13 APR 18CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 18, 2013
7:00 P.M. – 7:29 P.M.
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING - CITY HALL - #1 MUNICIPAL DRIVE
The City Council of the City of
Jacksonville, Arkansas met in regular session on April 18, 2013 at the regular meeting place of the City Council. Alderman Howard delivered the invocation and Vice Mayor Elliott led
a standing audience in the “Pledge of Allegiance” to the flag.
ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Bolden, Sansing Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Robinson, and Howard answered roll call. Vice
Mayor Elliott also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT NINE (9), ABSENT (1). Alderman McCleary and Mayor Fletcher were absent.
Others present for the meeting were: Finance
Director Cheryl Erkel, Police Chief Gary Sipes, IT Director Barbara McDaniel, City Engineer Whisker, Director of Administration Jim Durham, Human Resource Director Jill Ross, Public
Works Director Jim Oakley, Fire Chief Alan Laughy, CDBG Director Theresa Watson, Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Kevin House, 911 Communications Director Tabby Hughes, Code Enforcement
Officer Charley Jenkins, Water Department Superintendent Jake Short, Johnny Simpson, Jim Moore, Ivory Tillman, Addie Gibson, Water Commission Chairman Jim Peacock, Water Department Field
Supervisor Sal Pappalardo, interested citizens, and members of the press.
PRESENTATION OF MINUTES:
Vice Mayor Elliott presented the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of
April 4, 2013 for approval and/or correction at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting.
APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES:
Alderman Howard moved, seconded by Alderman
Ray that the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of 21 March 2013 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED.
CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/POLICE DEPARTMENT
Alderman Ray moved,
seconded by Alderman Bolden to approve the Regular Monthly Report for March 2013 regarding annual crime statistical comparisons.
Code Enforcement for March 2013
Assigned Calls
67
Self Initiated Calls 210
Follow ups 227 Basketball Goals 0
Meetings/Court Hearings 152 Structures Inspected 10
Citations/Warnings Issued 0 Rental Properties Inspected
2
Notices/Letters Written 31 Properties Red Tagged 6 Vehicles Tagged 5 Search Warrants Served 0
Vehicles Towed 0 Structures Rehabbed 1
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 18, 2013
7:00 P.M. – 7:29 P.M.
Lots posted 0 Structures Condemned 1
Signs removed 71 Houses Demolished by City
1
Trash cans tagged 6 Houses Demolished by Owner 0
Parking Violations 31
Grass Letters 0
Grass Mowed 0
REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/FIRE DEPARTMENT
Alderman Ray moved,
seconded by Alderman Bolden to approve the regular monthly report for March 2013 from the Jacksonville Fire Department, reflecting a fire loss of $20,400.00 and a savings total of $102,600.00.
ROLL
CALL: Aldermen: Bolden, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Robinson, and Howard voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED.
WATER DEPARTMENT:
WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT:
FIRE DEPARTMENT:
POLICE
DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCE 1483 (#14-2013)
AN ORDINANCE CONDEMNING STRUCTURES AND REAL PROPERTIES AT THE LOCATIONS NOTED BELOW IN JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS, FOR STRUCTURAL DEFECTS,
DEFICIENCIES, AND PUBLIC HAZARD CONDITIONS; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Vice Mayor Elliott opened the public hearing at approximately 7:02 p.m.
Code Enforcement
Officer Charley Jenkins offered a PowerPoint presentation of 116 Pulaski Drive and 10016 Shannon Drive. He related unsuccessful efforts to contact the owner of 116 Pulaski. He reviewed
the specific circumstances that have caused the house to be proposed for condemnation. He then answered that the house has not had water service since 2011, noting that when there was
water service it was under the previous owner’s name. He stated that the house appears to have been abandoned, explaining that a neighbor told him that he was not aware of how to contact
the owner.
Police Chief Sipes addressed the City Council explaining that a house in this condition is not only an aesthetic issue for the neighborhood but that it also attracts the
criminal element. He explained that such houses are often used to hide stolen property as well as being used as a drug house. He stated that it is not just the structure being considered,
it is also the nuisance issues.
It was noted that the City mowed the property last year and currently there is a lien on the property filed by the City.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 18, 2013
7:00 P.M. – 7:29 P.M.
Code Enforcement Officer Jenkins noted that during the winter snowstorm a limb fell and tore the
electrical box off from the house, adding that the City had Entergy come out to make sure there was no power to the house that could constitute a fire hazard.
Alderman Bolden cited
the importance of making sure that all efforts have been exhausted to contact the owners of any houses being proposed for condemnation.
Police Chief Sipes offered that the owner’s
name is run through Pulaski County records as well as other efforts to go the extra mile to locate any and all owners.
Alderman Bolden assured Chief Sipes that he is satisfied all
efforts are made to contact owners, explaining that he wanted a statement for public record that the City has done all it can to notify owners’ of condemned properties.
Code Enforcement
Officer Jenkins then reviewed the conditions at 10016 Shannon Drive including extensive structural damage and infestation of rodents.
No one from the audience offered to address the
City Council regarding either 116 Pulaski Drive or 10016 Shannon Drive.
In response to a question posed by Alderman Ray, Code Enforcement Officer Jenkins explained that he was contacted
by the son of Annette Lowmack, owner of 10016 Shannon Drive, but has been unable to reach him at the number he left in his message.
Alderman Ray offered to contact Ms. Lowmack.
Vice
Mayor Elliott closed the public hearing at approximately 7:17 p.m.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden to place Ordinance 1483 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Bolden,
Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Robinson, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Clerk Davitt read the heading of Ordnance 1483 (#14-2013).
Alderman
Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden to accept Ordinance 1483 on FIRST READING and suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1483 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Bolden, Sansing,
Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Robinson, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Clerk Davitt read the heading of Ordnance 1483 (#14-2013).
Alderman Ray moved,
seconded by Alderman Robinson to further suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1483 on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Bolden, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Robinson,
and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Clerk Davitt read the heading of Ordnance 1483 (#14-2013).
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 18, 2013
7:00 P.M. – 7:29 P.M.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden that Ordinance 1483 be APPROVED AND ADOPTED.
ROLL CALL: Aldermen Bolden, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Robinson, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED.
Alderman Bolden moved, seconded by Alderman Ray that the
EMERGENCY CLAUSE be approved and adopted. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Bolden, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Robinson, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED.
ORDINANCE 1483
(#14-2013) APPROVED AND ADOTED THIS 18TH DAY OF APRIL, 2013
STREET DEPARTMENT:
SANITATION DEPARTMENT:
PARKS & RECREATION: Request to increase Petty Cash
Finance Director Cheryl
Erkel stated that currently Parks has $200.00 in petty cash but are having difficulty being able to make change for customers especially at night and on the weekends. She added that
they are proposing to increase the petty cash to $400.00 to address those needs.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden to increase Parks and Recreation petty cash from $200.00
to $400.00 as requested. MOTION CARRIED.
PLANNING COMMISSION: FINAL PLAT Jaxon Terrace PH 9
City Engineer Whisker related that this phase of Jaxon Terrace is located at the end of
Puritan Drive, explaining that it continues and will back up to the area on Mesquite. He stated that the developer has posted a bond for $96,000.00 to cover improvements that are not
quite finished yet. He explained that the recent rains have delayed progress, noting that this phase lacks the rock, asphalt and sidewalks.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman
Bolden to approve phase 9 of the Jaxon Terrace Subdivision as requested. MOTION CARRIED with Alderman Robinson abstaining.
GENERAL: ORDINANCE 1484 (#15-2013)
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING
THE 2013 FISCAL BUDGET; MAKING MODIFIED APPROPRIATIONS AND AUTHORIZING EXPENDITURES FOR OPERATION OF VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS OF CITY GOVERNMENT AND THE PURCHASE OF MATERIALS, SUPPLIES, EQUIPMENT,
AND SERVICES; COVERING GENERAL FUND OPERATIONS; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 18, 2013
7:00 P.M. – 7:29 P.M.
Finance Director Cheryl Erkel explained that several years ago former Finance Director Paul Mushrush
had combined the DEA Forfeiture and the Sixth Judicial Drug fund monies into the General Fund per reporting purposes for the CAFR. She then explained that according to accounting standards
those monies cannot commingle with other funds. This Ordinance will provide that the DEA and the Six Judicial funds are taken out of the General Fund and placed into separate accounts
for each of those perspective monies. She stated that she is also requesting permission for the Mayor and City Clerk to open separate accounts for those funds.
Discussion ensued and
it was noted that a separate motion would be necessary to open those accounts.
Alderman Bolden moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to place Ordinance 1484 on FIRST READING.
In response
to a question posed by Alderman Traylor, Finance Director Cheryl Erkel answered that the DEA and the Six Judicial were separate line items under the General Fund, explaining that those
expenditures and matching revenues along with the fund balance were removed from the GF total.
Discussion ensued that some of the balances were moved so that would appear to affect
the totals in the original budget.
ROLL CALL: Aldermen Bolden, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Robinson, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Clerk
Davitt read the heading of Ordnance 1484 (#15-2013).
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden to accept Ordinance 1484 on FIRST READING and suspend the rules and place Ordinance
1484 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Bolden, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Robinson, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Clerk Davitt read
the heading of Ordnance 1484 (#15-2013).
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden to further suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1484 on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL CALL:
Aldermen Bolden, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Robinson, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Clerk Davitt read the heading of Ordnance 1484 (#15-2013).
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden that Ordinance 1484 be APPROVED AND ADOPTED. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Bolden, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Robinson, and Howard
voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden that the EMERGENCY CLAUSE be approved and adopted. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Bolden, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn,
Traylor, Twitty, Robinson, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 18, 2013
7:00 P.M. – 7:29 P.M.
ORDINANCE 1484 (#15-2013) APPROVED AND ADOTED THIS 18TH DAY OF APRIL, 2013
APPOINTMENT(S): WATER
COMMISSION
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden to approve the reappointment of Jim Peacock to the Water Commission for a term to expire 4/20/2021. MOTION CARRIED.
ADDITION
TO AGENDA: AUTHORIZTION TO OPEN TWO NEW BANK ACCOUNTS
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden to suspend the rules and place the item of opening two new bank accounts on the
agenda. MOTION CARRIED.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Twitty to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the necessary documents to open two accounts for DEA Forfeiture
Funds and the Sixth Judicial Drug Money Funds. MOTION CARRIED.
ANNOUNCEMENT(S): Vice Mayor Elliott announced that unused or expired medications can be turned in for safe disposal
at the Jacksonville Police Department on Marshall Road on Saturday, April 27th between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
He then announced that the intersection of Pulaski and Graham Road will
be closed for 10 days starting April 29th to complete construction of a concrete drive.
ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Vice Mayor Elliott adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:29
p.m. MOTION CARRIED.
Respectfully,
________________________ _________________________
Susan L. Davitt MAYOR GARY FLETCHER
City Clerk-Treasurer