTMENT AND CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REPRESENTATIVES; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Mashburn to place Ordinance 1749 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Friedman read the heading of Ordinance 1749. Mayor Elmore explained they are waving bidding because this needs to be done sooner rather than later. Parks and Recreation Director Kevin House stated they received about six quotes, but two of them were not quoted correctly for what was needed. He confirmed Raintight Roofing was the cheapest, where in all, they ranged from $81,900.00 up to about $105,000.00. He shared that he has not used this company previously, but they come highly recommended and with a 20 year warranty for parts and labor. 3 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 15, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:14 P.M. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Rains to APPROVE Ordinance 17 4 9 on FIRST READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1749 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Ray to APPROVE Ordinance 17 4 9 on SECOND READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1749 on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden to APPROVE AND ADOPT Ordinance 1749 in its entirety. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Mashburn that the EMERGENCY CLAUSE be approved and adopted. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. ORDINANCE 1749 (#02-2024) APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 15TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2024. APPOINTMENTS: UNFINISHED BUSINESS: When Council Member Rains requested clarification, City Attorney Friedman responded that Council only has to announce what was discussed after executive session if they are maki ng a vote. She further explained they can go into executive session to discuss personnel issues and do not have to give a summary of that, but if they are corning back out to vote on something, they would. NEW BUSINESS: ANNOUNCEMENTS : ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Elmore adjourned the meeting at approximately 6:14 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully, 4 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 7, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:38 P.M. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING -CITY HALL -#1 MUNICIPAL DRIVE The City Council of the City of Jacksonville, Arkansas met session on March 7, 2024 at the regular meeting place of the Council Member Bolden delivered the invocation and Mayor standing audience in the "Pl edge of Allegiance" to the flag. in a regular City Council. Elmore led a ROLL CALL: City Council Members: Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, and Kinman answered ROLL CALL . Mayor El more also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT EIGHT (8) ABSENT TWO (2). Council Members Mashburn and Rains were absent. Others present for the meeting were: City Attorney Stephanie Friedman, Police Chief Brett Hibbs, Fire Chief Alan Laughy, Finance Director Cheryl Erkel, Parks and Recreation Director Kevin House, Director of Engineering & Public Works Adam Whitlow, Engineering Tech Mylissa Griggs, CDBG Director Michelle Spencer, Captain Ryan Wright, Assistant City Clerk Emilia Vazquez, IT Director Emily Osment, Communications Director Emily Sundermeier, Addie Gibson, and Rick Kron. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Elmore presented the minutes of the regularly scheduled City Council meeting of February 15, 2024 for approval and/or correction at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting. APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES: Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Ray that the minutes of the regularly scheduled City Council meeting of February 1, 2024 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT: ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden to approve the regular monthly report for February 2024. FEBRUARY PERMITS/LICENSE ISSUED Building Permits Business License 1 1 REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT: ANIMAL CONTROL INSPECTIONS PERFORMED Building Inspections Electrical Plumbing HVACR 25 52 44 31 Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden to approve the regular monthly report for January 2024. ADOPTION FEES $ SPAY/NEUTER FOR ADOPTED DOGS Paid by the City of Jacksonville Best Friends Animal Rescue Grant Paid for by JFOTA FINES CONTRIBUTIONS TOTAL $ 1 1,155.00 1,155.00 1,155.00 735.00 5,279 .00 6,014 .00 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING ~CH 7, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:38 P.M. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden to approve the regular monthly report for February 2024. ADOPTION FEES $ SPAY/NEUTER FOR ADOPTED DOGS Paid by the City of Jacksonville Best Friends Animal Rescue Grant Paid for by JFOTA FINES CONTRIBUTIONS TOTAL $ 3,025.00 1,584.42 1,440.58 996.25 1,188.21 3,625.04 ROLL CALL: Council Member: Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, and Kinman voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. WATER DEPARTMENT WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT: FIRE DEPARTMENT: POLICE DEPARTMENT: STREET DEPARTMENT SANITATION DEPARTMENT: PARKS & RECREATION: PLANNING COMMISSION: COMMITTEE (S) : GENERAL: a. ORDINANCE 1750 (#03-2024) AN ORDINANCE AMENDING .JMC § 5. 06. 020, REDEFINING AND CLASSIFYING A SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESS; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Sansing to place Ordinance 1750 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, and Kinman voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Friedman read the heading of Ordinance 1750. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Sansing to APPROVE Ordinance 17 50 on FIRST READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 17 50 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, and Kinman voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council ~ember Bolden to APPROVE Ordinance 1750 on SECOND READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1750 on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, and Kinman voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member Ray moved, ADOPT Ordinance 1750 in Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, CARRIED. seconded by Council Member Sansing to APPROVE AND its entirety. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Ray, Moss, Twitty, and Kinman voted AYE. MOTION 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING :t-mRCH 7, 2024 6 :00 P.M. - 6 :38 P.M. 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, and Kinman voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. ORDINANCE 1750 (#03-2024) APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 7TH DAY OF :t-mRCH, 2024. b. ORDINANCE 1751 (#04-2024) AN ORDINANCE AMENDING .JMC §§ 18 . 40. 050 I 18. 44. 050 I 18.54.050, LIMITING PARKING OF RECREATIONAL VEHICLES DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES . 18.48.050, 18.52.050, ON COMMERCIAL PROPERTY; By general consensus of the City Council, Ordinance 1751 (#03-2024) was pulled from the agenda. c. Public Works Update Director of Engineering & Public Works Adam Whitlow stated the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) Representative Kip Guthrie answered a few questions he had regarding the Highway 67/167 project. He shared that Mr. Guthrie said the project is currently tracking 10% ahead of schedule with the expected completion being in the fall of 2027, unofficially. He confirmed Mr. Guthrie said the back connection to Walmart will be completed in the summer of 2024, and James Street bridge is currently on schedule, having until October 2024 to get it back up. When he asked Mr. Guthrie questions regarding specific areas, he said his response was that temporary signals have been installed at the intersections of Vandenburg Boulevard and John Harden Drive, Vandenburg Boulevard and T.P. White Drive, and at North First Street and Loop Road in order to help traffic move better, as the old light timing was not able to be adjusted. He then gave an update on the City's J.P. Wright Loop Road railroad overpass, noting he reached out to Weaver-Bailey's Project Manager Bryan Gaines. He mentioned they are anticipating being complete with Stage 2, which is bridge construction, and putting traffic on the new overpass on August 6th, 2024, officially, and Stage 3, being the demolition of the old railroad grade crossing, being completed a month after. He related when the project closeout happens, the City can officially request the Railroad to give the $450,000.00 they commit to these projects of taking out the grade crossing. He brought up the Jacksonville Elementary School that was damaged by the March 2023 tornado, adding that he reached out to an Asbestos Abatement Consultant John Hatchett with Emtec. He recalled taking bids for abatement in May 2023 with Nabholz Environmental being the low bidder at $78,710.00. He told how he asked Mr. Hatchett to see if they would still honor their bid and Mr. Hatchett felt like they probably would, provided the City does not issue a Notice to Proceed until they are done with their current project in El Dorado. He confirmed he expects a formal answer on Monday , of next week and would bring it before Council. He noted that in the meantime, the Public Works' crew, Street and Sanitation, are continuing with the demolition and haul-off of the cafeteria building that was previously abated. 3 I J CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 7, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:38 P.M. He related that the City is going to be advertising a Request for Qualifications for an on-call City Planner. He detailed that it would not be for Planning Commission items, since he and Engineering Tech Mylissa Griggs are comfortable doing those. He told how he has worked with Planners at other municipalities and they are very knowledgeable in law and procedures relating to codes, updates of various master plans, and the proper ways to conduct public hearings. He would like help to rewrite conflicting sections of our existing code of ordinances since, as we add to it over time, there is inevitably going to be sections in conflict or terminology not used anymore. He stated the City needs to do an update on the planning area boundary map since the law changed several years ago from 5 miles outside city limits to 1 mile, but we adjoin Cabot and Sherwood where the law dictates in those areas you can plan up to halfway in between the point. He noted there are areas the City does not have any desire to plan and should exclude, for example, west of Two Pines Landfill/Rixie Road area, because we cannot provide utili ties and it would be very inconvenient to provide other services there. He lastly gave an update on the State Aid Overlay Project, noting the State has accepted bids for it, which came in approximately $100,000.00 under the projected budget for what Jacksonville had outlined. He explained the City, essentially, received $300, 000. 00 and could match up to $300, 000. 00, so we had $600,000.00 to utilize for the areas he specified. Since it came under, he asked if we could change order in additional roads and he was told yes, as long as it was one of the original roads for consideration. He listed the original bid was for Northeastern Avenue from Foxwood Drive to Madden Road, Foxwood Drive to Northeastern Avenue to Club Road, Madden Road from Northeastern Avenue to Foxwood Drive going east, and then South Redmond Road from Dupree Park Drive to the railroad track. He wants to add the southern portion of J.P. Wright Loop Road coming from Military Road back, since it is in the worst shape. He confirmed the City will advertise for a smaller overlay project. When Council Member Twitty inquired about Brightspeed, he responded if citizens do not see anyone working in their yards for a few days, they should be able to remove the flags, but do not move them to other locations. Council Member Bolden showed appreciation to a Sanitation Department employee, Dee Epting, for doing an exceptional job working the garbage truck. Director Whitlow concurred, saying Mr. Epting is very considerate of the citizens on his route. When Council Member Moss inquired, he confirmed that Weaver-Bailey is the contractor for the Highway 67/167 project, which is not who is doing the project on Interstate 30 that ARDOT is not happy with. d. Eclipse Update Parks and Recreation Director Kevin House stated his department will have six locations set up to give away free eclipse viewing glasses, for information about Jacksonville, and selling t-shirts. He listed the Community Center, Dupree Park, Reed's Bridge, the Shooting Range, Paradise Park, and Pleasure Park as having Staff with basic first-aid kits. He confirmed they are accepting volunteers and anyone who would like to can call the Community 4 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 7, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:38 P.M. Center to speak to Megan Tharp, Brylee Lawson, Marlo Jackson, or himself to get signed up. He added that there will be portable toilets and trash receptacles at each location listed. When Council Member Dietz mentioned parking, he surmised as long as they are sticking to the parking plan the City has already approved, it would not be a problem. He noted there are 60 rentable RV spots at the Shooting Range. Council Member Bolden suggested parking at the Parks' designated areas where Police and EMTs will be readily available. Fire Chief Laughy brought up an Incident Action Plan involving resources, traffic, air traffic, drones, fuel, communications, weather, EMS, and medical facilities. He pointed out one of the biggest things they talk about is all the resources they can pull together with community partners' help, but this is different because our community partners are in this also, so any type of additional resources/mutual aid are going to be slim to none. He told how the Fire Department will have additional manpower for five straight days; they will have four advance life support ambulance services two days prior and after instead of three, and will have five the day of. He continued saying instead of two people on an engine, they will have three and have the rescue squad fully staffed. He related that the County and State have their assistance programs, but may or may not be able to help us, depending on how their resources are extended. He mentioned the County having an Emergency Operations Center activated and will have Little Rock and North Little Rock partners there. He explained that 1.5 million people from outside our state will visit the viewing area with another 500,000 inside the state, but outside the viewing area, will enter, so they estimate 2 million extra people, equating to about 700,000 additional vehicles on our highways inside the viewing area. He recalled during the 2007 U.S. eclipse, 30% of sightseers arrived on the day of the event and 80% left immediately after sunlight, which for us, will be approximately 3:00 p.m., so it is beneficial that our schools are closed. He told how ARDOT has four categories regarding traffic which are extreme, very high, high, and significant, with Jacksonville being listed as high and significant, so no areas in our city are predicted to be extreme or very high. He stated that ARDOT and Highway and State Police are going to put their resources where the extreme areas are labeled, so we are not expected to see any additional police officers, patrols, or people standing by on the highways to assist us. He shared that ARDOT may limit the issuance of oversize permits during that time and will engage with the Arkansas Trucking Association to adjust the truckers' schedule, if possible, to avoid the areas. Police Chief Hibbs stated he will have officers stationed throughout the City with everyone working that day, although that is not a lot right now. He explained they have four electric bikes, will have people at the parks for security, and the rest will be stationed east and west of Highway 67/167, because it is hard for them to get around with James Street bridge taken out. Mayor Elmore advised citizens to prepare by putting gas in their vehicles and have extra food ahead of time . 5 APPOINTMENTS: UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NEW BUSINESS: ANNOUNCEMENTS: Broken Tornado Siren CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 7, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:38 P.M. Council Member Dietz mentioned citizen complaints on the tornado siren near Madden Road not working. He requested clarification from Fire Chief Laughy. Chief Laughy explained the City has five sirens; at Linda Lane, Graham Road Fire Station 2, Highway 161 Fire Station 4, Harris Road, and Main Street. He noted the sirens are the very old Thunderbolt 2 versions and every vendor he has spoken with has advised him to hang on to them as long as he can, because they do not make them like they used to. He said the problem is that the parts are so antiquated, sometimes they are a struggle to find. He told how he has been having difficulty maintaining contact with the out-of-state vendor who has repaired them before that the County also has used. He confirmed they will have to purchase new sirens in the future. He related that FEMA has a free weather app available for download to be alerted as well, noting sirens were first made to warn people who worked outside. He mentioned signing up on the City's website for CodeRED alerts also. He assured that in the meantime, he will keep working as hard as he can to try to get in touch with that vendor and get an alternate to get the siren working again. ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Elmore adjourned the meeting at approximately 6:38 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully, 6 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 21, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:35 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 March 21, 2024 at the regular meeting place of the City Council. Council Member Ray delivered the invocation and Mayor Elmore led a standing audience in the "Pledge of Allegiance" to the flag. ROLL CALL: City Council Members: McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains answered ROLL CALL. Mayor Elmore also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT EIGHT (8) ABSENT TWO (2). Council Member Dietz arrived at approximately 6:20 p.m. Council Members Bolden and Mashburn were absent. Others present for the meeting were: Police Chief Brett Hibbs, Captain Ryan Wright, CDBG Director Michelle Spencer, and Planning Commission Chairman Jim Moore. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Elmore presented the minutes of the regularly scheduled City Council meeting of March 7, 2024 for approval and/or correction at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting. APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES: Council Member Sansing moved, seconded by Council Member Ray that the minutes of the regularly scheduled City Council meeting of February 15, 2024 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT: FIRE DEPARTMENT Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Rains to approve the regular monthly report for February 2024, reflecting a fire loss of $35,000.00 and a savings total of $835,000.00. REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT: POLICE DEPARTMENT Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Rains to approve the regular monthly report for February 2024 regarding annual crime statistical comparisons. REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT: CODE ENFORCEMENT Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Rains to approve the regular monthly report for February 2024. Assigned Calls Self-Initiated Calls Follow Up Inspections Complied after Notice Three Day Notice Seven Day Letter Citation Letters Mailed Citations Issued Vehicles Tagged Vehicles Towed Unsafe Structures Tagged Structures Condemned Structures Rehabbed 39 Demolition by City 212 Demolition by Owner 376 Parking Violations 173 Garbage Cans Tagged 43 Basketball Goals 250 Structures Inspected 46 Apartment Complexes Inspected 7 Red Tags Issued 39 Search Warrants 1 Grass Mowed 0 Signs Removed 0 Shopping Carts 5 1 1 1 1 0 1 627 5 2 0 0 49 1 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 21, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:35 P.M. ROLL CALL: Council Member: McCleary, 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: PRESENTATION: Proposed signage for Main Street Council Member Twitty introduced Sherry Oliver of Oliver's Antiques and Karen Abrahamson of Double R Florist & Gifts. Ms. Abrahamson stated they have owned Double R Florist for 60 years, but have filed more police reports in the last few years due to various individuals in the City; some she identified as walking the streets daily. She related there is a couple with a brown dog who panhandles in front of the Kum & Go convenience store stopping traffic on Main Street; recalling that one day they were having an argument on the street. She stated that she has photos and videos of damage with people rummaging through things, even in broad daylight. She related her efforts to beautify the City. She reported that on March 13th, she sent a photo of a sign she saw in another city to all of the Council Members, thanking Council Members Bolden, Sansing, Twitty, and Kinman for responding. She asked for support from the City to erect signs in various locations that would address this activity. She surmised if people do not give money at red lights, it would deter them from trying. She noted if you asked those people what you can buy for them, they will not say, because they only want money, not food or water; some may, but most do not. She reiterated asking for Council's support, because she is exhausted from trying to beautify her business and having it ripped out, broken, and left in a mess; noting the money spent. She further pointed out constructing make-shift huts behind her building to sleep or use the area for a restroom. A picture of a sign that read "Keep the change. Don't support panhandling. Give to a local charity" was shared, along with photos and videos of individuals pilfering through dumpsters and vandalizing property at the two businesses. Mrs. Oliver related how one day around 4:30 p.m., she discovered litter scattered from her building to the dumpster and onto the lawyer's office next door. She explained when she went to investigate, a female popped out of the dumpster, saying she was getting stuff, but did not claim the mess. She called the Police, surmising the female was on drugs. She confirmed the Police arrived right away, relating she stood with the female, giving her a dust pan, broom, and shovel suggesting she clean it before the Police arrive. She recalled the Police found a knife on the female, adding she was unsure if 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 21, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:35 P.M. was cutting stuff or was going to hurt someone with it, but she was arrested. She explained on another day she had a staff member call her, stating there was a really scary, smelly man in the store. She related telling her staff to lock the door next time they saw him, because they do not have to let him in. She recalled that two weeks later she got another call that the same man was on the front porch causing a disturbance, and once she drove up, she saw him going through a box of items. She explained she had customers leave the shop after they saw him, they were frightened, so she lost business. She stated she had security cameras, but they disappeared, and now has an expensive security light. She mentioned the neighboring lawyer also had a problem with his security cameras, so he moved them inside and they shine on her building. She recalled one night she got five videos of people coming from the Edward's shopping center, going beside his building where they all go to the bathroom, and then between his building and hers. She related how some of them walk across the front and kick her things. Ms. Abrahamson referenced the video of a man kicking things in front of her business in broad daylight, noting they have busted several flower pots. She recalled the same man was removed from the sidewalk one morning when she did not know if he was dead or alive after calling the Police, who knew who he was. She referenced another video of a male and female, where the male stole flowers from her decorative flower pots in the middle of the night. She related she has seen the man with the blue backpack and that couple panhandling in front of Kum & Go, so she called the Police since it was the same man who tore things up in front of her store, and had him trespassed. Chief Hibbs related that his Officers would probably know who the man was, adding that the two who stole flowers were identified immediately, and there are warrants being sought for criminal mischief, vandalism, or theft. He confirmed that the couple is homeless, but the female with the brown dog lives at the Jacksonville Inn. Council Member McCleary inquired as to the Point in Time count CDBG conducts annually, noting some are from here, usually around Main Street, and some are transients, usually around Walmart. He pointed out a lot of the foot traffic is from Jacksonville Inn and Eagle Suites, where they have a lot of problems with drug activity, violence, etc. Council Member Sansing expressed his support, but also suggested making the words "give to a local charity" much bolder, because if they give to a local charity, some of these people can go there and maybe stop panhandling. Council Member Rains clarified two members are not supposed to talk about City business, so out of respect, she did not respond to Ms. Abrahamson's message. She recalled months ago, she presented to Council a committee regarding the unsheltered, which would be comprised of business owners and community members. She believes it is important to look at the bigger picture, because what they are bringing up is the tip of the iceberg. She related a lot of work is being done with CDBG and the Nixon Library having monthly meetings, noting she has seen Council members and the Mayor there. 3 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 21, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:35 P.M. CDBG Director Michelle Spencer recalled last year the street count was about 30; this year it was only a sheltered count for the shelters across the nation, so she did not get the data. She related the influx of individuals is the overflow of Little Rock and North Little Rock. She agreed they need people concerned to make a change in how we deal with our homeless; saying we cannot criminalize them, but have to accept they are here and we need resources. She recalled having sat on the Central Arkansas Team Care Board for the Homeless and how they are making every effort to get all resources possible to our area, because Jacksonville was previously left out. Council Member Kinman pointed out a difference homeless people, noting we do not need to support probably making a good living panhandling. between panhandlers the panhandlers who and are Council Member Rains acknowledged this is a problem the City needs to address and however they start, she believes a committee for this issue is important. Council Member Sansing reiterated there is a distinct difference between the homeless and panhandlers; if people follow the signs and give to the good charities in the City, it will help the homeless and may encourage panhandlers to move on. Mayor Elmore confirmed he can tell the City's sign shop to produce the signs, but since they have come before Council with this concern, it would be better now to come from Council to say they are in support of it. Council Member Twitty moved, seconded by Council Member Sansing to support and move forward with appropriate siqnage on Main Street and strategic areas of the City. MOTION CARRIED with Council Member Rains voting NAY. Council Member Rains stated that she does not think a "band-aid" fix is going to take care of the problem. Mayor Elmore clarified this is not a fix, but a first step in addressing their initial concern tonight. He added that he is open to whoever wants to volunteer or serve on a committee to bring about a creative solution and aid the people of our City who are in need as well as those who fallen victim to crime generated from it. He related that anyone who wants to help, Council members, or citizens are welcome to let them know and see what can be done. Council Member Rains volunteered to spearhead the effort, appreciates everything CDBG does and thinks they need support. noting she Mayor Elmore stated if anyone wishes to take part, contact City Clerk Davitt and she will get the information to Council Member Rains. 4 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 21, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:35 P.M. When Council Member Kinman inquired, Ms. Abrahamson replied she has not talked to anyone directly to see if the signs have deterred panhandlers in Cabot, but knows they were put in high traffic shopping areas. Chief Hibbs mentioned that Cabot has said the signs have made no difference whatsoever; the panhandlers stand under the signs and people still give them money. He stated all it did was give people more to complain about. Council Member Rains related if the City makes these signs, it is comi ng from the budget, which is coming from taxpayers. She stated they do not know if the signs are going to help, but making an informed decision is important. Chief Hibbs reminded that the signs are not enforceable, but are a to people and may, or may not, make a difference, so do not Enforcement or the Police if people still give money. suggestion call Code Council Member Twitty stated this may not work, but as business owners, they are asking the City to address the situation. She added that she does not think it will be costly because the City has its own sign shop, pointing out that some people as well as some Council Members are willing to pay for signage otherwise. She believes if they have citizens who have had great damage to their properties, it is wise for the Council to pass having signage up as soon as possible, for businesses and others. APPOINTMENTS: UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NEW BUSINESS: ANNOUNCEMENTS : ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor E~ore adjourned the meeting at approximately 6:35 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully, R JE ELMORE 5 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 4, 2024 6:00 P.M. -7:07 P.M. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING -CITY HALL -#1 MUNICIPAL DRIVE The City Council of the City of Jacksonville, Arkansas met session on April 4, 2024 at the regular meeting place of the Council Member Bolden delivered the invocation and Mayor standing audience in the "Pledge of Allegiance" to the flag. in a regular City Council. Elmore led a ROLL CALL: City Council Members: Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains answered ROLL CALL. Mayor Elmore also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT EIGHT (8) ABSENT TWO (2). Council Members Mashburn and Moss were absent. Others present for the meeting were: City Attorney Stephanie Friedman, Police Chief Brett Hibbs, Fire Chief Alan Laughy, Finance Director Cheryl Erkel, Parks and Recreation Director Kevin House, Director of Engineering & Public Works Adam Whitlow, Director of 911 Tabby Hughes, Captain Ryan Wright, Assistant City Clerk Emilia Vazquez, IT Director Emily Osment, Communications Director Emily Sundermeier, Addie Gibson, Cheesa Williams, and Jim Moore. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Elmore presented the minutes of the regularly scheduled City Council meeting of March 21, 2024 for approval and/or correction at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting. APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES: Council Member Twitty moved, seconded by Council Member Ray that the minutes of the regularly scheduled City Council meeting of March 7, 2024 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT: ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden to approve the regular monthly report for March 2024. !omRCH PERMITS/LICENSE ISSUED Building Permits 20 INSPECTIONS PERFORMED Building Inspections 36 Electrical 61 Plumbing 46 HVACR 33 ROLL CALL: Council Member: Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, 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): 1 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 4, 2024 6:00 P.M. -7:07 P.M . GENERAL: a. Christopher Homes request reqardinq property on General Samuels Road Christopher Homes of Arkansas Executive Director Elizabeth Lopez and Board of Directors Secretary Michele Allgood introduced themselves to Council. Ms. Lopez thanked Council for allowing a third presentation. She explained that Christopher Homes is a 501c3 nonprofit housinq manaqement agency who currently manages 24 properties in Arkansas with 588 residents. She related their ministry is for those at least 62 years old, noting they are an arm of the Catholic Dioses of Little Rock. She anticipates, and is actively working, the development of the Christopher Homes of Jacksonville property. She told how they have a 56-unit property in North Little Rock and a 20-unit property in Little Rock that stay full and have waiting lists. She detailed they are working on getting 14 of those North Little Rock units back, since they received tornado damage, so they anticipate going through some on the wai tlist. She told how today they received a call regarding someone who needed housing and when they called properties specific to seniors in the metro area, they could not find one that had a vacancy. She shared their goal to provide safe, sanitary housing for seniors, which is much needed in the metro area, to be close to doctors and family. She mentioned offering garden style apartments with the least barriers for their residents, so they can age in place with easier access from the parking lot. Ms. Allgood stated they want to serve more people and develop this facility in Jacksonville. She explained the process for getting the initial award has to go through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and is scored with points. She recalled the timing of the application was around Covid, so when they submitted the cost for the project, they did not know the full impact of it and have a significant gap today. She brought up that when they were here before, the question was asked if this would be developed if the City did not donate the property, and they truthfully answered that they thought it would. She detailed that they were going through the grant program the Arkansas Development Finance Authority administers, but unfortunately, in the middle of it, the program changed to a loan. She related the purpose of these facilities are not to generate revenue, so this project could not support a loan. She pointed out that the program they are applying for now would be a grant; it is supplemental funding for HUD and also has a scoring process where the amount of money awarded is based on points. She confirmed the higher the points, the more likely to get funded, so they ask that the land be donated to Christopher Homes in order to get 5 points, which may be the difference between this project happening. She added that if they are not willing to support that, they would get 2.5 points if donated at much less than fair market value. She told how their application deadline is May 1st and if Council is willing to consider, they would bring back an ordinance or resolution at the next Council meeting to include with the application. 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 4, 2024 6:00 P.M. -7:07 P.M. Council Member Twitty recalled this was first brought before Council in August 2019 and were told in 2020 the money would probably be available, with donating it never being discussed. She clarified the City asked for $10,000 per acre, and when Ms. Lopez requested $10 per acre, they voted no, but were told it would still be developed. She mentioned planning construction in March 2023, but now it is 2024. She confirmed other people who have bought their acres in the area were $10,000 per acre, so we would be setting a precedent to donate or lower the price they agreed upon. Ms. Allgood shared that they have been diligently pursuing this, but things have changed outside of their control. When Council Member Twitty brought up current senior housing in the City, she replied that they believe some of them may prefer the type of property that Christopher Homes provides. Ms. Lopez explained that you make application and then wait for a scoring process, but Covid slowed down Washington, D.C. when they were evaluating the applications, so it was 2021 when they were notified. She recalled at that time Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA) was using the Housing Trust Fund as a grant, which were HUD funds, but they changed it on them, making it unfeasible since the property cannot support the debt service. She mentioned the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas has an Affordable Home Program and $80 million available this year, with 43 projects funded last year at an $850, 000 cap per project. She told how the cap this year is $2 million, surmising they need $1.543 million to finish this project. She confirmed they have everything submitted to HUD for firm commitment and HUD is ready to issue the firm. She stated they have cleared the environmental hurdles and every box HUD requires for this, except for the gap funding, which HUD will not release until they have the full budget. She related the application period opened April 2nd and closes May 1st when they start evaluating applications. She added that in November, she is confident they will be notified of receipt of reward since they have checked off all of the boxes they need through their firm commitment of the survey, appraisals, full building plans, environmental, and budget is done. She brought up 19 applications last year they were unable to fund because they did not have the money, surmising those 19 will reapply, but they have $80 million this year with a $2 million cap, so she is confident they will receive the funds if they get the scoring. She said once HUD gets the letter, they have their firm commitment in hand, which means they have their funding set aside for them and in three months they go to closing. She is hopeful they get the award in November, go to firm commitment, initial close by January, and will be moving dirt by January-February 2025. When Council Member Rains inquired, she replied the appraisal was $27,000 and the City offered it at $21,000, but if it is offered less than 50% of fair market value, they get 2.5 points. Ms. Allgood reiterated if it is donated, they get the full 5 points. Ms. Lopez clarified that when they came before Council in 2019, it was just to rezone the land to allow them to make application to HUD, so the "clock did not start ticking" until they received their award in 2021. 3 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 4, 2024 6:00 P.M. -7:07 P.M. Council Member Sansing opposed the City making money on land for a non-profit organization, recalling he was willing to give it to them for $1, but got outvoted. He confirmed he is still willing to give it to them because they are a non-profit organization who is doing something that is strongly needed in the City. He stressed that $21,000 or $25,000 in our budget is not going to make a drop, so this does not hurt us and does not set a precedent, because it is a non-profit. Council Member Twitty recalled Council was told they would go through with the development no matter what. She recommends continuing to do what Council voted in 2022; to sell the land for $10,000 per acre, to which Ms. Lopez told them they would move forward with the project regardless of land cost. Council Member McCleary agreed that donating the land could set a precedent. Ms. Lopez affirmed they are not a developer, but are a sponsor that do not own the properties; they are single entity assets that they operate and manage as a sponsor and management agent. When Council Member Bolden inquired, she replied this is affordable housing for the very low income at 30% of the area median income. Council Member Bolden noted there are many non-profits that want to come to Jacksonville and would come before Council to ask the same thing. Council Member Twitty pointed out there is a residence similar to this in Stonewall that is not the only one in town. Ms. Lopez explained if there is a management agent doing a poor job, HUD can take the property and get new management, so they do not own them or create any income off of them. She confirmed they operate on 100% occupancy at the property, adding they will have a budget of $152,400 a year, based on the Little Rock property since it is the same design. She acknowledged this development would not bring a lot of revenue in, but it will provide a job and residents will be shopping locally. She brought up in the Jacksonville Consolidated Plan, there is a need for affordable senior housing. Ms. Allgood further clarified that the HUD model is to create a special purpose entity for each facility and Christopher Homes is the HOD-approved manager of all of them under the Christopher Homes umbrella. Ms. Lopez explained when she fills out the ownership for it, their Board has the ownership. She told how they have taken over four properties in the State; Little River in De Queen, Carrick House in DeValls Bluff, and The Cottages of Delta Acres in Clarendon. She explained the Board dissolves themselves of the property and Christopher Homes' Board assumes their physical assets. She mentioned a regulatory agreement between the property and HUD. When Mayor Elmore inquired, she replied HUD can terminate their management if they are not properly managing, if inspection scores fall below 60, and certain management reviews. She affirmed they have, and have had, superior management reviews, with property inspection scores in the 90's. 4 J CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 4, 2024 6:00 P.M. -7:07 P.M. Ms. Allgood related HUD will be in charge by telling Christopher Homes to operate it, and if HUD chooses, they will find someone else. Ms. Lopez detailed that they incorporated in 1969, have 24 properties, and have not lost one yet. Council Member Ray showed support for the development. Council Member Dietz shared that he would not be willing to give the property, but would make a reasonable offer to help them get funding. He stressed that $10,000 per acre for commercial property is cheap, and if it were on the open market, it would sell for quite a bit more. Council Member Twitty pointed out it is prime property right now, because of the businesses that are near and believes the price quoted was a fair deal. She was also opposed to selling it less than fair market value, noting they have not met any dates given to Council. Ms. Lopez noted, as sponsors, they have a contribution of $350,000 to get the property developed. She explained that HUD only gives a certain amount of time before they recapture funds and right now, they have $2, 114, 096 set aside for them. She brought up that if they cannot get their gap funding, to firm commitment, and initial close, then the money will be recaptured to where they will reapply if their Board approves. She stated a lot of what they do hinges on what Washington, D.C. is doing, so she cannot give a certain timeline. City Attorney Friedman referenced ACA § 14-54-302, saying "a municipality may donate land to another government entity or portion of government," so if Council agrees to donate it, it would have to go to HUD, not to Christopher Homes. Council Member Rains moved, seconded by Council Member Sansing to entertain a donation agreement with the Department of Housing and Urban Development for 1900 General Samuels Road. ROLL CALL: Council Member Sansing, Ray, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION FAILED with Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Twitty, and Kinman voting NAY. Council Member Sansing moved, seconded by Council Member Rains to sell the 2.1 acres of land located at 1900 General Samuels Road for a total of $13,000 to Christopher Homes of Jacksonville in the manor that HUD requires. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Sansing, Ray, and Rains voted AYE. Council Member Bolden, McCleary, Twitty, and Kinman voted NAY. When Mayor Elmore inquired, Ms. Lopez replied for this property, they have a potential applicant list of 150, because they cannot officially open a waiting list until it is in development. She confirmed these are people who call them from all over the state, and out of state. She explained for their Little Rock property, they have a 2 year waiting list and an 18 month waiting list in North Little Rock. 5 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 4, 2024 6:00 P.M. -7:07 P.M. Mayor Elmore pointed out if there is a 2 year waiting list for anyone, there is no guarantee it would benefit the citizens of Jacksonville. Ms. Lopez acknowledged it is very difficult to get in, noting the reason there are not enough senior housing is because 10,000 Baby Boomers are turning age 62 per day, so there is a desperate need for affordable, safe senior housing. She referenced a recent news article regarding the condition of apartments in Jacksonville, assuring that Christopher Homes does not make the news and are an Arkansas company with 16 managers who live at, and manage, their properties. She related they have a maintenance staff and a Service Coordinator that offers casework services to help the residents age in place. Ms. Allgood confirmed they cannot discriminate by saying a Jacksonville resident is going to be a first priority; they have to follow HUD' s rules. She stated some who may be moving into these facilities are because people who live here are bringing their parents home. Mayor Elmore mentioned the location is not a great spot for senior residents due to everything that is going on around it with a corporation acquiring all of the land surrounding it. He believes there are other locations in town that would be better. MOTION FAILED with no affirmative vote from Mayor Elmore. b. DISCUSSION Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP) Mayor Elmore recalled that State legislature in 2019 made changes to communication centers statewide requiring them to cut the number almost in half. He explained that every county would have two Public Safety Access Points (PSAP) instead of every jurisdiction having their own, with exception of Pulaski County with three since Little Rock gets to remain on its own. He detailed that Little Rock would have one, the City of Jacksonville and Pulaski County Sheriff's Office will be combined into one, and Maumelle, North Little Rock, and Sherwood will be combined into one. He referenced the copy of the Memorandum of Agreement between the City of Jacksonville and Pulaski County, noting he has brought it before Council for informational purposes only. He related that they are in the midst of working out all of the details with it being a major undertaking. He pointed out that it will be housed here, they will be City of Jacksonville employees, and Pulaski County will be contracting with us for services since we will dispatch for County; so, the County government will pay accordingly. He mentioned there will be upfront costs to physically make it happen, but with the ongoing contractual services, it will be divided up based on population; the unincorporated area having a population of roughly 64,000 and Jacksonville at 30,000. He brought up that the County would like for us to be up and running by September 1st; it may be before or after then, but it has to be done by January 1, 2025. c. ORDINANCE 1752 (#05-2024) AN ORDINANCE AMENDING .:JMC § 5. 07, CREATING REQUIREMENTS FOR MASSAGE BUSINESSES; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. 6 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 4, 2024 6:00 P.M. -7:07 P.M. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden to place Ordinance 1752 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Friedman read the heading of Ordinance 1752. Captain Ryan Wright recalled the City had three massage parlors shut down recently and had their business licenses pulled. He explained the purpose of this ordinance is to give the City protection against illicit massage businesses. He detailed that it defines what a massage therapist is, prevents operation in the City without a certified therapist, and prevents them from advertising on illicit websites for inappropriate services. He mentioned it makes the application requirements more stringent, requiring background checks, photo identification for every employee, record requirement, and allows the City to inspect records or the business at any time. He pointed out that these types of businesses are typically used with prostitution and human trafficking, so this prevents victims and protects citizens. Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Sansing to APPROVE Ordinance 17 52 on FIRST READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 17 52 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary 1 Sansing, Ray, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Ray to APPROVE Ordinance 17 52 on SECOND READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1752 on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Sansing to APPROVE AND ADOPT Ordinance 1752 in its entirety. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, 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, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. ORDINANCE 1752 (#05-2024) APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 4TH DAY OF APRIL, 2024. APPOINTMENTS: UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NEW BUSINESS: ANNOUNCEMENTS: Parks entry fee Council Member Dietz mentioned charging a gate fee for entry into sports games at City parks. Parks and Recreation Director Kevin House confirmed the Parks and Recreation Commission stopped charging a fee 18-20 years ago, but he can bring it up to them to see if they would want to start again. 7 City LED siqns CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 4, 2024 6:00 P.M. -7:07 P.M. Mayor Elmore explained that the City has installed four new controllable LED signs; one at City Hall, one at Main Street near Firestone, one at Loop and Graham Road, and one at Dupree Park. He brought up they will be used for marketing, advertising, emergency services, and sanitation updates. He confirmed they did not come out of City budget, but were funded by the Advertising and Promotion Commission. ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Elmore adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:07 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully, k-Treasurer 8 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 18, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:23 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 April 18, 2024 at the regular meeting place of the City Council. Council Member Ray delivered the invocation and Mayor Elmore led a standing audience in the "Pledge of Allegiance" to the flag. ROLL CALL: City Council Members: Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Kinman, and Rains answered ROLL CALL. Mayor Elmore also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT EIGHT (8) ABSENT TWO (2). Council Members Sansing and Twitty were absent. Others present for the meeting were: City Attorney Stephanie Friedman via Zoom, Police Chief Brett Hibbs, Fire Chief Alan Laughy, Director of Engineering & Public Works Adam Whitlow, Finance Director Cheryl Erkel, Assistant City Clerk Emilia Vazquez, CDBG Director Michelle Spencer, IT Director Emily Osment, Communications Director Emily Sundermeier, Jim Moore, and Addie Gibson. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Elmore presented the minutes of the regularly scheduled City Council meeting of April 4, 2024 for approval and/or correction at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting. APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES: Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Ray that the minutes of the reqularly scheduled City Council meetinq of March 21, 2024 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT: POLICE DEPARTMENT Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden to approve the regular monthly report for March 2024 regarding annual crime statistical comparisons. REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT: CODE ENFORCEMENT Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden to approve the regular monthly report for March 2024. Assigned Calls Self-Initiated Calls Follow Up Inspections Complied after Notice Three Day Notice Seven Day Letter Citation Letters Mailed Citations Issued Vehicles Tagged Vehicles Towed Unsafe Structures Tagged Structures Condemned Structures Rehabbed 54 Demolition by City 214 Demolition by Owner 452 Parking Violations 186 Garbage Cans Tagged 53 Basketball Goals 230 Structures Inspected 35 Apartment Complexes Inspected 14 Red Tags Issued 50 Search Warrants 15 Grass Mowed 0 Signs Removed 0 Shopping Carts 0 1 0 1 7 3 3 720 10 1 0 0 4 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 18, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:23 P.M. ROLL CALL: Council Member: Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. WATER DEPARTMENT: WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT: FIRE DEPARTMENT: POLICE DEPARTMENT: STREET DEPARTMENT: SANITATION DEPARTMENT: PARKS & RECREATION: PLANNING COMMISSION: FINAL PLAT Lee Mac Estates Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member McCleary to approve the final plat of Lee Mac Estates. MOTION CARRIED. COMMITTEE (S) : GENERAL: a. RESOLUTION 847 (#05-2024) A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE TO RENEW THE CONTRACT OF OBLIGATION WITH THE ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY, AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 840 (#09-2023); AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Council Member Rains moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden to read Resolution 847 (#05-2024). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Clerk Davitt read the heading of Resolution 847 (#05-2024) . Director Whitlow stated this is identical, in form, to Resolution 840, noting ADEQ reached out to him saying they made a mistake on the financial assurance amount. He explained there was a 50% multiplier they had not accounted for, so this is an amendment to the amount of obligation. He reminded it is part of the closeout procedures if the City ever closed its composting facility. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden to adopt Resolution 847 (#05-2024) in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED. b. Requesting Resolution to contract with Garver for on call City Planning services Director Whitlow requested acceptance of Garver's Statement of Qualifications. He explained they advertised a Request of Qualifications for on call city planning services. He recalled that three firms picked up packets, but Garver was the only one to respond, noting they are who he was interested in. He told how he has worked with their Urban Planning Manager James Walden, who came up working with Arkansas Municipal League's Planning Consultant Jim Von Tungeln. He stated the contract will provide hourly rates for various employees and will have a mechanism for larger one-time projects they would come to Council to approve on an individual basis. Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Kinman to approve the drafting of a resolution regarding Garver providing on call City Planning services. MOTION CARRIED. 2 . J CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 18, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:23 P.M. c. DISCUSSION asbestos abatement training for City employees Director Whitlow explained last month they took bids for asbestos abatement, because the others had expired, but Mayor Elmore requested additional options, since the low bid was $99,918.00, so he looked into what it would take to get City employees certified. He detailed that the abatement consists of mastic on the floor tiles, which he sees as a relatively simple process of removing the mastic, putting it in Visqueen, using respirators, and taking it to Two Pine Landfill. He told how he reached out to the Arkansas Environmental Training Academy affiliated with Southern Arkansas University Tech, who have also been used for their Solid Waste License training. He recalled when he spoke to the representative, they were very excited about coming to Jacksonville to train six to eight City employees. He added that Pulaski County received a Delta Regional Authority grant where, unless he hears otherwise, the City could get this training for free. He detailed the tentative dates are April 29th-May yct to get the employees certified at a supervisory worker level. He noted the bottom tier is worker level, but then there is a supervisor level that is someone who has to be present watching the workers. He confirmed the training is a 40-hour one-week course that will get them supervisory training. He mentioned, because we are a municipality, we are exempt from one of the upper level credentialling requirements that contractors would have to get. He brought up other municipalities that have trained people to do their own abatement, relating there will be costs, but it will be cheaper that the $99,000.00 bid. He recommends moving forward with this option, clarifying that it is set up for six of his Public Works' employees, and two from Parks and Recreation, if they wanted to, but they will fill all slots. He told how 32 hours of training is for the worker tier, and the supervisory tier is only one more day, making it 40 hours. He stated they would set up somewhere in the City, go through the course, including a mock abatement, and test at the end. He said there will be a permitting process of submitting applications to ADEQ, and the employees will be certified at that point. He was unsure about insurance coverage changes, noting that working with asbestos is a very controlled process involving dangers, but have not had any objections about it. He mentioned proper handling, respirators, and gear still being a lot cheaper than bids. He brought up that the only part he sees being outsourced is the hauling since the City's CDL drivers do not have hazmat endorsement. He stated if Council wants to move forward with training, he recommends to reject all bids. Council Member Rains moved, seconded by Council Member McCleary to approve asbestos abatement training for eight City employees. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member Bolden urged Council to find a way to give a stipend to those who accept this training due to the hazards involved. d. Request to accept bid: Asbestos Abatement-old Elementary School Item d was pulled from the agenda . 3 APPOINTMENTS: SEWER COMMISSION CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 18, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:23 P.M. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden to approve the reappointment of Jerry Sanders for a term to expire 04/20/2029. MOTION CARRIED. PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden to approve the appointment of Anthony Golden to fill term of Laura Walker for expiration 05/09/2027. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden to approve the appointment of Shanacee Person to fill term of Lauren Martin for expiration 05/09/2028. MOTION CARRIED. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NEW BUSINESS: ANNOUNCEMENTS: USSSA Autism Awareness Tournament Mayor Elmore stated this weekend at Dupree Park there will be an Autism Awareness Softball Tournament benefitting Pathfinder. He related there will be 90 teams playing, noting Friday night there will be a homerun derby for professionals and amateurs, and Saturday night games will go on all night. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Shooting Range Mayor Elmore stated Saturday will be the Shooting Range's lOth Anniversary Tournament going on with Mack's Prairie Wings, which will be the largest tournament the City has ever hosted, estimating 900 shooters. Animal Services Mobile Adoption Event Mayor Elmore shared there will be a mobile adoption event at the Autism Awareness Tournament at Dupree Park Saturday. ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Elmore adjourned the meeting at approximately 6:23 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully, ~-JE .F ELMORE ( . 4 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 2, 2024 6:00 P.M. -7:20 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 May 2, 2024 at their regular meeting place. Council Member Ray delivered the invocation and Mayor Elmore led a standing audience for The Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL: City Council Members: Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains answered ROLL CALL. Mayor Elmore also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT NINE (9) ABSENT ONE (1). Council Member Mashburn was absent. Others present for the meeting were: City Attorney Stephanie Friedman, Fire Chief Alan Laughy, Police Chief Brett Hibbs, Police Captain Ryan Wright, Finance Director Cheryl Erkel, Parks and Recreation Director Kevin House, Director of Engineering and Public Works Adam Whitlow, Assistant City Clerk Emilia Vazquez, Communications Director Emily Sundermeier, Jim Moore, Addie Gibson, Reginald Ford, Tanner Ruple, and Jeff Twitty. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Elmore presented the minutes of the regularly scheduled City Council meeting of April 18, 2024 for approval and/or correction at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting. APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES: Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Ray that the minutes of the regularly scheduled City Council meeting of April 4, 2024 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT: FIRE DEPARTMENT Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to approve the regular monthly report for March 2024, reflecting a fire loss of $6,000.00 and a savings total of $394,000.00. ROLL CALL: Council Member: Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, 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: Renegotiation with Rock Region Metro Rock Region Metro Chief Planning and Communications Officer recalled being before Council, but since there are new members, through a quick refresher of the services. 1 Becca Green she will go CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 2, 2024 6:00 P.M. -7:20 P.M. Council Member Bolden requested it be based on the original agreement, before their new proposal. Mrs. Green concurred, sharing Rock Region Metro's mission to provide safe, reliable, convenient, and cost-effective transit service. She stated their Board of Directors is appointed by the funding jurisdictions that pay into the system for service, with five seats for Little Rock, three for North Little Rock, two for Pulaski County, and one for Sherwood. She showed a slide of their Executive Leadership Team and then a map of the urbanized area for Little Rock. She pointed out the area in green, determined by the U.S. Census, including Benton, Bryant, Jacksonville, Sherwood, Maumelle, and Cabot. She mentioned if any of these communities want to use federal money to run public transit service, they must work through Rock Region because they are the designated recipient of federal public transit funds for that area. She noted Conway has surpassed a population of 50,000, so they are their own urbanized area and get their own federal funding. She confirmed they operate their microtransit service that launched October 2022. She share that originally in 1986, Jacksonville was one of the local funding members that made them a transit authority. She detailed the service was Route 36 Jacksonville/Sherwood Express that was suspended in March 2020 after the pandemic hit. She recalled it having declining ridership over a period of 10+ years because it was very limited service. She listed the benefits of this partnership are to launch a service that uses somewhat familiar technology, uses smaller vehicles, and being a ride-hailing, ride-sharing service, similar to Uber Pool. She said it uses their experience as the largest public transit agency in the State that is highly familiar with FTA regulation. She mentioned being asked about how many people inquire to them about Jacksonville service, but could not give a number because they are rebuilding their database systems as a 12-18 month project. She confirmed they get calls from residents, or the occasional email, asking them to reinstate service in Jacksonville and Sherwood. She recalled before the pandemic, they went to Jacksonville's top three senior citizen residential campuses and all were highly in favor of the service to get to the grocery store, pharmacy, or to run errands. She related in 2021 they entered into an agreement with Jacksonville to operate this service with one-time CARES Act funding to get started. She explained that microtransit is a shared ride, point-to-point, and accessible ride-hailing service, using smaller transit vehicles, that is tech-driven operating off of an app, or they have a phone number available to call. She pointed out that it offers more coverage than a traditional, mass transit bus that usually cannot go down small neighborhood streets, but these smaller vehicles can pick people up from their driveway. She mentioned it being geographically constrained within the city limits and time constrained with operating hours being Monday-Saturday 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. She explained they have dedicated purpose-specific fleet that are wheelchair or walker accessible with a ramp that, unlike Uber/Lyft, have predictable fares with no surge pricing. She added it is more responsive than traditional dial-a-ride service and easy to use. She told how riders put in their pickup and drop-off locations within the app that uses real-time vehicle information to see how far away they are. She reiterated it offers affordable fares and reasonable wait and travel times when there are enough vehicles for the demand. She 2 j CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 2, 2024 6:00 P.M. -7:20 P.M. shared that the fare is $2.00 per person, per trip, based on a study done a couple of years ago, and this was one of the cheapest. She stated that microtransit can support a variety of trip purposes, unlike some services that are Medicaid or Medicare-based only for medical appointments. She confirmed this is public transit that can be used for any reason for local circulation. She confirmed that microtransit can, in bigger markets with regional level service, offer connections to park-and-rides, and in certain communities, be used to fill in gap service. She related it can also be used to gauge demand, so it is great to use in areas of low or emerging transit demand because you get a lot of data to know where people want to go. Council Member Bolden brought up concerns about being limited to city limits and the current contract not being fulfilled when it was supposed to start January 1, 2022. Mrs. Green noted the wait and travel times for microtransit are a function of the vehicles in service and the service area. She explained they cannot go onto the Little Rock Air Force Base, due to security, but can be right outside the gate. She brought up they have budgeted, in today's presentation, for two vehicles for 12 hours of service per day, Monday-Saturday. Council Member Bolden recalled being offered two vans previously, but they agreed to one. He suggested seeing one before they talk about having two. Mrs. Green mentioned a supply chain issue with vehicles since the pandemic, noting they are under federal requirements to buy American. She acknowledged there being holdups, but they have been delivered and they now have an extra to put toward this. Council Member Bolden showed his disinterest in discussing an additional van when they have not met the original contract and the citizens' needs. Mrs. Green stated the contract was not fulfilled because they did not have the vehicles. She recalled mentioning it was not going to be good service with one vehicle, which their previous CEO promised. She shared that the contract in 2021 was signed by their former CEO and the former Mayor for one vehicle for this entire, huge zone. Council Member Moss noted Sherwood has a seat on their Board and questioned why Jacksonville did not. Rock Region Metro Chief Executive Officer Justin Avery replied they do not decide who is appointed to the Board, adding historically, Jacksonville has not had a seat. He explained after Route 36 was suspended, they negotiated a contract for microtransit service with the caveat that Sherwood would maintain their seat. He brought up if Jacksonville is going to agree, it is valid to ask if they should have a seat. He confirmed he cannot make that decision, but thinks his Board would be open and speak to their legal team. 3 CI~Y OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CI~Y COUNCIL MEE~ING MAY 2, 2024 6:00 P.M. -7:20 P.M. Council Member Moss related that he would like some assurance Jacksonville would have a seat on the Board if they are going to enter into an agreement. Mr. Avery reiterated that he cannot agree to it right now, but can follow up with it immediately if Council agrees to this contract. Mrs. Green recalled being told the reason Jacksonville did not have a Board seat was because they did not pay the same rate for Route 36 as Sherwood, who was paying historically a lot more. She stated even combined, neither entity was covering the operational cost of the route that was really expensive to operate as it was declining in popularity. City Attorney Friedman mentioned issues in the contract and requested it be revised to include a Board seat. She highly suggested Council not agree to this contract as it is written tonight. When Mayor Elmore inquired, Mrs. Green replied she can get the information regarding how much Sherwood was paying for Route 36 service. She recalled the former CEO had possibly started an agreement with Jacksonville to bring them up over a course of a few years to pay what Sherwood was at the very end. She confirmed that for years before that, Jacksonville paid less. Council Member Rains requested Mrs. Green to send Council the amounts that Jacksonville and Sherwood paid between 2010 to when the route was suspended. Mrs. Green stated they started out this service using TransLoc, who was owned by Ford Mobility, but they got sold out to a different company that did not have as great of service as they liked. She told how they switched over to Via, who is the global leader for microtransit service. Council Member Bolden brought up the City getting their own transit instead of depending on someone else, noting this contract was November 29, 2021 and they are not meeting the needs of constituents. service signed Via Director Luba Guzei virtually gave a presentation containing three main components: existing condition analysis, demand estimation and simulation set-up, and results and recommendations. For existing conditions, she showed slides with different maps of Jacksonville containing population density, job density, senior population, youth population, poverty, car-free and one-car households, and trip generators. For demand estimation she explained supply, demand, and service quality, noting the approach to service design includes data discovery, generating smart demand scenarios, service design and simulations, and iteration and optimization. For results and recommendations, she presented a table of data simulations showing demand, quality, and efficiency, along with low, medium, and high demand scenarios. She related Conway as a comparable city, applying their ridership rate to Jacksonville. The table showed, on average, demand expected of 75 trips per day, with 95% demand met with two vehicles, would have a wait time of 20-24 minutes, travel time of 11-15 minutes, trip time of 31-39 minutes, and utilization would be 2.7. She noted with one vehicle at 75 trips per day, it would be 57% demand 4 I j CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 2, 2024 6:00 P.M. -7:20 P.M. met, wait time of 28-32 minutes, travel time of 13-17 minutes, trip time of 41-49 minutes, and utilization at 3. 3. She confirmed the model is based on the actual algorithm that underlies Rock Region Metro services. Council Member Rains requested the numbers for low demand of 40 trips with one vehicle, since the table did not include that scenario. Mrs. Green confirmed they can follow up on it if Ms. Guzei is unable to provide that information tonight. She listed two ways of managing microtransit demand are to increase fleet or raise fares. She detailed that the service vehicles are 2023 Ford Transits that are accessible with a wheelchair lift, can accommodate up to six passengers, and are owned, maintained, fueled, and insured by Rock Region Metro. She stated the fare structure is $2.00 per person, per trip, which is easy to remember, and is paid with cash or a mobile fare app, currently being Token Transit since 2018. She told how they are able to take physical passes at the bus station in Little Rock, but it becomes a lot more complicated with the aging fare box structure further away from there, so they do not have a way to do it now. She related part of the data infrastructure project they are doing involves new fare box structures with more options in the future, possibly physical passes. She brought up the service launch and outreach timeline, saying they have to hire and train drivers, do public outreach meetings, and rider app training sessions. She mentioned post launch, they would do a rider survey, provide regular service performance monitoring with a monthly report, and a financial report. Mr. Avery shared the revised contract includes three changes: one vehicle to two, removal of the early termination fee, and increased cost, since it would be two vehicles instead of one. He noted it is not double the original cost since they have learned a lot about running microtransit due to Conway having it ran for over a year. He surmised it went from $223,000.00 to $330,000.00 for two vehicles, but they are committed to maintaining that original agreed upon cost for the first year with Rock Region absorbing the additional cost. He recalled it may have been around $87,000.00 in the original contract and will see the exact same number for the first year in the revised one. He confirmed after that, the share of the cost will increase for Jacksonville and will decreased for Rock Region. He believes in the original contract they contributed over a half of a million dollars using their CARES Act funding, but are now committing over three-quarters of a million dollars. He stressed it is extremely important that Council, faced with this independent data, consider moving from one vehicle to two, reiterating that Rock Region has committed even more CARES Act money to ensure this service can be ran efficiently and effectively for the residents. He understands that Council is not voting on the contract tonight since City Attorney Friedman has issues, but he will be happy to get her in contact with their legal team. Council Member Moss questioned why they are asking to come to Jacksonville if they are only receiving the occasional email or phone call regarding service here. 5 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 2, 2024 6:00 P.M. -7:20 P.M. Mr. Avery shared that he gets emails from someone with the Central Arkansas Library System, who works with constituents here, and she consistently asks him when the service will run. He acknowledged they do not know what the demand is, so he thinks it is important to get rid of the termination fee, but it will allow some flexibility to reduce the number of vehicles and cost to make it more reasonable to residents and the actual demand. Council Member Sansing stated one reason they wanted one van was to find out what the need was. He asked why they did not immediately start the service when they received the vans to find out demand. He would like to see what one van does before they spend money for two, since it is easier to add one than to have two and take one away. Mr. Avery noted the first year will still be $87, 000.00, adding that they have learned a lot from the Conway service, which was their first microtransit service outside of their core area. He confirmed they are experiencing significant issues with two vehicles right now and unmet demand. He pointed out that they get calls almost every week from residents there and are told constantly about how many counc~l members get regarding poor service. He assured they do not want that to happen here, because it is not good service in Conway right now, which is why they immediately committed to increasing it to four vehicles. He said they did not start service because they received the six vehicles a month and a half ago, but it takes about two months to outfit them with all of their technologies and wrap them. He brought up that he has not hired for Jacksonville operators because he was not going to pay for them without service, but now they are ramping up their recruitment efforts. Council Member Bolden agreed if they have the vans in, let us try one to see how it works. Mayor Elmore mentioned the original contract ending this December, leaving 6- 7 months, and would require pro-rating fees, which would be difficult. When City Attorney Friedman asked if it is feasible to have them for the duration of the first contract, Mr. Avery concurred, but noted he thought it was important to show Council what one vehicle could potentially mean for service. He brought up the independently ran simulation table showing 57% would get a ride, meaning 43% would be rejected. When Mayor Elmore inquired about student riders in Conway, he replied they could provide ridership numbers in the future since they have not done a survey yet. Mrs. Green shared they are doing a rider survey, hoping they voluntarily offer demographic information, but by looking at ridership patterns, it is everyone in Conway; not solely, or even majority, students. When Council Member Kinman as ked why they compared us to Conway, she replied they felt like Jacksonville is going to have a higher level of unmet demand that people may not realize, and that is what happened with Conway. She explained it is a similar setup being another big zone with one vehicle, so you will get people not able to get rides and will call Rock Region, then the City. 6 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING !m.Y 2, 2024 6:00 P.M. -7:20 P.M. Council Member Rains related they do not have good data, as far as low, medium, and high demand for all situations. She noted even if they are hearing from an independent source, simulation is speculation. She mentioned what she is consistently hearing from her peers, is they would at least like to see what demand is before agreeing to several years of multiple units that may, or may not, be used. She brought up that Rock Region is here today because in 1986 our community helped to support them. When Council Member Rains inquired, Mr. Avery responded that Conway was not part of the establishment, but they were the first microtransit contract they had, which was in late 2020, early 2021. Mrs. Green added that Conway is an external partner and is unique since it gets its own federal public transit dollars in its own urbanized area, therefore, are able to bring more money to the table. She confirmed Rock Region is just using it for them, noting they cannot use any of their money anywhere else but Conway. Council Member Ray requested to table this item of business until City Attorney Friedman can work out the contract agreement with Rock Region. Mayor Elmore clarified there is nothing to actually table since there is no resolution; this is a presentation to decide whether to draft one. Council Member Twitty moved to continue discussions with Rock Region Metro. Council Member Kinman was unsure how they would know the need unless they do something. She brought up the pro-rated fee for six months with one van. Mr. Avery confirmed the contract is still valid, but he would need to go to his Board to have a discussion as to whether they are willing to commit half a million dollars faced with the same simulation data. He stated both parties signed the original contract and there are outs for both parties as well. Council Member Ray seconded the motion and requested a roll call vote. ROLL CALL: Council Member Ray, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE . MOTION FAILED with Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Moss, and Twitty voting NAY. Mayor Elmore pointed out there are other options currently in town that do not get used enough, especially for senior citizens, which are CareLink and transportation services offered by the Senior Center. Council Member Moss noted his disappointment with the way the Rock Region representatives left the meeting right after the vote and before adjournment. Council Member Dietz supported the idea of the City providing its own public transportation. 7 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 2, 2024 6:00 P.M. -7:20 P.M. Mayor Elmore was not opposed, sharing he is confident it would not be a money maker, but be a service provided. He related the cost with Rock Region's new agreement would be up to $430,000.00 the first three years, not $333,000.00 or $200,000.00. He shared the current contract would have been $333,000.00, reiterating the new one would be around $420,000.00 over three years with year four and five options taking it to $980,000.00. APPOINTMENTS: UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NEW BUSINESS: ANNOUNCEMENTS : ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor E~ore adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:20 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully, 8 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 16, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:39 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 May 16, 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, McCleary, Mashburn, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains answered ROLL CALL. Mayor Elmore also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT SEVEN (7) ABSENT THREE (3). Council Members Sansing, Ray, and Moss were absent. Others present for the meeting were: City Attorney Stephanie Friedman, Police Chief Brett Hibbs, Finance Director Cheryl Erkel, Parks and Recreation Director Kevin House, Communications Director Emily Sundermeier, CDBG Director Michelle Spencer, Chris Erkel, and Jim Moore. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Elmore presented the minutes of the regularly scheduled City Council meeting of May 2, 2024 for approval and/or correction at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting. APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES: Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty that the minutes of the regularly scheduled City Council meeting of April 18, 2024 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT: ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT Council Member Twitty moved, seconded by Council Member Kinman to approve the regular monthly report for April 2024. APRIL PERMITS/LICENSE ISSUED Building Permits Business License 10 INSPECTIONS PERFORMED Building Inspections Electrical Plumbing HVACR REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT: FIRE DEPARTMENT 43 49 40 17 Council Member Twitty moved, seconded by Council Member Kinman to approve the regular monthly report for April 2024, reflecting a fire loss of $14,500.00 and a savings total of $1,910,000.00. REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT: POLICE DEPARTMENT Council Member Twitty moved, seconded by Council Member Kinman to approve the regular monthly report for April 2024 regarding annual crime statistical comparisons. REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT: CODE ENFORCEMENT Council Member Twitty moved, seconded by Council Member Kinman to approve the regular monthly report as presented for April 2024. 1 Assigned Calls 75 Self-Initiated Calls 296 Follow Up Inspections 501 Complied after Notice 222 Three Day Notice 18 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 16, 2024 6:00 P.M. - 6 :39 P.M. Demolition by City Demolition by Owner Parking Violations Garbage Cans Tagged Basketball Goals 0 0 4 0 0 Seven Day Letter 363 Structures Inspected 872 Citation Letters Mailed 68 Apartment Complexes Inspected 3 Citations Issued 11 Red Tags Issued 3 Vehicles Tagged 25 Search Warrants 3 Vehicles Towed 0 Grass Mowed 23 Unsafe Structures Tagged 0 Signs Removed 0 Structures Condemned 0 Shopping Carts 0 Structures Rehabbed 0 REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT: ANIMAL CONTROL Co uncil Member Twitty moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden to approve the r egular monthly report fo r April 2 024. ADOPTION FEES $ SPAY/NEUTER FOR ADOPTED DOGS Paid by the City of Jacksonville Best Friends Animal Rescue Grant Paid for by JFOTA FINES CONTRIBUTIONS TOTAL $ 2,585.00 2,585.00 2,585.00 5,000.00 1,848.62 802.97 2' 651.59 ROLL CALL: Council Member: Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Mashburn, 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: Update by Director of Economic Development Robert Birch Director Birch stated he has lived in Central Arkansas most of his life and has seen the area growth. He explained in high school, there was a different view of Jacksonville, due to some controllable reasons, and some not. He told of his success in North Little Rock, mentioning over $700 million worth of investment, doing great community projects, working for two great mayors, and how he was going to start his own company but was encouraged to interview with Mayor Elmore. He related it was one of the best interviews, as far as ideals, focusing on economic development, and efforts to grow Jacksonville. He mentioned starting in February, purposefully going under the radar to see 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 16, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:39 P.M. what was going on in the Community, digging into numbers to see what has been successful and why. He brought up issues in the early 1990s with Vertac, and also Pulaski County Special School District (PCSSD) neglecting Jacksonville. He confirmed it hurt the City, while he saw Sherwood and Cabot grow from then on. He detailed how those issues formed a cloud over Jacksonville that has been difficult to blow away. He recalled looking at 2008-2009 seeing positive things, then in 2016, when the new School District opened and Sig Sauer announced a move here is when Jacksonville's rebirth started. He said he came from the North Little Rock Argenta area that was nothing in 1990, but it took citizens, not the city, to invest in the community, buy the old buildings, and spend money to build them up; now it is one of the best areas in the State continuing to grow. He mentioned unique, new homes there, reiterating how it was done by local business leaders and individuals who took a vested interest. He confirmed the only way to build community is by encouraging growth and residents to take ownership. He asked Council how many community groups there are that meet and how many they attend? He thinks it is a great way to get involved with members, because a lot of the time they just want to be heard. He acknowledged he does not say the right things sometimes, but he is driven by his love to see communities grow and be built from the ground up. He stated there are great bones to Jacksonville, noting no other place in the State has somewhere seven thousand people come to work every day, and we do. He shared that he has a meeting with the Air Force Base Colonel next week about a potential collaboration to improve the Base's life within the City with a defense grant. He affirmed he will go after every grant possible, because the more the citizens see the City caring, the more they get involved and take pride in their areas. He related there are areas on Main Street that are not attractive, so how can we bring someone in and say it will be better with them? He clarified you bring them in by showing the community cares and they can enhance what is already there. He noted you have to give them a reason, because our demographics do not show the numbers most retailers and restaurants want. He has found a way to make them look good, but if we get them here, we have to show them a reason to invest, that we have a business- minded and forward-thinking City Council, and reach out to our community to bring things that will benefit them. He confirmed they have to tailor a plan to attract businesses, which will take everyone in this room, and beyond. He noted having a heavy industrial park, which is very rare in this State, adding that we an opportunity to promote it because it has access to rail and interstates. He said near I-440, the City has 220 acres that could be anything, especially industrial or distribution, that would bring jobs and housing. He mentioned a list of eight new neighborhoods, and asked why are we not promoting these new homes? He pointed out the great School District with all new buildings, asking why are we not promoting it? He told how he and Communications Director Emily Sundermeier started the "Rediscover Jacksonville" campaign when she posted about a bridge at Paradise Park and there were residents asking where it was. He questioned if people here do not know, how are people outside going to? He related how they were at the Military Museum, noting it should be flooded with people and students because the history is disappearing. He mentioned there are Air Base families touring our School District who used to immediately go elsewhere because they were old and not up to par. He surmised if we get more of those families in our 3 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 16, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:39 P.M. schools, then the schools, grades, and the attitude around the schools will improve. He confirmed Jacksonville has the ability to push through things that have held it back for years. He brought up the Metro Little Rock Alliance (MLRA) website for site selection and how Jacksonville had none up, but has eleven now. He stated he will maximize every property we have, relating that citizens are spending too much money fixing Cabot, North Little Rock, Little Rock, and Sherwood's roads since that is where the sales tax is going. He would like to keep them here to fix our roads and infrastructure to make our City look the best it can. When Council Member McCleary mentioned the wet/dry alcohol issue, he replied he will leave it up to Mayor Elmore and City Attorney Friedman, since they are more legal-minded. He acknowledged the importance of getting rid of it, noting having drink-by-the-glass is great and should not hold us back from restaurants, but if it gets resolved there should be the same sales tax, or more, than a marijuana dispensary will give. Council Member Bolden surmised the 220 acres the City owns would be a perfect location for a Buc-ee's. Director Birch was unsure how far along they were building in Benton, confirming they have done one and a half years' worth of due diligence work, but nothing is ever final. He related there may not be enough population going north here, but that will change once I-59 opens in the future. He recalled he did not know that land was owned by the City of Jacksonville and there were three or four projects that came through MLRA that would have been perfect for it at 500+ jobs. He told how 450 acres near Galloway went from being a field to now having over three thousand jobs after $500 million worth of investment of three Fortune Top 150 companies. He told how there are five businesses he has submitted sites for, explaining when they send out the request for information, they get a spreadsheet to fill out and send back to the requestor. He said the site selectors will then pick from the compiled list, sometimes taking six months to one year before a response and some have taken two-and three-years' worth of work doing their due diligence. He noted we cannot "sell" Jacksonville necessarily, but we can "sell" a strong metro market with a great workforce; we just have to get our available property shown. He shared his long-time involvement with MRLA, being on their executive board before, and with the State Chamber. He affirmed having to stay visible in those organizations to get noticed. Council Member Twitty mentioned citizens going to Kroger out of town and asked if there is anything the City can do to get the one here, and some hotels, to update. Director Birch replied Kroger is a strong force that scare others away, which happened in Sherwood with Harps. He brought up our Kroger not holding up their end of the bargain when the gas station went in, but he is actively meeting with other grocery stores. He noted his job is to not only find new businesses, but to strengthen the ones already here. He stressed the need to look long-term when granting special uses and the need for where a retail community fits, another will want to come, rather than having short-term businesses. He confirmed when cities stack businesses that attract the same 4 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 16, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:39 P.M. type of customer will garner success, but when there are ones who just want a quick lease, get money, then end up having to re-rent it six months later, they do not understand what they are costing themselves. He explained it is educating existing property owners regarding how they will make more money long-term if they wait for the right tenant, instead of jumping at the first who wants to sign a contract. He related the Chamber of Commerce is good for educating and bringing in businesses. When Council Member Twitty brought up North Little Rock and Cabot getting new hotels, he responded that they are all struggling. Council Member Twitty stated they may be struggling, but they look good compared to ours. She told how people who come here do not stay in our hotels, but stay by the Mall. She would like our hotels and Kroger to get updated. Director Birch stated it costs $12 million to build a hotel, and they have flooded the market north and south of us. He noted we need one by our hospital and by the Air Base, but the fact we have three or four older ones affects the market when they come to survey, look at data and pictures, then move on. He surmised Code Enforcement can hold them more accountable, like they have with apartments recently. He confirmed getting a hold of apartment complexes is important from a safely aspect, and because it is hard to bring companies in when they see that. Council Member Rains noted one challenge for potential businesses is the price requested from landlords. Director Birch pointed out they are located in Jacksonville, not Dallas, so they should price accordingly. He asked Council if an opportunity to bring in a business comes, that they be flexible and listen to make it happen. APPOINTMENTS: UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NEW BUSINESS: ANNOUNCEMENTS : ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Elmore adjourned the meeting at approximately 6:39 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully, 5 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 6, 2024 6:00 P.M. -7:06 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 June 6, 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, Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains answered ROLL CALL. Mayor Elmore also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT NINE (9) ABSENT ONE (1). Council Member McCleary was absent. Others present for the meeting were: City Attorney Stephanie Friedman, Fire Chief Alan Laughy, Finance Director Cheryl Erkel, Director of Engineering & Public Works Adam Whitlow, CDBG Director Michelle Spencer, Police Captain Ryan Wright, IT Support Shawn Sutterfield, and Hal Gunner. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Elmore presented the minutes of the regularly scheduled City Council meeting of May 16, 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 Twitty that the minutes of the regularly scheduled City Council meeting of May 2, 2024 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT: ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to approve the regular monthly report for May 2024. Ml\Y PERMITS/LICENSE ISSUED Building Permits Business License 32 INSPECTIONS PERFORMED Building Inspections Electrical Plumbing HVACR 43 46 53 30 ROLL CALL: Council Member: Dietz, Bolden, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, 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: a . PUBLIC HEARING Approval of CDBG 2023 Consolidated Annual Performance & Evaluation Report (CAPER) CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 6, 2024 6:00 P.M. -7:06 P.M. CDBG Director Michelle Spencer stated the public comment period was April 15th -30th, where one was received that she referred to the Mayor, City Engineer, and Director of Economic Development. She noted there were a few corrections she had to update as of June 3rct . She listed accomplishments including Housing and Rehabilitation for 1 family totaling $800.00, Covid Rental/Utility/Food Assistance for 37 individuals totaling $40,141.00, Utility Assistance for 13 individuals for $5,416.98, Emergency Shelter for 6 families totaling $1,793.02, Senior Center facility improvements totaling $20,002.04, Boys and Girls Club facility improvements totaling $24,971.23, and General and Rehab Administrative costs totaling $34,450.00. She explained in total, they reached $119,000.00 for the year. She brought up nearly $22,000.00 in donations received when the tornado hit that helped citizens with things insurance would not cover. She listed three projects where assistance was provided was replacing an HVAC system due to electrical power surge for $7, 607. 00, repair /replace roofing shingles for $4, 000.00, and the repair of plumbing and foundation for $6,067.00. b. Proposed summary for CDBG 2024 Annual Action Plan and reallocations Director Spencer stated the City has been allocated $230,739.00, which is an increase of $2,770.00 from last year. She explained the deadline is August 16, 2024 and there will be a citizen comment period, most likely starting June 24th, that will run for 30 days and be advertised in the Leader Newspaper and on the City's website. She hopes to reallocate 2018-2023 funds totaling $412,593.07 during that time. She mentioned they are unobligated funds from 2018-2022 that were not used, but with HUD and the Federal government, if you do not use it, you will lose it. She would like to use those funds in the Sunnyside Subdivision and the low-moderate income areas to be able to assist with needs. She will take all suggestions and research what costs are eligible or not and come back to Council in August with a list of projects. She listed the 2024 Allocation Proposal as Administration having a 20% cap totaling $46,148.00, Public Service having a 15% cap totaling $34,611.00, Public Improvement at 13% totaling $29,996.00, Neighborhood Revitalization at 5% totaling $11,537.00, Economic Development at 2% totaling $4,615.00, and Housing and Rehabilitation at 45% totaling $103,832.00. She told how she held public community meetings on June 4th at the Jacksonville Community Center and on June Sth at the Jacksonville Towers and Jacksonville Housing Authority. Council Member Bolden recommended putting the meeting dates on the four LED signs in the future to make more citizens aware. When Council Member Moss inquired about Spencer replied she hopes to reach out to start it before back to school time this with Jacksonville Boys and Girls Club. the backpack program, Director schools with younger students to year, noting the program existed When Council Member Rains mentioned repairs needed at the Boys and Girls Club, Director Spencer confirmed she has been in contact with Mr. Boone and has a list of items that need attention. 2 c. RESOLUTION 848 (#06-2024) CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 6, 2024 6:00 P.M. -7:06 P.M. A RESOLUTION APPROVING AND GRANTING AUTHORIZATION FOR THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT FOR PLANNING SERVICES WITH GARVER, LLC; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to read Resolution 848 (#06-2024). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Friedman read the heading of Resolution 848 (#06-2024) . Director of Engineering & Public Works Adam Whitlow recalled in March, they advertised for a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for on-call planning services. He explained three companies picked up application packets, but only one responded, which was Garver. He confirmed it is a contract that would give him another tool for planning services such as resolving conflicts with the Code of Ordinances, assisting with updates of several comprehensive plans that are outdated, provide guidance on public hearing processes, and review new planning/zoning-related ordinances. He detailed that City Planners have a lot of knowledge in municipal planning law, processes that planning/zoning go through, and other things he does not always get into deep from his engineering background. He told how he has access to Municipal League and Metroplan, but has invited Garver Lead Planner James Walden here tonight if anyone has questions. He confirmed there is already a line item in his budget for consulting services that this would come out of. He mentioned needing to amend the City's planning area boundary. Council Member Sansing related that the contract looks like it covers a lot more than just planning services. Director Whitlow replied that Garver is a big firm, but he only intends to use them for on-call planning services. He assured this is not an engineering contract, by ~ny means, noting the City has an outstanding RFQ for that. City Clerk Davitt pointed out this will be a great benefit for the City of Jacksonville and the Planning Commission. Council Member Sansing would like Jacksonville taxpayer money to be spent in Jacksonville, reiterating that the contract covers a lot more than what Director Whitlow discussed. Director Whitlow stated it is an hourly-rate contract, so it covers everything, since the City did not define a scope. He brought up it being cumbersome to solicit for each small project, reiterating it is not for engineering, but is specifically for planning services, which includes a broad range of things. Council Member Sansing recalled they have recently experienced an up sale to the City, so he wants to make sure this is not another that is going to cost taxpayer money. 3 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 6, 2024 6:00 P.M. -7:06 P.M. Director Whitlow explained that City Planners work at a municipal level, not at a developer level, so typically the only firms are like Garver, Crafton Tull, and Jacobs. He confirmed the ones who picked up information packets were Garver, Crafton Tull, and an out-of-state firm. He related there are no local city planning firms, so Bond Engineering for example, provide engineering, but this is for municipal planning and zoning. He told how he has worked with Mr. Walden in Cabot for several years, who started under Jim Von Tungeln, who is now Municipal League's City Planner. Council Member Bolden questioned the feasibility of hiring a City employee, instead of having a contract with an outside company. Director Whitlow was not opposed to the idea, but mentioned a possible problem of City Planners not being readily available right now, so it would be expensive. He does not think the City needs one full-time, noting the amount expended on an annual basis with this contract would be substantially less than having a staff position. He related that a city the size of Jacksonville usually either has a City Planner with a consulting engineer, or a City Engineer with a consulting planner. He told how Sherwood has a City Planner and City Engineer, but that is probably the minimum size city where you would benefit from having both. He confirmed he has seen other contracts stating minimum allocations per month, but that is not the case here; if the City does not use them, the City does not pay. He related the City can keep multiple RFQs active, reiterating that three companies picked up packets, but Garver was the only one who was interested and turned it in. He noted the contract can be terminated at any time by either party. Mayor Elmore clarified there is no retainer fee and the City is not paying them for their services we may not use; it is purely for if something comes up that Municipal League or others cannot help with. Director Whitlow brought up that the City has an engineering contract RFQ with McClelland Consulting Engineers that was originally engaged in 2009 and can be terminated at any time. He explained they give the City a work order per project and this will function similar to that. He surmised most items are going to be small scale and under a $5,000.00 threshold, but they have made provisions in the contract where Council can review it more in-depth for bigger ones. Council Member Dietz mentioned outdated City codes and the need for revision to protect the City, because we cannot enforce conflicting regulations. Council Member Bolden suggested using Municipal League to update codes since the City is paying them. Mr. Walden explained the primary planning service Municipal League provides is having Jim Von Tungeln on retainer who provides, basically, a day per year to any city, then negotiates some level of service beyond that. He is extremely familiar with Mr. Von Tungeln, since he worked with him starting in 2007, and is comfortable working with him as much as needed. He told how, in 4 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 6, 2024 6:00 P.M. -7:06 P.M. conjunction with Metroplan, they are working with the City of Wrightsville to help update some things. He told how he comes from a municipal background, pointing out before he came back to Garver, he was the planning director for the City of Conway, so he understands budget constraints and the desire to be fiscally responsible. He recalled providing these kinds of services to the City of Sherwood, Cabot, and Bryant through Garver. Council Member Ray shared that he had spent ten years on the Municipal League Board where they do the same thing and hire outside experts to make major decisions for all cities they cover. When Council Member Moss inquired, Mr. Walden surmised a City Planner salary would be between $65,000.00-$75,000.00, for those coming out of grad school. Council Member Rains estimated the costs for twenty hours using the highest rate in the contract would be around $10,000.00. Mr. Walden explained his team consists of seven urban planners whose experience ranges from being brand-new, to himself, being a P-4 rate, not a P-5. Council Member Sansing shared his concern is on the bottom half of Exhibit A (Scope of Services) that mentions surveying. He asked why are they talking about surveying when we have surveyors here that know this town and work in it all of the time? He reiterated his problem is not rewriting ordinances, but is what is stated on the bottom half. Mr. Walden confirmed the only services Garver provides is listed under 1.1; 1.2 is standard contract language he did not delete, but it could be if the City wanted to before they approve. Council Member Sansing replied that would alleviate a lot of his concerns of having a contract not limited in scope, whereas what the City wants is limited in scope. Mr. Walden clarified that 1.2.1 "Give thorough consideration to all documents and other information presented" and 1. 2. 7 "Provide legal, accounting, and insurance counseling services necessary for the project and such auditing services as the City may require" would need to stay. Council Member Kinman related her trust in Director Whitlow to make the decision if he requires their services or not as he sees fit. Mr. Walden noted he is not an engineer, so he would not be providing engineering services. Director Whitlow brought up that the City has an active accepted RFQ with Garver to do stormwater mapping prior to him ever working here, so the City already has an engineering contract with them. 5 .J CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 6, 2024 6:00 P.M. -7:06 P.M. Council Member Ray affirmed that big corporations and the Municipal League do the same thing and hire professionals to plan for the future. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Rains to adopt Resolution 848 (#06-2024) in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED with Council Member Bolden and Sansing voting NAY. d. DISCUSSION: Airbnb Regulations Council Member Dietz confirmed work is being done on an ordinance regarding short-term rentals. He would like to know their locations and get them registered with guidelines. He related that North Little Rock has an ordinance that is now being enforced, where some requirements include having the owner's contact information on the building, no advertising, approval required, and limiting the number of vehicles and guests. He told how Jacksonville has some with ten people with five cars in three-bedroom one- bathroom homes, which should not be allowed. He mentioned a lot of people who had them in North Little Rock want to move to Jacksonville because they know we do not have those rules and regulations. He would like to know how many there are in the City, start charging for a business license, and be able to inspect them, which will all be in the ordinance. Council Member Rains asked if there is rentals, or are we just discriminating on interesting they are proposing to charge registry. a way to have this registry for short-term ones? She thought it was these business owners to be on the Captain Wright recalled that Council passed an ordinance regarding vacant property registration requiring landlords with vacant properties to register them with Code Enforcement so they know who owns what. He noted they also passed an ordinance requiring apartment complexes to have business licenses, so he sees these short-term rentals as any other business in the City. Council Member Dietz confirmed everyone who has a business has to pay for an occupational license to the City, which he gets every year as a realtor. Captain Wright pointed out that having a registry would be helpful if something were to happen at these properties to give the Police Department a contact number. He surmised if the tenants are causing disturbances, they could contact the owners to deal with the situation, as far as removing the tenant, etc. Council Member Rains reiterated that if Council is setting a precedent on short-term rentals, we should know where all of our rentals are. City Attorney Friedman told how she has spoken to Director Whitlow and drafted an ordinance, noting this is one of the top things he wants Garver to look at, so it is in the works. Director Whitlow concurred, reiterating it needs to be Jacksonville to address our needs . 6 specific to CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 6, 2024 6:00 P.M. -7:06 P.M. Council Member Rains believes if the City is going to be doing this for one, then they should do it for all. She told how she hears complaints, noting not all short-term rentals are bad, but if we are going to be setting a precedent for one, we should be doing that for all. Mayor Elmore confirmed City Attorney Friedman is working on this project, which cannot be thrown together overnight. APPOINTMENTS: UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NEW BUSINESS: ANNOUNCEMENTS : ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Elmore adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:06p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully, 7 J CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 20, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:42 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 June 20, 2024 at their regular meeting place. Council Member Ray delivered the invocation and Mayor Elmore led a standing audience in the "Pledge of Allegiance." ROLL CALL: City Council Members: Dietz, McCleary, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains answered ROLL CALL. Mayor Elmore also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT EIGHT (8) ABSENT TWO (2). Council Members Bolden and Sansing were absent. Others present for the meeting were: Fire Chief Alan Laughy, Assistant City Clerk Emilia Vazquez, Communications Director Emily Sundermeier, CDBG Director Michelle Spencer, and Jim Moore. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Elmore presented the minutes of the regularly scheduled City Council meeting of June 6, 2024 for approval and/or correction at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting. City Clerk Davitt noted a correction on page 2 of the presented minutes that should say "15~", instead of "18~". APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES: Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Rains that the minutes of the regularly scheduled City Council meeting of May 16, 2024 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT: FIRE DEPARTMENT Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to approve the regular monthly report for May 2024, reflecting a fire loss of $2,000.00 and a savings total of $808,000.00. REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT: POLICE DEPARTMENT Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to approve the regular monthly report for May 2024 regarding annual crime statistical comparisons. REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT: CODE ENFORCEMENT Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to approve the regular monthly report as presented for May 2024. Assigned Calls Self-Initiated Calls Follow Up Inspections Complied after Notice Three Day Notice Seven Day Letter Citation Letters Mailed Citations Issued Vehicles Tagged Vehicles Towed 110 Demolition by City 287 Demolition by Owner 760 Parking Violations 407 Garbage Cans Tagged 43 Basketball Goals 484 Structures Inspected 125 Apartment Complexes Inspected 5 Red Tags Issued 52 Search Warrants 2 Grass Mowed 1 1 1 3 15 0 1157 0 2 0 120 Unsafe Structures Tagged Structures Condemned Structures Rehabbed 0 0 0 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 20, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:42 P.M. Signs Removed Shopping Carts REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT: ANIMAL CONTROL 5 0 Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to approve the regular monthly report for May 2024. ADOPTION FEES $ SPAY/NEUTER FOR ADOPTED DOGS Paid by the City of Jacksonville Best Friends Animal Rescue Grant Paid for by JFOTA FINES CONTRIBUTIONS TOTAL $ 3,410.00 3,410.00 3,410.00 3,302.27 3,659.07 6,961.34 ROLL CALL: Council Member: Dietz, McCleary, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. WATER DEPARTMENT : WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT: FIRE DEPARTMENT: POLICE DEPARTMENT: STREET DEPARTMENT: SANITATION DEPARTMENT: ORDINANCE 1756 (#09-2024) AN ORDINANCE WAIVING COMPETITIVE BIDDING TO PURCHASE A JACKSONVILLE SANITATION DEPARTMENT VEHICLE; FOR APPROPRIATE IMPLEMENTATION AND ACCESS FOR DEPARTMENT AND CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REPRESENTATIVES; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Director of Engineering & Public Works Adam Whitlow related the need for storing, compacting, and transporting plastics for recycling. He recalled they budgeted for a compactor to compact and bale them, but it would cost the same as a garbage truck that would provide more flexibility. He had vendors search over the past year with one coming from the City of Hamburg, who had a 2015 model with 4 9, 000 miles come through Arkansas Municipal Equipment. He confirmed it is within budget, noting no way to bid used equipment. He included other quotes ranging from a 2006 Loadmaster with 125,000 miles for $106,400.00, up to a 2014 Freightliner for $147,000.00. He mentioned the one wanted was in great condition when they drove it and had a mechanic look at it. He brought up a last minute quote received for a 2006 Peterbilt with over 100,000 miles that would be price-matched, but he still wants to pursue the 2015 model. Council Member McCleary moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to place Ordinance 1756 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, McCleary, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Friedman read the heading of Ordinance 1756. 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 20, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:42 P.M. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to APPROVE Ordinance 17 56 on FIRST READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1756 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, McCleary, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member McCleary to APPROVE Ordinance 17 56 on SECOND READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1756 on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, McCleary, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member McCleary to APPROVE AND ADOPT Ordinance 1756 in its entirety. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, McCleary, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty that the EMERGENCY CLAUSE be approved and adopted. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, McCleary, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. ORDINANCE 1756 (#09-2024) APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 20TB DAY OF JUNE, 2024. PARKS & RECREATION: PLANNING COMMISSION: COMMITTEE (S) : GENERAL: a. PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCE 1753 (#06-2024) AN ORDINANCE CREATING JMC §§ 5. 09.010-5.09.070, CREATING REQUIREMENTS FOR HOTELS AND MOTELS; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Mayor Elmore opened the public hearing at approximately 6:09 p.m. With no one requesting to speak, Mayor Elmore closed the publ.ic hearing at approximatel.y 6:09 p.m. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to place Ordinance 1753 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, McCleary, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Friedman read the heading of Ordinance 1753. Police Chief Brett Hibbs mentioned a lot of crime at hotels, including drugs, and surrounding businesses suffering from shoplifting, thefts, and more. He explained these are best practices used by decent hotels, while ours take cash and do not keep a roster with IDs, so most people who stay are local drug addicts or dealers. He mentioned yesterday a homicide suspect wanted in Little Rock was found at one, where he was not on a roster and the room was rented by an employee. He noted the money usually goes under the table, so the City does not get taxes out of it. He pointed out that hotels on John Harden Drive house a lot of transients. He explained when they have unfilled rooms, they fill them with anyone paying cash. He told how some have denied 3 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 20, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:42 P.M. the Police Department video of crimes and will not tell who are renting rooms, sometimes lying and hiding people. He has a narcotics officer who has done an unbelievable job at the hotels for the last four years, taking down many drug dealers. He requested the officer to read a prepared statement. To protect the identity of the officer, no name was given. He read the following statement: "I am a taskforce officer with the DEA and have been working narcotics here in Jacksonville since February 2020. I have been directly involved in 25 separate enforcement operations conducted at each one of the Jacksonville hotels, resulting in Federal and State seizures of 50 pounds or more of methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, counterfeit oxycodone M30 containing fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, firearms, ammo, and machine gun conversion devices, which has resulted in multiple State and Federal inditements based off the intelligence gained from ongoing joint DEA/JPD Federal drug investigations. DEA agents and Police Department detectives are receiving frequent intelligence that large quantity illegal drug dealers, who normally carry firearms to facilitate illegal drug trafficking, are utilizing and exploiting the Jacksonville hotels to use, stash, conceal, facilitate, and distribute large quantities of illegal drugs. These hotels provide significant loopholes, false names, cash payments, improper security systems, etc., which facilitates and enables illegal drug dealers in evading law enforcement detection. Additionally, individuals with active and outstanding Federal and State arrest warrants commonly utilize the Jacksonville hotels to exploit these same loopholes and evade law enforcement. The illegal drug dealers are commonly receiving and distributing illegal drugs on behalf of individuals affiliated with the Sinaloa and CJNG cartels in Mexico. The United States is currently battling ongoing opioid epidemic and our JPD Task Force Operator (TFO) is monitoring overdose related deaths and/or serious bodily injury cases as a result of illegal drug overdoses, commonly as a result of fentanyl. The DEA Little Rock District Office (LRDO) has recently set up a methamphetamine strategic initiative, which includes the Jacksonville Police Department TFO, with emphasizes on combating illegal drug dealers via hotel/motel interdiction across the State of Arkansas. The Jacksonville motel/hotels are high importance to the DEA' s methamphetamine initiative. The JPD continues to work diligently with DEA LRDO to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations utilizing the Jacksonville hotels." Mayor Elmore confirmed this is not unique to Jacksonville; it is in every city in Central Arkansas, little and big. He explained we are being proactive in wanting to take a stance in an effort to clean up. Chief Hibbs stressed some hotels are better than others. He related this is a firRt Rt~p, noting he is not big on government intrusion in businesses, but if this helps, he is good with it. He affirmed if it does not, there are things to add later for ones who do not conform. He told how one of the worst hotels had 114 calls during the last year, while others had 94, 75, 73, and less. He confirmed it is a burden on the Police Department and he wants people visiting our city to not base their impression of it by the people staying at the hotels with them. 4 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 20, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:42 P.M. Council Member Rains showed concerns considering the major tornado last year and how there are still individuals displaced from it. She stated there are local families that stay long-term at these hotels. Chief Hibbs brought up that the next ordinance deals with long-term stays. Council Member Rains replied it puts the burden on businesses to file for it, so if they chose not to, those individuals would not have a place to go. Chief Hibbs explained there is a conditional use permit clause in this ordinance. Council Member Rains stated this is putting regulations on hotels asking for them to do additional measures to make sure they take care of our community members. Chief Hibbs does not consider these additional measures; these are standard practices at any decent hotel, listing taking IDs and credit or debit cards. He explained a lot of drug dealers and users do not have bank accounts so they go into hotels without a debit or credit card on file. Council Member Rains related her concern with JMC § 5.09.030-Maximum Length of Stay, that says without a conditional use permit, individuals cannot stay over 30 consecutive calendar days, or 60 cumulative days within 180 days. Chief Hibbs reiterated that the hotel can apply for a conditional use for them to stay longer. Council Member Rains supported the ordinance, but noted there are potentially community members that would be impacted by this. Director Whitlow explained obtaining a conditional use permit is an easy process where the hotel would present their case. He confirmed he is good with what his office would have to review. He related the ordinance does not read as a drug prevention ordinance, but are good, standard practices. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member McCleary to APPROVE Ordinance 1753 on FIRST READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1753 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, McCleary, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member McCleary to APPROVE Ordinance 1753 on SECOND READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1753 on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, McCleary, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member Twitty moved, seconded by Council Member Ray to APPROVE AND ADOPT Ordinance 1753 in its entirety. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, McCleary, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. 5 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 20, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:42 P.M. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member McCleary that the EMERGENCY CLAUSE be approved and adopted. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, McCleary, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. ORDINANCE 1753 (#06-2024) APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 20TH DAY OF JUNE, 2024. b. PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCE 1754 (#07-2024) AN ORDINANCE AMENDING JMC §§ 18. 48. 030 AND 18. 52. 030, ALLOWING THE CONDITIONAL USE OF LONG TERM STAY AT HOTELS AND MOTELS FOR AREAS ZONED C-3 AND C-4; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Mayor E1more opened the public hearinq at approximately 6:29 p.m. With no one requestinq to speak, Mayor Elmore closed the public hearinq at approximately 6:29 p.m. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to place Ordinance 1754 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, McCleary, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Friedman read the headinq of Ordinance 1754. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Rains to APPROVE Ordinance 1754 on FIRST READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1754 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, McCleary, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Rains to APPROVE Ordinance 17 54 on SECOND READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1754 on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, McCleary, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member McCleary moved, seconded by Council Member Rains to APPROVE AND ADOPT Ordinance 1754 in its entirety. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, McCleary, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Rains that the EMERGENCY CLAUSE be approved and adopted. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, McCleary, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. ORDINANCE 1754 (#07-2024) APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 20TH DAY OF JUNE, 2024. c. PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCE 1755 (#08-2024) 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 E1more opened the public hearinq at approximately 6:32 p.m. 6 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 20, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:42 P.M. With no one requestinq to speak, Mayor Elmore closed the public hearinq at approximately 6:32 p.m. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to place Ordinance 1755 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, McCleary, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Friedman read the headinq of Ordinance 1755. Captain Wright confirmed these properties addressed 811 Trickey Street. are Lane, from 229 the demolition of Poplar Street, and condemned 101 Cherry Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to APPROVE Ordinance 17 55 on FIRST READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1755 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, McCleary, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to APPROVE Ordinance 17 55 on SECOND READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1755 on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, McCleary, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member Ray moved, ADOPT Ordinance 1755 in McCleary, Ray, Mashburn, CARRIED. seconded by Council Member Twitty to APPROVE AND its entirety. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION ORDINANCE 1755 (#08-2024) APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 20TB DAY OF JUNE, 2024. ADDITION TO AGENDA: Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Rains to SUSPEND THE RULES and add Ordinance 1757 (#10-2024) to the aqenda. MOTION CARRIED. ORDINANCE 1757 (#10-2024) AN ORDINANCE VACATING A UTILITY EASEMENT ON LOT 5 OF THE KEVIN SUBDIVISION WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF JACKSONVILLE , ARKANSAS ; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES . Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Moss to place Ordinance 1757 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, McCleary, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Friedman read the headinq of Ordinance 1757. Director Whitlow stated a developer wanted to split Lot 5 that had a utility easement of overhead powerlines going through diagonally. He explained they paid to get the power line moved and easement relocated. He confirmed the developer filed proper petition and documentation, and provided a new easement that he verified with Entergy, so approval of this will allow them to file the plat. 7 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 20, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:42 P.M. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Moss to APPROVE Ordinance 1757 on FIRST READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1757 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, McCleary, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member Twitty moved, seconded by Council Member Ray to APPROVE Ordinance 1757 on SECOND READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1757 on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, McCleary, Ray , Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman , and Rains voted AYE . MOT I ON CARRIED . Council Member Ray moved, ADOPT Ordinance 1757 in McCleary, Ray, Mashburn, CARRIED. seconded by Council Member Twitty to APPROVE AND its entirety. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION ORDINANCE 1757 (#10-2024) APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 20TH DAY OF JUNE, 2024. d. DISCUSSION Renta1 regu1ation Council Member Rains stated the City of Searcy has a good ordinance regarding short-term rental regulations. She believes it could be reflective of rentals overall. She mentioned it includes code inspections, which is one of the complaints she gets from tenants. She explained that regulations would help continue progress of cleaning our city and making sure citizens are protected. APPOINTMENTS: CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION Counci1 Member Ray moved, seconded by Counci1 Member Twitty to approve the appointment of James Amerine for a term to expire 04/01/2030. MOTION CARRIED. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NEW BUSINESS: ANNOUNCEMENTS : ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor E1more adjourned the meetinq at approximate1y 6:42 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully, 8 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 18, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:26 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 July 18, 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, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains answered ROLL CALL. Mayor Elmore also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT NINE (9) ABSENT ONE (1). Council Member Mashburn was absent. Others present for the meeting were: Parks and Recreation Director Kevin House, Assistant City Clerk Emilia Vazquez, Economic Development Director Robert Birch, Communications Director Emily Sundermeier, CDBG Director Michelle Spencer, Building Inspector Manny Browder, IT Support Andrew Browder, Cheesa Williams, Katrina Mimms, Jim Moore, Addie Gibson, and Rick Kron. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Elmore presented the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of June 20, 2024 for approval and/or correction at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting. APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES: Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty that the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of June 6, 2024 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to approve the regular monthly report for June 2024. PERMITS/LICENSE ISSUED Building Permits Business License 8 FIRE DEPARTMENT REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT INSPECTIONS PERFORMED Building Inspections Electrical Plumbing HVACR 28 45 48 19 Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to approve the regular monthly report for June 2024, reflecting a fire loss of $2,000.00 and a savings total of $298,000.00. POLICE DEPARTMENT REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to approve the regular monthly report for June 2024 regarding annual crime statistical comparisons. CODE ENFORCEMENT REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to approve the regular monthly report for June 2024. 1 Assigned Calls 145 Self-Initiated Calls 231 Follow Up Inspections 915 Complied after Notice 461 Three Day Notice 35 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 18, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:26 P.M. Demolition by City Demolition by Owner Parking Violations Garbage Cans Tagged Basketball Goals 0 1 0 0 2 Seven Day Letter 436 Structures Inspected 1291 Citation Letters Mailed 37 Apartment Complexes Inspected 2 Citations Issued 8 Red Tags Issued 3 Vehicles Tagged 46 Search Warrants 0 Vehicles Towed 4 Grass Mowed 70 Unsafe Structures Tagged 2 Signs Removed 18 Structures Condemned 0 Shopping Carts 1 Structures Rehabbed 0 ANIMAL SERVICES REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to approve the regular monthly report for June 2024. ADOPTION FEES $ 3,135.00 SPAY/NEUTER FOR ADOPTED DOGS 3,135.00 Paid by the City of Jacksonville 3,135.00 Best Friends Animal Rescue Grant Paid for by JFOTA FINES 2,535.00 CONTRIBUTIONS 1,297.38 TOTAL $ 3,832.38 ROLL CALL: Council Member: Dietz , Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss , Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. WATER DEPARTMENT: WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT: FIRE DEPARTMENT: POLICE DEPARTMENT: ORDINANCE 1759 (#12-2024) AN ORDINANCE WAIVING COMPETITIVE BIDDING FOR THE JACKSONVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT VEHICLES AND UPFITTING FOR SAID VEHICLES; FOR APPROPRIATE IMPLEMENTATION AND ACCESS FOR DEPARTMENT AND CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REPRESENTATIVES; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member McCleary to place Ordinance 1759 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 1759. Council Member Kinman shared that she had received a phone call inquiring if these vehicles were in the budget. 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 18, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:26 P.M. Police Chief Brett Hibbs confirmed he originally budgeted for four vehicles, but cut it back to three, estimating his department has $233,000.00 in their line item 5500. He explained these are black Tahoes, like last time, and will be outfitted the same. He noted one will be an admin vehicle going to the Patrol Captain since he is currently driving a fully outfitted marked unit that will be moved to the Patrol fleet. He listed that admin vehicles are driven by CID Detectives, Support Services, supervisors, Captains, and himself, so he was unsure of how many there are total. He pointed out only two of those are Tahoes, adding that they have been buying unmarked Chevy Equinoxs for CID to help with stakeouts and carry equipment. He mentioned basically everyone not on Patrol has an admin vehicle. Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member McCleary to APPROVE Ordinance 17 59 on FIRST READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1759 on SECOND 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 McCleary to APPROVE Ordinance 17 59 on SECOND READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1759 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, ADOPT Ordinance 1759 in Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, MOTION CARRIED. seconded by Council Member Bolden to APPROVE AND its entirety. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Ray, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. 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. ORDINANCE 1759 (#12-2024) APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 18TH DAY OF JULY, 2024. STREET DEPARTMENT: SANITATION DEPARTMENT: PARKS & RECREATION: PLANNING COMMISSION: COMMITTEE(S): GENERAL: ORDINANCE 1758 (#11-2024) AN ORDINANCE CREATING JMC § 8.03.022, NUISANCES AND NON-COMPLYING CONDITIONS -PROHIBITED CAMPING; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Council Member McCleary moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden to place Ordinance 1758 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 1758. 3 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 18, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:26 P.M. Council Member Moss surmised this would affect the unsheltered population who have nowhere to go. He asked what the City would do if this is violated. Chief Hibbs replied generally, they would ask them to move along, but if it is a repetitive problem and if need be, they can be arrested for trespassing or cited. He told how on private property they will ask them to move along when the owner wants them to leave. City Attorney Friedman added that this would give officers another route to take; instead of having someone trespassed, they could be cited under this ordinance. She explained that typically in court, she would do a progressive disciplinary of fines and costs, but the immediate response would be to ask them to leave. Chief Hibbs confirmed the officers try not to arrest, but will ask them to leave and go elsewhere. Council Member Rains pointed out that the ordinance also includes parks, benches, and any other publicly owned property. She asked why are we telling citizens who pay taxes they do not have the ability to be on publicly owned property. Chief Hibbs replied that they are not telling them that, but they cannot camp. He read the definition of campsite as "any place where bedding, sleeping bag, or other material used for bedding purposes, or any stove or fire is placed," so it is when they lay out a shelter, or any kind of bedding, and live is what they are asking them not to do. City Attorney Friedman clarified that sleeping is in regards streets, and alleyways, which is an issue of public safety. prohibiting sleeping on a public bench is not in the ordinance, camping that is. to sidewalks, She confirmed but it is the Council Member Rains agreed this could impact the unsheltered members of our community. She asked what do we have here to assist them with shelter. Chief Hibbs responded locally, we do not have a shelter; if they ask to go to one, we will help them get there, but most of the time they do not and this is where they want to be. Mayor Elmore related that Pastor Eddie Miller's church is finishing up their new facility that includes restrooms with outside entrances for anyone needing a.ssi st.Anr.P., but as a city government, we do not have anything in place to assist. Council Member Rains pointed out JMC § 8.03.021, regarding unattended shopping carts, mentions a fine to pick up materials. She inquired what the expense would be on the City and on the individual interested in their personal property with this ordinance. 4 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 18, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:26 P.M. Chief Hibbs replied they can take as much personal property they can carry with them. He said when there is trash or debris left behind, the Sanitation Department will pick it up with the claw truck if Code Enforcement cannot do it, so it is not a huge expense for us. Mayor Elmore concurred if Sanitation needed to pick up something, they could pull off their normal route quickly to get it, then resume it; it would not be a special trip. Chief Hibbs noted taking shopping carts from businesses and pushing them across town is technically theft of property, but they are not arrested or cited for it. Council Member Rains read part of section "E" stating "items having no apparent utility or monetary value and items in an unsanitary condition may be immediately discarded." She asked what if someone left personal property before being able to get it during the 24 hours. Chief Hibbs mentioned there is a difference between personal property and things with no monetary value. He told how a lot of times they find things collected from dumpsters, trash, or stolen i terns. He brought up if it is personal property, they take what they can with them; if it is left behind or unattended, they consider it to have no value and would call the claw truck to pick it up. Council Member Rains read a portion of section "E" stating "for purposes of this Chapter, "personal property" means any item reasonably recognizable as belonging to a person and having apparent utility or monetary value." She stated that is subjective, especially when dealing with people who may be experiencing a mental health crisis. She inquired how would they determine what is personal property and what does not have any utility or monetary value. Chief Hibbs replied if it is left behind, they do not consider it personal property. He related if they took it with them, he would think it would have some sort of value; sentimental or monetary. Council Member Ray CALLED FOR A QUESTION to end discussion and have the vote. Council Member Kinman inquired what other cities our size are doing regarding the unsheltered and what are our options. Chief Hibbs replied he does not have any options. He related that this ordinance came from Grands Pass, Oregon and was recently affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court as being constitutional. Mayor Elmore reiterated if service, we are willing available, just not here. someone to make needs transportation to get to a place or it happen, because there are services 5 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 18, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:26 P.M. Chief Hibbs concurred, noting a lot of times they want to stay here and do not want anything. He was unaware of any cities in Central Arkansas that have a similar ordinance in place. Council Member Rains requested CDBG Director Michelle Spencer to speak on this issue. Council Member Sansing seconded the CALL FOR A QUESTION. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, and Ki nman voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED with Council Member Rains voting NAY. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Sansing to APPROVE Ordinance 17 58 on FIRST READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1758 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Twitty, and Kinman voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED with Council Member Moss and Rains voting NAY. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member McCleary to APPROVE Ordinance 17 58 on SECOND READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1758 on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Twitty, and Kinman voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED with Council Member Moss and Rains voting NAY. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Sansing to APPROVE AND ADOPT Ordinance 1758 in its entirety. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Twitty, and Kinman voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED with Council Member Moss and Rains voting NAY. 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, Twitty, and Kinman voted AYE . MOTION CARRIED with Council Member Moss and Rains voting NAY. ORDINANCE 1758 (#11-2024) APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 18TH DAY OF JULY, 2024. APPOINTMENTS: UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NEW BUSINESS: ANNOUNCEMENTS : ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Elmore adjourned the meeting at approximately 6:26 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully, 6 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 15, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:45 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 August 15, 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, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Kinman, and Rains answered ROLL CALL. Mayor Elmore also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT NINE (9) ABSENT ONE (1). Council Member Twitty was absent. Others present for the meeting were: Parks and Recreation Director Kevin House, Fire Chief Alan Laughy, Finance Director Cheryl Erkel, Director of Engineering and Public Works Adam Whitlow, Police Captain Ryan Wright, Assistant City Clerk Emilia Vazquez, Communications Director Emily Sundermeier, IT Director Brian Harvey, Katrina Mimms, Trenika McCoy, Tanner Ruple, Addie Gibson, Wyatt Elmore, and Chris Erkel. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Elmore presented the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of July 18, 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 Kinman that the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of June 20, 2024 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Moss to approve the regular monthly report for July 2024. PERMITS/LICENSE ISSUED Building Permits Business License 13 FIRE DEPARTMENT REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT INSPECTIONS PERFORMED Building Inspections Electrical Plumbing HVACR 51 93 62 63 Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Moss to approve the regular monthly report for July 2024, reflecting a fire loss of $121,000.00 and a savings total of $329,000.00. POLICE DEPARTMENT REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Moss to regular monthly report for July 2024 regarding annual crime comparisons. CODE ENFORCEMENT REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT approve the statistical Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Moss to approve the regular monthly report for July 2024. 1 Assigned Calls 77 Self-Initiated Calls 172 Follow Up Inspections 838 Complied after Notice 430 Three Day Notice 15 Seven Day Letter 351 Citation Letters Mailed 16 Citations Issued 3 Vehicles Tagged 28 Vehicles Towed 4 Unsafe Structures Tagged 0 Structures Condemned 0 Structures Rehabbed 0 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 15, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:45 P.M. Demolition by City Demolition by Owner Parking Violations Garbage Cans Tagged Basketball Goals 0 0 1 0 1 Structures Inspected 1087 Apartment Complexes Inspected 0 Red Tags Issued 0 Search Warrants 0 Grass Mowed 69 Signs Removed 25 Shopping Carts 0 ROLL CALL: Council Member: Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, 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: a. PUBLIC HEARING CDBG PY24 Action Plan Allocations and Reallocations CDBG Director Michelle Spencer stated the City was allotted $230,739.00 for 2024 and also had six prior years of unobligated funds totaling $412,593.00 to reallocate. She explained, approximately, 2018 had $44, 666.00, 2019 had $58,086.00, 2021 had $69,947.00, 2022 had $57,517.00, and 2023 had $182,375.00. She related they are going to reallocate funds in specific areas, including public facility/improvements for repairs at Excell, Johnson, and Galloway Parks, as well as the Senior Center, Boys and Girls Club, and Jacksonville Towers. She told how the Boys and Girls Club needs extensive assistance, and since it is in the Sunnyside area, they are able to allocate quite a bit. She asks that Council agree to go forward with the projected use of funds for 2024. When Council Member Kinman inquired, she replied that CDBG funds are allocated to low/moderate income individuals with the targeted geographical area of Sunnyside, which was set up in the five year plan initiated in 2021 that expires in 2025. She brought 11p that it will go toward housing, economic development, neighborhood revitalization, public facilities, and public services. She mentioned an agreement with a subrecipient to provide extended funding for utility assistance, temporary shelter vouchers, and food distribution to low/moderate income families and the unsheltered population. She pointed out that public service has a cap of 15% and every year those funds are expended and allocated out, with the exception of 2023. She recalled having Care Channel as a subrecipient awarded 2 l CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 15, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:45 P.M. every year who expended those funds with no problem, however, in the last two years, there were contradictions through another grant which conflicted with our program specifics causing them to be suspended. She noted the amount is $34, 611. 00 for public services. She stated $20, 000. 00 is for neighborhood revitalization, since there are areas in Sunnyside needing demolished or cleaned up, so she will connect with the Police Department to confirm locations. She stated these funds have been allocated, the plan has been submitted to HUD, and she is awaiting the award letter. She confirmed they can start setting up, since the $412,593.00 are funds we already had; she just has to let HUD know what we are utilizing them for moving forward. When asked if Care Channel can be reinstated, she replied if they want to keep their current funding through the SNAP program, they would have to adjust their policy and procedure and submit an application to her. She explained it would not be a lengthy process since they alre~dy have an agreement on file, but would have to agree with the specifics of that agreement. She detailed how she is entertaining another subrecipient and working out those specifics, but that does not entail the entire amount of funds available. When Council Member Dietz inquired about housing rehabilitation, she related the individuals have to be low/moderate income and submit an application with required documents. She told how she takes all applicants in one pool, according to severity, on a first come first serve basis, and once approved, the process starts of an inspection and making sure they are eligible by adding all income in the household over the age of 18. She mentioned at that point, they may not get approved if they fall outside HUD guidelines of 30% below the annual median income. She confirmed the property has to be in the applicant's name, has to have current insurance, and the inspection has to take place to ensure there is nothing outside the scope of approvable work. She gave for example, a roof leaks into a wall, which causes electrical issues needing repairs, and causes the scope of work to get outside the allowable costs, which she believes is $7,500.00. She brought up that the applicants know the guidelines in advance since she sends it out with the applications. When Council Member Rains requested clarification on the housing voucher program, she replied it is more of a hotel voucher that is used for displaced individuals, including those who are waiting on a rental property to become available, or for their name to be on top of the list at Jacksonville Housing Authority. She explained they can get one week, sometimes up to a month, depending on the case. She affirmed this is for a hotel, not for rent; there are no rental funds, except for a small amount left in the Covid grant requiring the financial hardship to be due to Covid. Council Member Rains shared she has had constituents reach out in regards to personal property tax that includes an optional addition for our animal shelter. She asked how hard it would be to have an option for CDBG, as well as having the ability to make one-time donations. Mayor Elmore replied he would need time to research, but was unsure of a reason why people could not donate directly to CDBG, unless City Attorney Friedman or Director Spencer know otherwise. He related all they would have to do is come by and have it designated for CDBG, or a specific area within CDBG. 3 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 15, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:45 P.M. Council Member Rains replied they were inquiring about an online option, specifically on the City website. She requested more information on Project 5 regarding job creation/retention. Director Spencer recalled over the years economic development had in place job creation/retention that provided training, however, there was no activity funded the past two years, possibly due to previous directors attempting to get housing rehabs and services taken care of under the CDBG. She is glad to have an Economic Development Director so they can be creative and find other areas associated with training and creating/retaining jobs to use the $20,000.00 for. Council Member Rains referenced page 36 stating "The City will continue to seek funding from other sources and seek additional resources of supportive service providers," and asked what actions are being taken. Director Spencer responded it is more on the second part of that statement because of the resources becoming available in the community by way of the COC and reaching out to those participants and those receiving awards that will bridge the gap of services. She continued to say because she proposed where the money is and what it needs to be used for, she can now start concentrating on 2024 and getting other funding in because she needs help badly. She stressed that $412,593.00 did not come out of the air, but was left over each year. She recalled in 2018 the past CDBG Director dropped down from her staff of 4, since she lost ADFA funding, making her a one woman department trying to spend $200, 000. 00+ each year. She told how she has reached out to her counterparts in different departments because she will need their help to make sure we accomplish the goal of spending this $600,000.00+. Council Member Rains asked if the City could apply for economic and community development grants in the future. Director Spencer told how she has had individuals reach out to start looking at that, but she had to get passed today and will be meeting next week to discuss additional funds to assist not just the Sunnyside area, but citizens across the City. She took very high consideration to citizen comments, along with the directors of the Senior Center, Boys and Girls Club, and Jacksonville Towers since they represent our youth, who are our future leaders, and the elders who have taken care of us. b. PRESENTATION of 2023 Audit by David Coleman with Forvis Mazars Mr. ColemiJ.n prcncntcd a PowerPoint slide show, stating as of DP.r.P.mhP.r 31, 2023 the ending unassigned fund balance was $8.9 million, which are funds that can be used to operate the City; they are not restricted in any way and can be used for anything within the law. He explained it is measured by looking at the budgeted expenditures next year and say what percentage is that unassigned fund balance compared to that. He told how it was 33% and the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) recommends 20%. He related it equates to roughly four months of operating expenditures in unassigned fund 4 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 15, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:45 P.M. balances at the end of the year. He mentioned typically, pension liabilities are the largest on a city's balance sheet and Jacksonville has five different plans; an old Policemen's, old Firemen's, APERS, and two LOPFI. He pointed out the middle column (Plan Fid NP as % of Total Pension Liability FY2023) represents the percentage of assets to cover that pension liability, noting the Policemen's is almost fully funded, the Firemen's is at 80.92%, and the City is doing what it needs to do to pay the others' liability. He related the City also has an OPEB plan where retirees are allowed to be on the health plan; the City does not fund it, but they do have a liability, because if a 58-year-old retires and stays on the plan, it is going to raise the costs since they are older and may have more claims. He explained right now the liability is $1.2 million, which is not significant since it is paid as you go. He related the only way to really fund this liability is to put it in a trust and pay from there. He told how they issue four different opinions on the audit of the financial statements, with one being the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) that is prepared by the Finance Department, which his firm issued a clean, unmodified opinion on. He brought up the GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting was awarded to the City of Jacksonville for their ACFR. He stated his firm is required to audit Federal funds with a risk assessment, where this year they audited the highway planning cluster since there was a flowthrough from the State, but his firm had no findings. He added they are also required to audit certain aspects of State compliance, which includes checking police officers' ticket books, etc., and also had no findings to report. He related they do not have any findings to report on internal control or grants. c. update by Director of Economic Development Robert Birch Director Birch thanked Director Spencer for her work with HUD, noting they can be a difficult Federal organization to deal with because of all of their restrictions. He shared for the next meeting, he has invited Errin Stanger, the Founder and CEO of Providence Park, which is the Pulaski County homeless village being built. When it comes to economic development, he stressed the importance of allowing new developments to announce their own arrival. He is reaching out to retail businesses, including an out-of-state furniture store that is now looking at locations here since he reached out and called. He brought up that he has had a lot of restaurants calling lately and expects to see some results in early 2025, towards the end of this year, and some that should be announced in the next month. He mentioned working on a large project at the Industrial Park at the old Regal warehouse. He has been working with Entergy and Summit Utilities and if the power needs and additional land is acquired, this is going to be a $380 million project that will revitalize part of the Industrial Park and be a large job producer. He recalled Sig Sauer announcing their expansion and is now close to opening their new facility. He is working on grants with Metroplan and ADEC for the City's Wooten Road property for the engineering work related to the widening of the road and the widening itself. He detailed how the site has garnered a ton of interest, but it will not go anywhere if they are not able to widen the road. He surmised if they are able to do it and sell the property, there is potentially $8-9 million worth of revenue for the City and it bringing in a lot of good projects. He shared that he and Director Spencer had a meeting 5 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 15, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:45 P.M. with the Air Base, who is working on an energy resilience program, and were asked to partner with them regarding solar and other forms of energy. He brought up a 100% $20 million grant that involves asking what the community can do to better support the Air Base, but it has to be off of the Base. He recalled Wastewater and others have attempted it, but we now may have a project that will work next year. He stressed the biggest thing we can do for the City would be the revitalization and redevelopment of Main Street and Marshall Road, which he wants to take an extremely active role in. ADDITION TO AGENDA: Council Member Ray, seconded by Council Member Bolden to SUSPEND the rules and add Resolution 849 (#07-2024) to the agenda. MOTION CARRIED. RESOLUTION 849 (#07-2024) A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS SUPPORTING THE WOOTEN ROAD PROJECT AND COMMITTING LOCAL MATCH FUNDS FOR THE SUBURBAN COMMERCIAL STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES . Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden to read Resolution 849 (#07-2024). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Friedman read the heading of Resolution 849 (#07-2024) . Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden to adopt Resolution 849 (#07-2024) in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED. APPOINTMENTS: UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NEW BUSINESS: ANNOUNCEMENTS : ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Elmore adjourned the meeting at approximately 6:45 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. 6 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 Building Permits Business License 32 INSPECTIONS PERFORMED Building Inspections Electrical Plumbing HVACR 94 67 69 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. b. Fire Department Recognition CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 5, 2024 6:00 P.M. -7:10 P.M. 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, who competed in two different competitions, placing 3rct Place in Paramedic Critic Care and 1st 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. Err in 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 providco permanent housing with tiny homes. Tt h;,s n 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 j CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING SE~TEMBER 5, 2024 6:00 ~.M. -7:10 ~.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 heal thy 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. Err in 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 ~RO~ERTY AT THE LOCATION NOTED BELOW IN JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS, FOR STRUCTURAL DEFECTS , DEFICIENCIES , AND ~UBLIC HAZARD CONDITIONS ; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND, FOR OTHER ~UR~OSES . 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, Dcconded by Council Member McCleary to APPROVE Ordinance 17 60 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 17 60 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. ORDINANCE 1760 (#13-2024) APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS STH DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2024. Public hearinq 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 hearinq 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 headinq 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 17 61 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, ADOPT Ordinance 1761 in Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, MOTION CARRIED. seconded by Council Member Bolden to APPROVE AND its entirety. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Ray, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. 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. ORDINANCE 1761 (#14-2024) APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 5TH 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 J CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 5, 2024 6:00 P.M. -7:10 P.M. and I remodel 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 17 62 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. ORDINANCE 1762 (#15-2024) APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 5TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2024. Public hearing was closed at approx~ately 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 ~ 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, explaining that the application has to be in by September 30th 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 regarding personal property tax for the CDBG as well as having it on the website. Mayor Elmore related that there has been no further action at point. tax City this 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 7:10p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully, -- 1 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 19, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:14 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 19, 2024 at their regular meeting place. Council Member Ray delivered the invocation and Mayor Elmore led a standing audience in the "Pledge of Allegiance." ROLL CALL: City Council Members: Dietz, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains answered ROLL CALL. Mayor Elmore also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT EIGHT (8) ABSENT TWO (2). Council Members Bolden and Mashburn were absent. Others present for the meeting were: Parks and Recreation Director Kevin House, Police Chief Brett Hibbs, Finance Director Cheryl Erkel, Assistant Finance Director Laura Collie, IT Director Brian Harvey, Trenika McCoy, Tanner Ruple, Cheesa Williams, Jim Moore, and Addie Gibson. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Elmore presented the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of September 5, 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 Twitty that the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of August 15, 2024 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: POLICE DEPARTMENT REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to approve the regular monthly report for August 2024 regarding annual crime statistical comparisons. CODE ENFORCEMENT REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to approve the regular monthly report for August 2024. Assigned Calls Self-Initiated Calls Follow Up Inspections Complied after Notice Three Day Notice Seven Day Letter Citation Letters Mailed Citations Issued Vehicles Tagged Vehicles Towed Unsafe Structures Tagged Structures Condemned Structures Rehabbed 69 Demolition by City 142 Demolition by Owner 426 Parking Violations 97 Garbage Cans Tagged 22 Basketball Goals 234 Structures Inspected 2 Apartment Complexes Inspected 0 Red Tags Issued 25 Search Warrants 7 Grass Mowed 0 Signs Removed 0 Shopping Carts 4 0 0 0 1 0 637 0 0 0 91 0 0 ROLL CALL: Council Member: Dietz, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. WATER DEPARTMENT: 1 WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT: FIRE DEPARTMENT : POLICE DEPARTMENT: STREET DEPARTMENT: SANITATION DEPARTMENT: PARKS & RECREATION: PLANNING COMMISSION: COMMITTEE(S): GENERAL: ORDINANCE 1763 (#16-2024) CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 19, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:14 P.M. AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND JMC § 5. 04.140 (SUSPENSION AND REVOCATION OF BUSINESS PRIVILEGE LICENSE) TO INCLUDE THE OPTION TO DENY A REQUEST FOR BUSINESS LICENSES UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS ; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Council Member Ray muvet.l, ~ecunded by Council Member McClcury to place Ordinance 1763 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Friedman read the heading of Ordinance 1763. When Council Member Sansing inquired, Mayor Elmore replied there is one business at this moment this would apply to. City Attorney Friedman clarified this is not for a particular business or entity, but the City currently does not have an option to deny a request for a license if a business does not already have one. She explained the way the ordinance is now, the City could suspend it or do a cease and desist, but we do not have a way to deny a new license from being issued. She pointed out that all of paragraph 2 in Section One gives a list of reasons an application may need to be denied; it does not necessarily mean if a business has previously been denied or had a license suspended that they will always have future requests denied. She confirmed this is for if a business has previously engaged in breaking municipal, state, or federal laws and had their license suspended or revoked because of it, they can be denied in the future. She added that if they are denied, they are still entitled to a hearing; just because they have been denied does not mean they are automatically denied any future request. Council Member Dietz inquired if they going back to make sure they has noticed businesses applying Commission, that are not complying the City approves a business license, are are doing what they are supposed to do. He for licenses, also through the Planning with what they said they going to do. Mayor Elmore related there is a database kept in the Finance Department, adding it is not feasible for the number of businesses to be able to go to each one to follow up. He noted the majority of businesses here are law abiding and do what they are supposed to do. He would rather investigate those we hear may not be law abiding, than to police all those who are. 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 19, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:14 P.M. Police Captain Ryan Wright stated during the initial business licensing process, unless it is a massage parlor type of business, they do not interact with the Police Department or Code Enforcement, but only with the Public Works Department. He explained the Building Inspector goes out and signs off, and when a license is issued Police and Code are not notified. He related that Finance issues the business licenses and it goes into their spreadsheet. He confirmed Police and Code typically do not have to interact with a business until there is a complaint filed on it. Mayor Elmore reiterated there is digital spreadsheet containing information, as well as their physical application they fill out stating what their business intent is. Council Member Twitty moved, seconded by Council Member Kinman to APPROVE Ordinance 17 63 on FIRST READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1763 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED . Council Member Twitty moved, seconded by Council Member Sansing to APPROVE Ordinance 17 63 on SECOND READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1763 on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member Ray moved, ADOPT Ordinance 1763 in McCleary, Sansing, Ray, CARRIED. seconded by Council Member Sansing to APPROVE AND its entirety. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION Council Member Sansing moved, seconded by Council Member McCleary that the EMERGENCY CLAUSE be approved and adopted. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. ORDINANCE 1763 (#16-2024) APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 19TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2024. APPOINTMENTS : UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NEW BUSINESS: ANNOUNCEMENTS : ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor El.more adjourned the meeting at approximately 6:14 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully, ~-·- 3 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 17, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:25 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 October 17, 2024 at their regular meeting place. Council Member Ray delivered the invocation and Mayor Elmore led a standing audience in the "Pledge of Allegiance." ROLL CALL: City Council Members: Dietz, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains answered ROLL CALL. Mayor Elmore also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT NINE (9) ABSENT ONE (1). Council Member Bolden was absent. Others present for the meeting were: Fire Chief Alan Laughy, Police Chief Brett Hibbs, Finance Director Laura Collie, Human Resource Director Charlette Nelson, CDBG Director Michelle Spencer, Director of Engineering and Public Works Adam Whitlow, Assistant City Clerk Emilia Vazquez, IT Director Brian Harvey, Tina Hibbs, Morgan Allen, Kathy Perez, Michelle Elmore, Katrina Mimms, Jim Moore, Tanner Ruple, Addie Gibson, Ollie Mashburn, Chris Erkel, and Rick Kron. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Elmore presented the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of September 19, 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 Twitty that the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of September 5, 2024 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Rains to approve the regular monthly report for September 2024. PERMITS/LICENSE ISSUED Building Permits Business License 12 FIRE DEPARTMENT REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT INSPECTIONS PERFORMED Building Inspections Electrical Plumbing HVACR 46 49 53 28 Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Rains to approve the regular monthly report for August 2024, reflecting a fire loss of $27,000.00 and a savings total of $58,000.00. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Rains t.o Approve the regular monthly report for September 2024, reflecting a fire loss of $7,800.00 and a savings total of $139,200.00. POLICE DEPARTMENT REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Rains to approve the regular monthly report for September 2024 regarding annual crime statistical comparisons. 1 j CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 17, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:25 P.M. CODE ENFORCEMENT REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Rains to approve the regular monthly report for September 2024. Assigned Calls Self-Initiated Calls Follow Up Inspections Complied after Notice Three Day Notice Seven Day Letter Citation Letters Mailed Citations Issued Vehicles Tagged Vehicles Towed Unsafe Structures Tagged Structures Condemned Structures Rehabbed 83 Demolition by City 121 Demolition by Owner 482 Parking Violations 113 Garbage Cans Tagged 15 Basketball Goals 174 Structures Inspected 14 Apartment Complexes Inspected 7 Red Tags Issued 15 Search Warrants 0 Grass Mowed 0 Signs Removed 6 Shopping Carts 0 1 0 0 0 0 686 0 0 0 63 10 0 ROLL CALL: Council Member: Dietz , McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Wl\.TER DEPARTMENT: Wl\.STE'Wl\.TER DEPARTMENT: FIRE DEPARTMENT: ORDINANCE 1765 (#18-2024) AN ORDINANCE Wl\.IVING COMPETITIVE BIDDING FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE FIRE STATION LOCATED ON HIGHWAY 161; FOR APPROPRIATE IMPLEMENTATION AND ACCESS FOR DEPARTMENT AND CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REPRESENTATIVES; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to place Ordinance 1765 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Friedman read the heading of Ordinance 1765. Parks and Recreation Director Kevin House stated Fire Engine 4 was totaled in a flood earlier this year. He explained the new engine has been ordered, but will not fit in the existing engine bay at Fire Station 4. He told how he met with four contractors and three of them gave bids. He requested Council to approve the low bid. When Council Member Mashburn inquired about the other bids, he responded that he has them here and that City Attorney Friedman stated they needed the ordinance to be just for the one they are waiving. Council Member Mashburn mentioned the bid being a conflict of interest, noting she called the Ethics Commission. City Attorney Friedman disagreed slightly, clarifying that if Council Member Kinman had inside knowledge or was using her position to gain a financial benefit, then it would be a conflict, but as far as she understands, this was open to the public. 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 17, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:25 P.M. Director House confirmed he was the only one to receive the bids; there was one received prior to Dave Kinman Construction's, and the other came after. He affirmed no one knew what each other was bidding until they had all three and he and the Mayor sat down to discuss it. He listed the bids received as Houses Construction at $84,792.00, Big Rock Construction at $99,190.00, and Dave Kinman Construction at $82,000.00. He related the work is for building a new engine bay that will be attached to the back of Fire Station 4 and match what is there now. He noted the prices are high because everyone bid eight inches of concrete with a lot of metal in it, since it has to support the weight of the fire truck. He assured everyone bid "apples to apples" and Dave Kinman Construction was the cheapest. When Council Member Twitty inquired, he replied it was not advertised, but he called contractors he has used and worked with in the past and received three estimates. He brought up that the new truck is expected in the third week of December, so they would need to move on it now, since there is a building that needs to be torn down before construction. He confirmed the building tear down is included in the bid. He told how he met each contractor on-site with a Word document stating the construction details to bid off of. He confirmed there will be no additional charges for the City over the bid amount. He concurred when Council Member Twitty requested all future bids be included in the agenda. City Attorney Friedman apologized, noting she told Director House they only needed the one they were accepting, but to also bring the others to the meeting. Council Member Kinman related this is what she does for a living, but her bid would probably have been more than it was, but she did cut out her profits. She mentioned making overhead, which is required to make her company run, but her estimate would have probably been more than the $84,000.00 if she had not cut her profits out. She brought up that she wants to help the City and tries to do everything she can in the City. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member McCleary to APPROVE Ordinance 17 65 on FIRST READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1765 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED with Council Member Mashburn voting NAY and Council Member Kinman ABSTAINING from further voting regarding Ordinance 1765. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to APPROVE Ordinance 17 65 on SECOND READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1765 on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moan, Twitty, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED with Council Member Mashburn voting NAY. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member McCleary ADOPT Ordinance 1765 in its entirety. ROLL CALL: Council McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, and Rains voted AYE. with Council Member Mashburn voting NAY. 3 to APPROVE AND Member Dietz, MOTION CARRIED CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 17, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:25 P.M. Council Member Twitty moved, seconded by Council Member McCleary that the EMERGENCY CLAUSE be approved and adopted. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED with Council Member Mashburn voting NAY. ORDINANCE 1765 (#18-2024) APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 17TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 2024. POLICE DEPARTMENT: STREET DEPARTMENT: SANITATION DEPARTMENT: PARKS & RECREATION: PLANNING COMMISSION: FINAL PLAT: Greenhill Estates Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Sansing to approve the final plat of Greenhill Estates. MOTION CARRIED. COMMITTEE (S) : GENERAL: ORDINANCE 1764 (#17-2024) AN ORDINANCE TO SET ADDITIONAL MILLAGE TAX RATES TO BE ESTABLISHED IN 2025 FOR THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Council Member Sansing moved, seconded by Council Member Ray to place Ordinance 1764 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Friedman read the heading of Ordinance 1764. Mayor Elmore stated millage rates are for property taxes, not sales tax. He explained the City taxes three mills currently, City Council is allowed to approve up to 5 mills, and the City is allowed up to 20 mills if voted on and approved by the citizens. He related for every $1,000.00 that comes in from property taxes to the County, there is a $1.00 that is given to the City for the mill. He recalled one mill this past year produced approximately $350,000.00, noting they are collected for Firemen's Pension, Police Pension, and Capital Improvements. He confirmed there are no increases, but are the exact same of what we are currently collecting; this is just approving the annual allocation. Council Member Rains told how she has done research regarding this since council members in the past were frustrated over this mill. She brought up the library millage that had a sundown clause where citizens expected the lower property tax at the end of it, but it was continued. She asked why, after five years, the City is continuing with the three mills and not bringing it back down. Mayor Elmore replied that it is because the City needs the revenue and would have to cut services, and so forth, if we reduced a mill. 4 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 17, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:25 P.M. Council Member Rains concurred, adding that since then, the City has collected internet sales tax, which is substantially more than what is on here. She surmised, as Mayor Elmore described, the City is getting a total of $3.00 for every $1, 000.00 spent. She questioned why we are continuing this five years later when everything, including the cost of living, has risen and citizens had an expectation. She noted every household could benefit from having that reprieve. Mayor Elmore concurred, but affirmed he is not going to make a recommendation to change it since it is needed to continue to operate and offer services that maintain expectations in regards to public safety, sanitation, etc. He confirmed the City could increase it, but he has no desire to. He related the City cannot afford to reduce it from where it is now. Council MAmber Rains brought up reserve funds, noting everyone who speaks to her regarding millage brings back the library tax that was to end for 2020. Mayor Elmore reiterated his recommendation of continuing with what has been, since the City cannot afford to give it up. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to CALL FOR A QUESTION to end discussion and have the vote . MOTION CARRIED with Counci 1 Members Mashburn and Rains voting NAY. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to APPROVE Ordinance 17 64 on FIRST READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1764 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, and Kinman voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED with Council Members Mashburn and Rains voting NAY. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to APPROVE Ordinance 17 64 on SECOND READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1764 on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, and Kinman voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED with Council Members Mashburn and Rains voting NAY. Council Member Sansing moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to APPROVE AND ADOPT Ordinance 1764 in its entirety. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, and Kinman voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED with Council Members Mashburn and Rains voting NAY. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty that the EMERGENCY CLAUSE be approved and etdopted. ROLL CALL: Cotmci l MAmhP.r Dietz, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, and Kinman voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED with Council Members Mashburn and Rains voting NAY. ORDINANCE 1764 (#17-2024) APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 17TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 2024. 5 APPOINTMENTS: A & P COMMISSION CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 17, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:25 P.M. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to approve the reappointment of Jai Patel to expire 03-31-2028. MOTION CARRIED with Council Member Mashburn voting NAY. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NEW BUSINESS: ANNOUNCEMENTS: ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Elmore adjourned the meeting at approximately 6:25 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully, 6 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 7, 2024 6:00 P.M. -7:13 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 November 7, 2024 at their regular meeting place. Council Member Bolden delivered the invocation and Mayor Elmore led a standing audience in the "Pledge of Allegiance.u ROLL CALL: City Council Members: Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains answered ROLL CALL. Mayor Elmore also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT TEN (10) ABSENT ZERO (0). Others present for the meeting were: Fire Chief Alan Laughy, Police Chief Brett Hibbs, Finance Director Laura Collie, Human Resource Director Charlette Nelson, CDBG Director Michelle Spencer, Director of Engineering and Public Works Adam Whitlow, Assistant City Clerk Emilia Vazquez, IT Director Brian H;HvP.y, Director of Economic Development Robert Birch, Tina Hibbs, Morgan Allen, Jim Moore, Cheesa Williams, Tanner Ruple, Michael LaBron, and Trenika McCoy. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Elmore presented the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of October 17, 2024 for approval and/or correction at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting. APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES: Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Ray that the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of September 19, 2024 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden to approve the regular monthly report for October 2024. PERMITS/LICENSE ISSUED Building Permits Business License 22 INSPECTIONS PERFORMED Building Inspections Electrical Plumbing HVACR 80 67 97 47 ROLL CALL: Council Member: Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, 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) : 1 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 7, 2024 6:00 P.M. -7:13 P.M. GENERAL: DEVIATION IN AGENDA: Counci1 Member Ray moved, seconded by Counci1 Member Bo1den to move item d. to be discussed first on the agenda. MOTION CARRIED. d. Citizen Pam C1ark regarding Foxwood Neighborhood Watch and Counci1 Member commentary Citizen Pam Clark stated she has lived in the Foxwood Subdivision since 2004. She told how the homeowner behind her died, then the son moved in. She explained for the past year there have been six to eight dogs that fight, jump the fence, and bark at neighbors. She mentioned the barking starts at 2:00 a.m. and does not end until around 5:00 a.m., resulting in her being sleep deprived. She mentioned the owner is not feeding them and she has several recordings of how they behave. She confirmed she has called the Police Department non-emergency line and Animal Control talked to the neighbor, so now he hides the dogs. She brought up that her family cannot even go in the backyard without standing guard with a shovel. Council Member Bolden noted people move to the City and are unaware of our dog laws, recalling someone shopping in Walgreens with a pit bull in a cart. He stressed that we need to make sure people understand that pit bulls are not allowed and real estate agents need to tell the people buying homes here. Mrs. Clark believes one is a pit bull and they constantly bark and attack each other. Animal Services Manager Kerrie Henderson related that they have written the man six citations, and when they did a follow-up this week and last, the only dogs he had were two hounds. She explained four retrievers and two pit bulls have been moved, according to the owner, and they were nowhere on the premises when they checked, but it is possible he is hiding them inside. She confirmed she can take the steps to get a search warrant to search the home, noting his first court date is December 3rct. Mrs. Clark added that the dogs have gotten into the neighbor's fence and torn up their children's toys and trashed the yard. She told how her dog cannot go in the backyard, but has to be walked on a leash in the front. Council Member Ray recalled a pot belly pig in one area that caused all of the dogs to bark, since it was something strange in the neighborhood. Manager Henderson read the citations that included several counts each of no rabies vaccinations, no city tags, running at large, and having banned breeds. She recalled there being four retrievers, a chihuahua, two pit bulls, and two hounds that he got a 30-day warning for being over the allowed number of animals. She recalled at the follow-up, he had gotten rid of the four retrievers, but still had two pit bulls, and when they checked this week and last, those dogs were gone, leaving only the two hounds. Mrs. Clark was concerned since a dog came across the fence and took food out of a child's hand and the father shot at it with rubber bullets. 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 7, 2024 6:00 P.M. -7:13 P.M. Manager Henderson noted if the dogs had still been there after the time limit, they would have seized them. Council Member Twitty stated he needs to know there are quiet hours between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Police Captain Ryan Wright pointed out that every day he has those animals, when they go to court it is considered a separate violation, so if he is found guilty, it will not be for one day, but for the time period he has had it; which is typically not a small fine. He confirmed once it goes to court, it is the decision of the judge. He related the next thing they can do is get a search and seizure warrant and seize the animals. Council Member Bolden recommended posting signs throughout the City to make pP.ople aware of the ordinances pertaininq to dogs. Mayor Elmore did not concur, because he would not want to visually clutter up the City with more signs. Discussion ensued regarding putting notices in the water bills, where Manager Henderson noted she would like to have something regarding city dog licenses included in them also. Mayor Elmore stated we will be vigilant in keeping eyes on the home to see if we can find the dogs that are not supposed to be there. He acknowledged being at the mercy of waiting because a court date has been issued. He will make sure Animal Control keeps aware and mindful of that area. RESUME AGENDA: a. PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCE 1766 (#19-2024) AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CONSTRUCTION OF EXTENSIONS, BETTERMENTS AND IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SEWER SYSTEM OF THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS ; AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF A SEWER IMPROVEMENT REVENUE BOND FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING THE COSTS OF CONSTRUCTION OF THE IMPROVEMENTS; PROVIDING FOR THE PAYMENT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF AND INTEREST ON, AND A SERVICING FEE IN CONNECTION WITH, THE BOND; PROVIDING FOR THE PAYMENT OF THE COSTS OF ISSUING THE BOND; PRESCRIBING OTHER MATTERS RELATING THERETO; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. Mayor Elmore opened the public hearing at approximately 6:18p.m., and with no one requesting to speak, he closed it at approximately 6:19 p.m. Cuuncil Member Sansing moved, 3econdcd by Council Member Bolden to place Ordinance 1766 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Friedman read the heading of Ordinance 1766. Council Member Moss noted this is a b ond that will not be a cost to citizens. 3 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 7, 2024 6:00 P.M. -7:13 P.M. Council Member Dietz moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden to APPROVE Ordinance 1766 on FIRST READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1766 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member McCleary moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to APPROVE Ordinance 17 66 on SECOND READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1766 on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member Twitty moved, seconded by Council Member Ray to APPROVE AND ADOPT Ordinance 1766 in its entirety. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member McCleary that the EMERGENCY CLAUSE be approved and adopted. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Moss, Twitty, Kinman, and Rains voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. ORDINANCE 1766 (#19-2024) APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 7TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2024. b. RESOLUTION 851 A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND MANAGER OF THE JACKSONVILLE WASTEWATER SYSTEM TO EXECUTE CERTAIN DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH FUNDING ADMINISTERED BY THE ARKANSAS NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden to read Resolution 851. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Friedman read the heading of Resolution 851. Council Member Resolution 851 CARRIED. Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Dietz to in its entirety, including the emergency clause. adopt MOTION Mayor Elmore announced that Resolution 852 is a mistake and was not supposed to be in the packet since it was already approved. Jacksonville Wastewater Utility General Manager Thea Hughes clarified that Resolution 851 was the mistake; Resolution 852 needed to be approved. c. RESOLUTION 852 A RESOLUTION OF INTENT REGARDING THE JACKSONVILLE WASTEWATER SEWER PROJECT. Mayor Elmore confirmed everything Council just did is for Resolution 852, not 851. City Attorney Friedman read the heading of Resolution 852. 4 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 7, 2024 6:00 P.M. -7:13 P .M. Council Member McCleary moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden to adopt Resolution 852 in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED. e. DISCUSSION 2025 Budqet Mayor Elmo r e r e cal l ed Council received the proposed budget for the year 2025. Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Sansinq to ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION reqardinq a personnel matter at approximately 6:25 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member McCleary moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden to EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION and RESUME GENERAL SESSION at approximately 7:01 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. MAyor Elmore related that Council will vote on the budget at the next regularly scheduled meeting. APPOINTMENTS : UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NEW BUSINESS: Council Member Rains requested clarification regarding why the directors for the federal agency she had sponsored were not allowed to make their presentation tonight. Mayor Elmore responded that he was unaware of it until yesterday, since he did not receive an email regarding it. Council Member Rains shared that she was told it was for legal reasons, then asked what the legal reasons were that they could not do a presentation. Mayor Elmore clarified there is no reason they cannot do a presentation, but there are legal reasons why the City could not go forward with the program, therefore, there was no reason for the presentation. City Clerk Davitt noted the City cannot participate in the liabilities. Council Member Kinman recalled being falsely accused at the last meeting of being unethical. She explained in 1981 Mayor James Reid passed an ordinance allowing council members and city employees to do business with the City. She requested an apology from Council Member Mashburn and the Leader Newspaper. She added that she was contacted by a citizen asking why the Jacksonville Historical District Museum is not open. Council Member Mashburn noted she cannot address it since she is no longer with the Jacksonville HistoricaJ Museum, as per the Mayor. Mayor Elmore clarified he did not ask her to step down; she did voluntarily. City Attorney Friedman brought up that it is all on video. 5 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 7, 2024 6:00 P.M. -7:13 P.M. Mayor Elmore explained there were activities taking place at the museum that were illegal, resulting in it is being closed and investigated. He recalled Council Member Mashburn and her brother stepping down from that leadership role. He told how there are discussions between the remaining Board Members of the museum and the Jacksonville Military Museum of a possible joining of the two to keep everything the Historical Museum had done alive. He surmised the last time the museum was open was in September. Discussion ensued regarding the funds collected by the Museum, where City Clerk Davitt confirmed they are not the responsibility of the City, but are strictly under the Jacksonville Historical District. When asked, Mayor Elmore responded that much of the contents were on loan or donated. When Council Member Kinman inquired about the illegal activities that occurred, he did not want to get into details, but noted that most of it was in the newspaper and anyone who would like to know more is welcome to come see him, or can send a FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) request. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Council Member Dietz recognized the Wastewater Utility personnel, the Fire Department, and the Director of Economic Development for the great jobs they do. He then listed the minimum water bills for 2023 as $53.34, 2024 as $62.79, and 2025 as $64.56, noting the totals are for inside city residential customers and include water, wastewater, and sanitation services. He related that for the services and the quality of water you receive, it is fabulous. Mayor Elmore announced as of 1:00 p.m., the Arkansas Department of Transportation renamed Highway 67/167 to be Interstate 57 that will run from North Little Rock to Walnut Ridge, then eventually to St. Louis, Missouri and Chicago, Illinois. Council Member McCleary related there was a good turnout of kids at the Trunk or Treat event and thanked the Parks and Recreation Department. ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor E1more adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:13p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully, 6 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 21, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:25 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 November 21, 2024 at their regular meeting place. Council Member Bolden delivered the invocation and Mayor Elmore led a standing audience in the "Pledge of Allegiance.u ROLL CALL: City Council Members: Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, and Kinman answered ROLL CALL. Mayor Elmore also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT EIGHT (8) ABSENT TWO (2). Council Members Mashburn and Rains were absent. Others present for the meeting were: Fire Chief Alan Laughy, Police Chief Brett Hibbs, Director of 911 Tabby Hughes, Finance Director Laura Collie, Human Resource Director Charlette Nelson, CDBG Director Michelle Spencer, Director of Engineering and Public Works Adam Whitlow, Assistant City Clerk Emilia Vazquez, IT Director Brian Harvey, Tina Hibbs, Wyatt Elmore, Jim Moore, Katrina Mimms, Tanner Ruple, Michael LaBron, Trenika McCoy, and Addie Gibson. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES : Mayor Elmore presented the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of November 7, 2024 for approval and/or correction at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting. APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES: Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member McCleary that the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of October 17, 2024 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: FIRE DEPARTMENT REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to approve the regular monthly report for October 2024, reflecting a fire loss of $209,000.00 and a savings total of $541,000.00. POLICE DEPARTMENT REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to approve the regular monthly report for October 2024 regarding annual crime statistical comparisons. CODE ENFORCEMENT REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to approve the regular monthly report for October 2024. Assigned Calls 64 Demolition by City 2 Self-Initiated Calls 156 Demolition by Owner 1 Follow Up Inspections 434 Parking Violations 11 Complied after Notice 186 Garbage Cans Tagged 4 Three Day Notice 41 Basketball Goals 0 Seven Day Letter 220 Structures Inspected 654 Citation Letters Mailed 18 Apartment Complexes Inspected 0 Citations Issued 8 Red Tags Issued 6 Vehicles Tagged 52 Search Warrants 0 1 . l Vehicles Towed Unsafe Structures Tagged Structures Condemned Structures Rehabbed l 0 0 0 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 21, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:25 P.M. Grass Mowed Signs Removed Shopping Carts ANI~ SERVICES REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT 45 0 0 Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to approve the regular monthly report for October 2024. ADOPTION FEES $ 2,035.00 SPAY/NEUTER FOR ADOPTED DOGS 1,925.00 Paid by the City of Jacksonville 1,925.00 Best Friends Animal Rescue Grant Paid for by Best Friends FINES 2,185.87 CONTRIBUTIONS 6,708.50 TOTAL $ 6,969.37 ROLL CALL: Council Member: Dietz , Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss , Twitty, and Kinman voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. WATER DEPARTMENT: WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT: FIRE DEPARTMENT: POLICE DEPARTMENT: STREET DEPARTMENT : SANITATION DEPARTMENT: PARKS & RECREATION: PLANNING COMMISSION: ORDINANCE 1769 (#22-2024) AN ORDINANCE RECLASSIFYING PROPERTY IN THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS (PARCEL LOCATED AT 300 NOBLE ROAD); AMENDING ORDINANCE NOS. 213 AND 238 AND THE LAND USE MAP OF THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE , ARKANSAS; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Council Member Dietz stated this lot has been up for sale for quite a while, is surrounded by nothing but mobile homes, and the potential buyers want to put a mobile home on it. Mayor Elmore noted it was annexed into the City many years ago with mobile homes present, but as R-0. He pointed out it is located in the southeast part of the City near Valentine Road. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden to place Ordinance 1769 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, and Kinman voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon Mayor Elmore read the heading of Ordinance 1769 . 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 21, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:25 P.M. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden to APPROVE Ordinance 17 69 on FIRST READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1769 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, and Kinman voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Ray to APPROVE Ordinance 1769 on SECOND READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1769 on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, and Kinman voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member Twitty moved, seconded by Council Member Ray to APPROVE AND ADOPT Ordinance 1769 in its entirety. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, and Kinman voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member McCleary that the EMERGENCY CLAUSE be approved and adopted. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, and Kinman voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. ORDINANCE 1769 (#22-2024) APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 218T DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2024. COMMITTEE (S) : GENERAL: a. PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCE 1768 (#21-2024) 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 6:07 p.m., and with no one requesting to speak, it was closed at approx~ately 6:07 p.m. Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Ray to place Ordinance 1768 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, and Kinman voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon Mayor Elmore read the heading of Ordinance 1768. Code Enforcement Supervisor Marissa Barger confirmed these are for lawn abatements done throughout the season. Council Men~er Dietz brought up that this equals $34,250.00 and the City has to pay to contract the mowing out. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden to APPROVE Ordinance 17 68 on FIRST READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1768 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, and Kinman voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. 3 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 21, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:25 P.M. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden to APPROVE Ordinance 17 68 on SECOND READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1768 on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, and Kinman voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Ra,y to APPROVE AND ADOPT Ordinance 1768 in its entirety. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, and Kinman 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, and Kinman voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. ORDINANCE 1768 (#21-2024) APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 218T DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2024. b. PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCE 1770 (#23-2024) 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. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Sansing to place Ordinance 1770 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, and Kinman voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon Mayor E1more read the heading of Ordinance 1770. Mayor Elmore opened the public hearing at approximately 6:12p.m., and with no one requesting to speak, he closed it at approximately 6:12 p.m. Mayor Elmore related that the old movie theater demolition cos ted the City $35,000.00, but we have recouped all of it, so we are able to do more condemning. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Sansing to APPROVE Ordinance 17 7 0 on FIRST READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1770 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, and Kinman voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Sansing to APPROVE Ordinance 1770 on SECOND READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1770 on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, and Kinman voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden to APPROVE AND ADOPT Ordinance 1770 in its entirety. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, and Kinman voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. 4 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 21, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:25 P.M. Council Member Sansing moved, seconded by Council Member Ray that the EMERGENCY CLAUSE be approved and adopted. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, and Kinman voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. ORDINANCE 1770 (#23-2024) APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 21ST DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2024. c. ORDINANCE 1767 (#20-2024) AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A FISCAL BUDGET FOR 2025; MAKING APPROPRIATIONS AND AUTHORIZING EXPENDITURES FOR OPERATION OF VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS OF CITY GOVERNMENT; FOR THE PURCHASE OF MATERIALS, SUPPLIES, EQUIPMENT, AND SERVICES COVERING GENERAL FUND OPERATIONS, STREET FUND, EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES FUND, SHOOTING RANGE FUND, AND SANITATION FUND; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Council Member McCleary moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden to place Ordinance 1767 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, and Kinman voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon Mayor Elmore read the heading of Ordinance 1767. Mayor Elmore stated they have already had time of discussion on this and asked if there were any other final questions. Councj1 Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Bolden to APPROVE Ordinance 17 67 on FIRST READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1767 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, and Kinman voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member McCleary to APPROVE Ordinance 17 67 on SECOND READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1767 on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, and Kinman voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member McCleary to APPROVE AND ADOPT Ordinance 1767 in its entirety. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, and Kinman voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member McCleary that the EMERGENCY CLAUSE be approved and adopted. ROLL CALL: Council Member Dietz, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, and Kinman voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. ORDINANCE 1767 (#20-2024) APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 216T DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2024. APPOINTMENTS: UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NEW BUSINESS: 5 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 21, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:25 P.M. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mayor Elmore invited citizens to stick around after the Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 7th to attend the Christmas tree lighting and other activities near the Farmers Market and Community Center. Council Member Dietz read a letter he received from a citizen asking the status of when Jacksonville will be getting pickleball courts. Mayor Elmore confirmed there are already plans to put two pickleball courts where the old skate park was on the slab near the Farmers Market. Council Member Moss noted, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, that he is thankful for the service and leadership of Council Members Bolden, Sansing, Mashburn, and Rains who will be going off Council next year. Mayor Elmore announced that Council Member Sansing's wife had passed away and requested prayers for he and his family during this time. Citizen Tanner Ruple noted that today Dupree Park was recognized on a national level for the USSSA Complex of the Year and Parks and Recreation's Athletics Manager & Adult Sports Coordinator Joe Stoute was recognized as the Southwest Region Hero for all of his work on the Autism Awareness Tournament that benefited Pathfinders. ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Elmore adjourned the meeting at approximately 6:25p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully, k-Treasurer 6 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 5, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:16 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 December 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: Bolden, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, and Kinman an s wered ROLL CALL. Mayor Elmore also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT SEVEN (7) ABSENT THREE (3). Council Member McCleary arrived at approximately 6:11 p.m. Council Members Dietz, Mashburn, and Rains were absent. Others present for the meeting were: Fire Chief Alan Laughy, Police Chief Brett Hibbs, Communications Director Emily Sundermeier, Finance Director Laura Collie, Director of Engineering and Public Works Adam Whitlow, Assistant r.ity Clerk Emilia Vazquez, IT Director Brian Harvey, Kathy Perez, Michelle Elmore, Chris Erkel, Jim Moore, Tanner Ruple, Katrina Mimms, Trenika McCoy, and Addie Gibson. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Elmore presented the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of November 21, 2024 for approval and/or correction at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting. APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES: Council Member Twitty moved, seconded by Council Member Kinman that the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of November 7, 2024 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to approve the regular monthly report for November 2024. PERMITS/LICENSE ISSUED Building Permits Business License 16 INSPECTIONS PERFORMED Building Inspections Electrical Plumbing HVACR 38 63 73 41 ROLL CALL: Council Member: Bolden, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, and Kinman voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. WATER DEPARTMENT: WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT: FIRE DEPARTMENT: POLICE DEPARTMENT: STREET DEPARTMENT: SANITATION DEPARTMENT: PARKS & RECREATION: PLANNING COMMISSION: COMMITTEE(S): ADDITION/DEVIATION TO AGENDA: CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 5, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:16 P.M. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Council Member Recognition Mayor Elmore related that Council Member McCleary is on his way and is needed to pass the ordinance on the agenda, therefore, he would like to deviate and present plaques. He announced there are two present, out of the four council members who are leaving City Council, and presented the plaques to Council Members Sansing and Bolden in appreciation of their service. Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Mayor Elmore announced that Saturday at 3:00 p.m. on Main Street is our Annual Christmas Parade. He noted 4:30 p.m. at the Farmers Market will have family activities including hot cocoa, High School choir singing, and crafts, and the tree lighting will be at 5:30 p.m. He related that if you are in the parade, staging is going to start around 12:00 p.m. Pickleball Update Parks and Recreation Director Kevin House confirmed plans to put pickleball courts where the old skate park was, noting he has quotes on tiling or painting the court to compare prices and go from there. He shared his plan to have two courts with seating and lights. Parks and Recreation Awards Director House mentioned getting an award for their Autism Awareness Tournament, which they already have a date set for next years'. He explained that it is a benefit tournament for Pathfinders and they won the USSSA Slow Pitch Event of the Year for the southwest region, which includes seven states. He added that Dupree Park was awarded the National Complex of the Year from USSSA. RESUME AGENDA: GENERAL: ORDINANCE 1771 (#24-2024) AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE 2024 FISCAL BUDGET; MAKING MODIFIED APPROPRIATIONS AND AUTHORIZING EXPENDITURES FOR OPERATION OF VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS OF CITY GOVERNMENT AND THE PURCHASE OF !-m.TERIALS, SUPPLIES , EQUIPMENT, AND SERVICES ; COVERING GENERAL FUND OPERATIONS; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Twitty to place Ordinance 1771 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, and Kinman voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Friedman read the heading of Ordinance 1771. Mayor Elmore noted this is not an amendment to the 2025 budget that was just passed, but is for the current 2024 budget since there was a deviation of 5%± requiring an amendment by state statute. He confirmed it was a good deviation though, with the Street Department and Loop Road crossing funding coming in. Council Member Ray moved, seconded by Council Member Sansing to APPROVE Ordinance 17 71 on FIRST READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1771 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, and Kinman voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 5, 2024 6:00 P.M. -6:16 P.M. Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Ray to APPROVE Ordinance 17 71 on SECOND READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1771 on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Council Member Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, and Kinman voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. Council Member Bolden moved, seconded by Council Member Ray to APPROVE AND ADOPT Ordinance 1771 in its entirety. ROLL CALL: Council Member Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Moss, Twitty, and Kinman voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. ORDINANCE 1771 (#24-2024) APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS STB DAY OF DECEMBER, 2024. APPOINTMENTS: UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NEW BUSINESS: ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Elmore adjourned the meeting at approximately 6:16 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully, 3