Loading...
13 DEC 10CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 10, 2013 7:00 P.M. – 7:50 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 December 10, 2013 at the regular meeting place of the City Council. Alderman Bolden delivered the invocation and Mayor Fletcher led a standing audience in the “Pledge of Allegiance” to the flag. ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Robinson, and Howard answered roll call. Mayor Fletcher also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT TEN (10), ABSENT (0). Others present for the meeting were: City Attorney Robert Bamburg, Finance Director Cheryl Erkel, City Engineer Jay Whisker, Director of Administration Jim Durham, Public Works Director Jim Oakley, Police Chief Gary Sipes, Parks and Recreation Director Kevin House, CDBG Director Theresa Watson, Fire Chief Alan Laughy, 911 Communications Director Tabby Hughes, Planning Commissioner Jim Moore, Bob and Helen Stroud, Ivory Tillman, Emily Farris, Gwendolyn Harper, Phillip Carlisle, interested citizens, and members of the press. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Fletcher presented the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of November 21, 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 Traylor that the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of 7 November 2013 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden to approve the regular monthly report for November 2013. PERMITS/LICENSE ISSUED INSPECTIONS PERFORMED Building Permits 2 Building Inspections 24 Business Licenses 7 Electrical 19 Plumbing 28 HVACR 19 REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT ANIMAL CONTROL Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden to approve the regular monthly report for November 2013. ADOPTIONS FINES/FEES $ 3,570.00 CONTRIBUTIONS $ 80.00 TOTAL $ 3,650.00 ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Robinson, and Howard voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 10, 2013 7:00 P.M. – 7:50 P.M. WATER DEPARTMENT: WASTEWATER DEPARTMENTS: FIRE DEPARTMENT: POLICE DEPARTMENT: STREET DEPARTMENT: SANITATION DEPARTMENT: PARKS & RECREATION: PLANNING COMMISSION: GENERAL: a. PRESENTATION Martin Luther King Commission – Emily Farris Ms. Emily Farris, Program Coordinator of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission and Mr. Ivory Tillman, President of the Jacksonville Chapter of the NAACP, addressed the City Council. Ms. Farris explained the Commission is hosting an event called the MLK Community Empowerment Summit and carnival in honor of the Holiday. She related that the event will be held January 20th at the Jacksonville Boys and Girls Club starting at 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. She stated that the purpose of bringing this event to Jacksonville is to offer job resources, educational resources, and home-owner information. She added that a carnival featuring a petting zoo will be hosted for the youth in attendance. She noted that there will be free food and the event is free and open to the public. She introduced Mr. Ivory Tillman, noting that they will also have a scrap-booking contest along with a City wide cleanup. She stated that the MLK Commission is partnering with the Jacksonville NAACP Branch to host this event for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. Mr. Tillman stated that on behalf of the Jacksonville NAACP and its President Ms. Gwendolyn Harper, he would like to invite everyone to attend. He noted that he hopes the weather is as good as last year’s event, explaining that the event was a success. He stated that there were many elderly and handicapped residents that were thankful for the help cleaning up following last year’s storm. He stated that in partnering with the City of Jacksonville they hope to have the same success this year. He added that the schools are involved and will participate in the cleanup, noting that the cleanup will begin around noon followed by lunch at the Boys and Girls Club and the other planned programs beginning at 2:00 p.m. He asked that everyone who can participate. He stated that the scrap-booking contest will be on Dr. King’s life, working through the schools, they will present the children’s projects to be judged. He stated that they are asking the City Council to help make the presentation to the winner. He stated that this is in efforts to solidify the City of Jacksonville, remembering that when he first moved to Jacksonville in 2000, it seemed there were two parts to Jacksonville. He reiterated that this is to solidify the City and make sure that everyone knows their role in their City. He stated that they want to have the minorities involved in the activities of their City. He pointed out that they have been able to accomplish a lot but CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 10, 2013 7:00 P.M. – 7:50 P.M. they want to continue to do more. He noted that the Mayor has been very helpful and he would like to invite the City Council to become involved. He stated that it takes everyone to make the City of Jacksonville a place where we all want to live and have our children and grandchildren to grow up. He concluded saying that they would return back to the City Council with more details regarding the scrapbooking contest scheduled for January 20th. He thanked the City Council for their time. Ms. Farris added that they would like the City Council members to present the contest winners with a $50.00 savings gift card, emphasizing the importance of saving money and to help them get started. She explained that they have a sponsor from First Arkansas Bank and Trust who will present the accounts. DEVIATION IN AGENDA: EFFORTS REGARDING THE WET/DRY ISSUE Mr. Phillip Carlisle reported that the Chamber of Commerce is currently in the process of gathering signatures, explaining that in order to do away with the Gray Township they need 38% of registered voters inside the Gray Township to have the issue placed on the ballot. He explained that earlier the Niemeyers and Bransums were going to lead the efforts but have since dissolved, adding that he, Terra Smith, and Ivory Tillman have started an action community with the Chamber of Commerce to help gather the signatures. He noted that the group has attended all public and community events to gather signatures, but added that it has not been as effective as hoped because many attendants are not registered voters. He stated that with the help of Jay Whisker they got a City map that broken down into 41 separate neighborhoods, explaining that there goal is to assign one neighborhood captain who could find street captains to gather signatures in their neighborhood. He stated that while the numbers are not astronomical, it is astronomical to get volunteers to gather the signatures. He stated that they have about 1,300 signatures, which is approximately 27% of what is needed to have the issue placed on the ballot. He stated that the real benefit is to the City so he is asking the City Council to participate. He emphasized that the passage of this issue would be of the greatest benefit to the City. He stated that he knows City employees cannot be asked to do this on City time, but it is the City who is the benefactor. He stated that if each City Council member got 100 signatures it would be 1,000 signatures which would be another 20%. He related that the Commerce Corp. donated $20,000.00 for the campaign, explaining that they are paying canvassers $2.00 per signature. He noted that they have door hangers, signs, and they have purchased ads in the newspapers. He stressed the need for additional volunteers. He stated that if every City employee got one sheet of signatures the campaign would be done. He thanked the City Council for their time. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 10, 2013 7:00 P.M. – 7:50 P.M. Alderman Ray noted that all the residents involved with his community meeting signed the petition. He related that he was surprised at the number of people outside the City limits that are eligible to sign the petition. Alderman Bolden stated that while the issue is controversial for him because he is a pastor, he would like to point out that the real issue is tax dollars. He stated that a lot of pastors and companies form Little Rock are trying to stop Jacksonville from being able to pass this issue, explaining that outsiders are trying to stop Jacksonville from getting those tax dollars. He noted that North Little Rock has plenty of restaurants serving alcohol that are frequented by all kinds of people who do not drink. He stated that he does not drink and he preaches against drinking but the tax dollars are needed for Jacksonville. Other cities are able to benefit from having restaurants that sell alcohol; Jacksonville should be able to benefit from the same source of tax dollars. He urged everyone to help get signatures to assure that Jacksonville gets its share of tax dollars. He stated that he is against alcohol but he is not against the tax dollars that would benefit Jacksonville. RESUME AGENDA: b. ORDINANCE 1505 (#36-2013) AN ORDINANCE MODIFYING JACKSONVILLE MUNICIPAL CODE §3.04.060 (SUPPLEMENTAL TAX); DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden that Ordinance 1505 be placed on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Robinson, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1505. Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden to APPROVE Ordinance 1505 on FIRST READING. Mayor Fletcher explained that Ordinance 1505 raises the drink tax collected on alcohol from 5% to 10%, which is in line with what other cities are collecting. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Robinson, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1505. Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden to suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1505 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Robinson, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1505. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 10, 2013 7:00 P.M. – 7:50 P.M. Alderman Sansing moved, seconded by Alderman Robinson to further suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1505 on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Robinson, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1505. Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing that Ordinance 1505 be APPROVED AND ADOPTED. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Robinson, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Alderman McCleary moved, seconded by Alderman Ray that the EMERGENCY CLAUSE be approved and adopted. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Robinson, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. c. ORDINANCE 1506 (#37-2013) AN ORDINANCE MODIFYING JACKSONVILLE MUNICIPAL CODE § 3.08 (PURCHASE PROCEDURES); DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. City Attorney Bamburg related that Act 1189 of 2013 allowed for an increase regarding the limits that were set by the State for purchases that are made by government entities. He stated that the changes match the increases that were approved by the legislature earlier this year. He continued saying that it went into effect August 31, 2013. He stated that in order for Jacksonville to use the new limits it needs to be adopted by Ordinance to change the purchasing manual. Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden that Ordinance 1505 be placed on FIRST READING. Alderman Traylor clarified with City Attorney Bamburg that the City is not mandated to change its current limits. City Attorney Bamburg then answered that part of the reason the State approved new limits was to approve increases for businesses that were minority owned businesses, adding that it was also applicable to government entities. He stated that the City Council would have to modify the current code for this to be applied to the City of Jacksonville purchasing practices. He went on to advise that if not approve the current limits would remain in place. City Attorney Bamburg then answered Alderman Robinson that the amount could be any amount between what is currently in place and what is allowed by State law up to $50,000.00 or $10,000.00 as outlined in Sections two and one. He noted that some of the sections would no longer be applicable if the Ordinance is adopted. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, voted AYE (5). Alderman Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Robinson, and Howard voted NAY (5). Mayor Fletcher voted AYE to break the tie. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1506. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 10, 2013 7:00 P.M. – 7:50 P.M. Alderman Ray moved to APPROVE Ordinance 1506 on FIRST READING and suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1506 on SECOND READING. MOTION DIES FOR LACK OF A SECOND. d. Proposed 2014 Budget Mayor Fletcher expressed his appreciation to Finance Director Cheryl Erkel and Human Resource Director Jill Ross, noting their time and commitment to producing a balanced budget. He also noted the contributions of all the Department heads and Directors saying that everyone has worked very hard. He stated that it is a tight budget but it is the same song that most cities are singing. He related that the economy has still not moved to where it needs to be. He stated that it is a good budget that will provide the services that our citizens are accustomed to and at the same quality and level. Finance Director Cheryl Erkel noted that the preliminary budget had the original department request before the Directors went back and reviewed for cuts. She stated that this is a balanced proposed budget. Mayor Fletcher clarified that all cities present an unbalanced preliminary budget as part of the process, which was not different for Jacksonville. He stated that he felt there was a lot of concern, noting that it was a working budget. He stated that the first meeting in December the City Council is always given a balanced budget anything but this was part of the process. Finance Director Erkel noted that the budget will be brought back at the end of December for a formal vote. She stated that after cuts from the Department Directors and further cuts she and Mayor Fletcher made the budget is balanced. She noted the working binder that holds all the Departmental line items, offering that anyone wishing to discuss specifics could see her anytime. She offered the following notes regarding the 2014 Budget: GENERAL FUND Estimated Revenues and Expenditures are $22,011,653 Increase in revenues are due to $850,000 donations from Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation, drink tax will increase by $40,000 with passage of Ordinance 1505, County sales tax is estimated at .5% increase, and City sales tax is estimated to increase by 1.8% over 2013. In response to a question from Alderman Traylor, Finance Director Erkel noted that in years past she would estimate the sales tax at a 2% increase overall. She added that this year the County sales tax has not increased at all, which is why she only estimated a .5% increase. She stated that she was conservative with the City sales CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 10, 2013 7:00 P.M. – 7:50 P.M. tax estimating it below 2% also. She then answered Alderman Robinson that she has included the increase in Drink tax but it is counted separately from the sales tax. Fire Department has applied for a FEMA grant to purchase a new fire engine. This has increased the revenues by $687,201 and expenditures by $692,351. The $98,941 difference will be a transfer in from the Capital Equipment Fund. She noted that if the for any reason the grant is not received the expenditure will not occur. Transfers outs are $290,000 to EMS for cash flow purposes and $200,000 to Capital Improvement to replenish the transfer of funds to balance the 2013 budget. There will be no cost of living/annual raise for employees this year. This budget was balanced without any layoffs, or furloughs. We will not fill 6 vacant positions that will be open after the beginning of the year. The following benefits are being cut: Clothing allowance ($20,246), Tuition Reimbursement ($20,000) Longevity pay ($88,000), and degree incentive pay ($28,800). The employee portion for health insurance has increased to $72 single and $150 family per month. Previously, the employee withholds were $0 single and $115 family. The debt service department includes the following loan payments: 9-1-1 Equipment $417,863 (after renegotiating the pay back agreement with Motorola), Capital Improvements $732,693, and Shooting Range $720,178. Estimating we will use $740,197 in Fund balance in order to balance the General Fund. STREET FUND Estimated revenues and expenditures are $2,179,758. Increase in revenue will come from the Safe Routes to School grant. Increase in expenditures is due to sidewalks and drainage projects. The next two Funds are Enterprise Funds that operate on an accrual basis. Their revenues do not have to match their expenditures. Although, we strive to get as close as possible. The difference is offset by their fund balance. SANITATION FUND Estimated revenues are $1,816,500. Estimated expenditures are $1,785,914. Increase in revenues will come from sanitation fees. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 10, 2013 7:00 P.M. – 7:50 P.M. EMS Fund Estimated revenues are $1,204,001. Estimated expenditures are $1,181,148. Expenses will increase due to purchase of new software and training. Alderman Sansing noted that while it was a difficult budget it is a balanced budget and a lot of credit should be given to Finance Director Erkel and the Department heads. Alderman Bolden noted that six vacant slots will not be filled but the work load will remain the same, saying that he applauds the employees for stepping up their efforts. Mayor Fletcher stated that it hurts when you are not in a position to give those who work so hard 365 days a year a raise, the employees who do help make the quality of life in the community what it is. He stated that this is the first year and Jacksonville has given raises when surrounding cities did not. He went on to say that it is always the intention to take care of the employees, adding that the Census count really hurt. He stated that hopefully in the next two years we will be in a position to have a mid-term Census count. He stated that one thing that will help is the wet/dry issue that has hurt Jacksonville’s ability to compete for better restaurants. He stated that he is hopeful that this year will be a good year, saying that there are things in the works that he is not able to reveal yet, but he is comfortable in saying that in the next few months there should be some good developments. He noted that after January 1st cities will receive more information from the Arkansas Finance & Administration regarding the NAICS numbers data, which in the past hindered Ricky Hayes. He stated that while it is not as detailed as Oklahoma’s but it will help. He noted that another piece of legislation that will help allows cities to partner with private enterprise to reclaim older commercial property that does not generate the revenue it could if it were new. He stated that it is a good budget and is ready for the City Council to review. He then noted that there is only one week before the City Council meets for its second meeting in December. He noted that the budget has to be passed by February 1st, saying that if it is not passed by the end of the year it creates a booking problem. He stated that when he first came on the City Council 34 years ago he can remember having budget meetings on New Year’s Eve Day in the afternoon. APPOINTMENT(S): CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 10, 2013 7:00 P.M. – 7:50 P.M. ANNOUNCEMENT(S): Jacksonville Christmas Parade Saturday, December 14th starting at 1:00 p.m. and City Hall Christmas Open House will be Friday, December 13th from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Fletcher adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:50 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully, ________________________ _________________________ Susan L. Davitt MAYOR GARY FLETCHER City Clerk-Treasurer