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91 AUG 1.docCITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 1, 1991 7:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING - CITY HALL - #1 INDUSTRIAL DRIVE The City Council of the City of Jacksonville, Arkansas met in Regular Session on, August 1, 1991, at the regular meeting place of the Council. Alderman Gary Fletcher delivered the invocation after which Mayor Swaim led the standing audience in the "Pledge of Allegiance" to the flag. ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Smith, Sansing, Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson, Keaton and Twitty were present. Alderman Twitty arrived at approximate-ly 7:05 p.m., and Alderman Knight and Alderman Lewis were absent. PRESENT, eight (8), ABSENT, two (2). Mayor Swaim also answered ROLL CALL and declared a quorum. Others present for the meeting: City Attorney Robert E. Bamburg, Police Chief Don Tate, Personnel Director and Mayoral Aide Michael Beeman, City Fire Chief Rick Ezell, Assistant Fire Chief Bill Baldridge, Assistant Finance Director Paul Mushrush, Deputy City Clerk Teresa Parker, Sanitation Superintendent Billy Gil-more, other city employees, interested citizens, members of the press. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES Mayor Swaim presented the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of July 18, 1991, and the Special City Council Meeting for July 25, 1991, for study and action at the next Regular City Council Meeting. APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES: Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing that the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of June 20, 1991, be AP-PROVED. MOTION CARRIED. DEVIATION FROM THE AGENDA: REQUEST TO ACCEPT BID FOR LANDSCAPING FOR THE JACKSONVILLE ELDERLY ACTIVITIES CENTER. Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson that the low bid of $6,739.35 by Moss Rock be accepted. MOTION CARRIED. RESUME AGENDA: CONSENT AGENDA: WATER DEPARTMENT: SEWER DEPARTMENT: CITY OF JACKSONVILLE ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 1, 1991 7:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. FIRE DEPARTMENT: REQUEST FOR NEEDED PERSONNEL PRESENTED BY CHIEF EZELL Chief Ezell voiced the need for six (6) new additional personnel in the fire department. His proposal was for three (3) employees now and three (3) at the beginning of the year. He pointed out that in 1978 there were two (2) new stations opened due to the growth of the city, that they were staffed with a minimum staff with the intent to add staff as the city grew and population increased. He said that in 1980 the Fire Department took over the ambulance service from the Police Department and added six (6) personnel, two (2) for each shift, and that during that time another ambulance was added to the department taking away six (6) firefighters from the department to staff the back up ambulance. He pointed out that in 1985 the overtime budgeted to maintain services and staff was $37,000.00, a steady increase up to 1989. He noted that in 1987 three (3) employees left, and that due to budget constraints the department was unable to fill the vacant positions in 1990 he said he was able to fill two (2) of the vacant positions, and that overtime decreased. He pointed out that in 1991 up to June the overtime expenditure is already $45,611.00 with a projection of $85,000.00 for the year. He said that by increasing the staff at the Fire Department there should be a significant decrease in overtime costs. Chief Ezell indicated that the starting salary for a new fire- fighter will be 518,000.00 to $20,000.00 including benefits. He pointed out that fire and ambulance calls increased each year as follows: In 1987 the department answered 941 fire calls and 854 ambulance calls increasing each year to 1,253 fire calls and 939 ambulance calls in 1990 and from January 1, 1991, to June 30, 1991, 637 fire calls and 514 ambulance calls. Chief Ezell pointed out that when both ambulances are busy this is a definite effect on the staffing. He explained that there is a six man company at the central fire station, four who are committed to ambulances when both ambulances are busy adding that there is a two man fire engine company. He pointed out that staffing the Graham Road station is difficult due to delays caused by the railroad crossing. The Chief voiced that we enjoy a 4th class rating, and that the aerial equipment proposed to be bought will help solidify the position in the number 4 rating. He said that losing personnel will hurt the rating. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 1, 1991 7:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. He pointed out that an increase in personnel, the ladder truck, and the water system being upgraded, will hopefully save money for our citizens if the fire ratings move to a 3 possibly a 2. He said that for maximum credit you must have at least twelve people responding, and that one of the unfortunate things is that Jacksonville has not been able to maintain twelve people respond- ing to a structure fire. He said that in the last twenty re-sponses to structure fires, the department was able to maintain only ten people, one of the reasons, station one district is the six man company (two man engine, two men to each ambulance), station three is also a two man company, station four a two man company and station two depending on staffing, can be a two or three man company. He pointed out that we do have volunteers who respond but due to them having full time jobs sometimes it is difficult to get these folks out adding that the volunteer fire- fighters are considered four for one. He said if both ambulances are out on calls and a fire call is received there are usually six people showing up to fight a fire. He said he always tries to leave one of the companies mobile unless it is a major struc-ture fire. He pointed out that the other worst area is the industrial. He noted that there are instances in which "heroes" are made, but pointed out that procedures done in a safe manner is what the department is striving for. He pointed out alternatives and options with regard to personnel for the department. (1) to continue as is with a possible increase in overtime and to curtail services by eliminating the back-up ambulance (2) to employ EMT’S, put them on the ambulances and place the firefighter EMT'S back on the engine companies, putting the civilian EMT'S under the fire department authority / noting cross training options (3) to shut down fire stations and combine some stations which would effect the fire rating for the city He said it is imperative that the Council look seriously at increasing personnel adding that human costs must be considered as considerations are given to staffing the department. He pointed out that the safety of those persons working in the Fire Department and the efficiency with which they do their jobs is on his shoulders adding that there is a desire to expand services. He said that the department is prepared to deal with. hazardous materials in the city. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 1, 1991 7:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. He asked that good equipment and adequate manpower be provided so that the work of the department can be done in a safe and effi-cient manner. Mayor Swaim related that the overtime in the Fire Department will not go away, that their work schedule requires overtime per state and federal law and that the firemen work fifty-six hours with any time over a fifty-three hour work week considered overtime. Chief Ezell pointed out that the aerial truck will be available soon and related what might happen if the six man company, which is presently used in the department, gets called across town and a two man company is left in the industrial area. He said that a very unsafe situation would be created in that there would be no one to run the rescue unit with the equipment. He pointed out that by adding three additional men the two man company would be boosted to a three man company, giving a rescue person. He added that strides will be made in the direction of having a three man company at all stations. Mayor Swaim voiced that adding six people does not automatically create a three man station, that it will take hiring 9 people to do that. Alderman Smith voiced that we haven't added personnel to the fire department since 1980 and that it is imperative to do so to keep the fire rating that we have now. He questioned from what account funding would be taken to cover the salary costs. Mayor Swaim voiced that the salaries will be taken from the sales tax fund. Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to hire three new firefighters. Alderman Wilson questioned what sort of back up service is avail-able if both ambulances are out. Chief Ezell stated that we have an agreement with Pafford Am-bulance Service if they are not out on a emergency call outside the city. Mayor Swaim voiced that we have an excellent working relationship with the LRAFB and Chief Ezell voiced that Cabot is another back up choice. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 1, 1991 7:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. The general consensus of the Council was to hear Chief Tate's presentation before voting on the previous motion. AT THIS TIME ALDERMAN SMITH AND ALDERMAN RAY WITHDREW THE MOTION AND SECOND TO HIRE THREE ADDITIONAL FIREMEN. Alderman Fletcher expressed appreciation for the fire department and the ambulance service voicing that he felt they saved his sons life in a car accident in 1988. He stated that commitment was made to growth when two substations were built and the aerial truck was purchased, he doesn't want to see us go back-wards. Alderman Wilson voiced that we don't have a good fire department but an excellent fire department. POLICE DEPARTMENT: REQUEST FOR NEEDED PERSONNEL PRESENTED BY CHIEF TATE Chief Tate voiced that he has been able to observe and work with the fire department, that they are the best that he has seen and that the working relationship is excellent between the two de-partments. He pointed out by map that the department is currently divided up into 5 patrol area zones that there are 45 police officers and three shifts. He said that due to a shortage of personnel the 5 zones have been broken down into 3 zones and that the same amount of officers are covering a larger area and responding to more calls. He pointed out that from 1981 to 1991 the calls have increased from 9,349 in 1981 to a projection of 23,080 by the end of the year, an increase of 147%. He said that in 1981 there were 41 police officers and in 1991 a total of 46. The calls per offic-er have increased from 228 in 1981 to a projected 502 in 1991. He pointed out that there is a tremendous amount of paper work to be filled out on each call and that the increase of calls gener-ates a heavier work load and creates a bad safety factor for the officer, making (the possibility of) errors increase. Chief Tate stated that the dollar amount of the property recov-ered this year will approximately double last years amount. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 1, 1991 7:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. He pointed out that we are having to deal with an overflow from our sister cities in the metropolitan area. Chief Tate feels that the officers are doing their job as best as they can at present. Chief Tate pointed out that the overtime budgeted for this year is $52,000.00 but because of under staffing, and having to cover so many areas projections near the end of the year will be around $73,000.00. He stated that there are primarily two kinds of patrol times that are involved with a police officer, community based service that is demanded from the community and undedicated patrol time. The national average for undedicated patrol time should be 35%. He said that the police officer should be out making arrests and preventing crime on his own initiative during the undedicated time He related that the department does not have 35% undedi-cated patrol time because officers are overwhelmed by the work load. Chief Tate feels that with 6 additional personnel we can offset the $73,000.00 projected overtime can be offset and effi- ciency of the police department will increase. Alderman Williamson questioned how many police officers are on the force now. Chief Tate stated that there are 45 officers now with 46 posi-tions allotted. He related by the time a police officer is hired it takes approximately five or six months for him to be on the street in a car to be effective. He also stated the officers have twelve weeks of training on the job, plus a two month police academy they have to attend. Alderman Williamson questioned how many are on the list to go to an academy. Chief Tate replied that there are five people to go to the acade-my in October. Alderman Fletcher questions the ratio based on the population. Chief Tate voiced that he doesn't feel that it is accurate, he said the national average in the past, depending on what region you are in, is 2 officers to a 1,000 people which does not in-dicate the level on the crime activity in a city close to a metropolitan area. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 1, 1991 7:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. Alderman Ray questioned how long it will take to put 3 new police officers on the streets, adding that he doesn't feel that hiring new people will decrease the overtime in that it will be Septem-ber before they can be hired. Mayor Swaim pointed out that with regard to Alderman Fletcher's question on the number per population, we are still less than the national average. Alderman Wilson expressed that both Chiefs did an excellent job presenting their cases and that there is plenty of evidence and for additional personnel that finances needs to be looked at. Mayor Swaim stated that the funding for the rest of this year is not a problem because of the $210,000.00 we had set aside in unappropriated sales tax fund, that there is $170,000.00 that can be used for the remainder of this year. He said if more fire-fighters and police officers are hired some additional revenues in 1992 and particularly 1993 will have to be looked at. Mayor Swaim voiced that Chief Ezell is and has been an excellent chief and Chief Tate has proven in the short time he has been with us that he is getting the best use he can at the present time. Alderman Fletcher questioned if there is anyone keeping track of the court revenues. Mayor Swaim stated that he watches it very closely pointing out that this administration has taken a stand to never use the police officers to generate more revenue. He also pointed out that solving of major crimes generates more funds than traffic tickets. Mayor Swaim asked the Chief to concentrate on burglary, loss of properties and protection of the individuals in the city as well as traffic control. Alderman Sansing pointed out that when hiring more personnel, there is a commitment to raise taxes but when that time comes it will still be a hard decision. Alderman Wilson questioned the salary amount of six new posi-tions. Mayor Swaim noted for six months it will be $120,000.00. Alderman Williamson voiced that he would like to see 3 new fire-fighters and 3 new police officers hired this year adding that it CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 1, 1991 7:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. will take about 2 months to hire them, then come back at budget time for the other positions. Alderman Sansing pointed out that in hiring them now, by the time tax increases have to be look at they will have had their train-ing over with. Mayor Swaim voiced that it depends on the academy, adding that it will be January or February before they can go. He also stated that if you put a fireman or police officer out without adequate training we are leaving ourselves open for a liable suit. He said he felt that both departments do an excellent job of in-house training. Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Fletcher to hire 3 firefighters and 3 police officers. Alderman Sansing amended the motion to hire 3 firefighters and 5 police officers. THE AMEND-MENT DIED FOR LACK OF SECOND. A voice vote was taken on the previous motion. MOTION CARRIED. Mayor Swaim stated that the positions would be funded out of unappropriated sales tax fund. STREET DEPARTMENT: PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT: SANITATION DEPARTMENT: REQUEST TO ACCEPT BID: TUB GRINDER Mayor Swaim related that the low bidder is Fuel Harvester at $193,284.17 noting that the tub grinder is belt driven and that the other bid is from RSI which has a direct drive. Alderman Williamson questioned what kind of action plan we have for the tub grinder, where it is going to be set up and who is going to operate it. Alderman Wilson requested to put this on the August 15th agenda to give time to get more information about the tub grinder, what it will do, how much money it will save and which is better the belt driven or the direct drive. Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Smith that the re-quest to accept bids on the Tub Grinder be tabled until August 15, 1991. By a voice vote. MOTION CARRIED. PLANNING COMMISSION: CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 1, 1991 7:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. GENERAL: a. ORDINANCE NO. 949 (#12-91) Ref: Employee Policy Manual AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 901 (#2-89) AND ADOPTING A REVISED PERSONNEL MANUAL FOR THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS; DECLARING AND EMERGENCY; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Alderman Fletcher moved, seconded by Alderman Ray, that Ordinance be placed on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Smith, Sans-ing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson, Keaton and Twitty voted AYE. NAY (0). Motion received eight (8) affirmative votes, (0) negative votes. MOTION CARRIED. Ordinance read FIRST TIME by City Attorney Robert E. Bamburg. Alderman Sansing moved, seconded by Alderman Ray, that Ordinance be accepted on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Smith, Sans-ing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson, Keaton and Twitty voted AYE. NAY (0). Motion received eight (8) affirmative votes, (0) negative votes. MOTION CARRIED. ACCEPTED ON FIRST READING. Alderman Wilson voiced that he would vote for the policy manual because there are some good things in it, adding that he felt we are too liberal on vacation, sick days, and holidays. Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing, to suspend the rules and place the Ordinance on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL. Aldermen: Smith, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson, Keaton and Twitty voted AYE. NAY (0). Motion received eight (8) affirmative votes, (0) negative votes. MOTION CARRIED. Whereu-pon, City Attorney Robert E. Bamburg read the Ordinance for the SECOND TIME. Alderman Fletcher moved, seconded by Alderman Williamson, to further suspend the rules and place the Ordinance on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Smith, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson, Keaton and Twitty voted AYE. NAY 0. Motion received eight (8) affirmative votes, (0) nega-tive votes. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon, City Attorney Robert E. Bamburg read the Ordinance for the THIRD AND FINAL TIME. Alderman Fletcher moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson, that ORDI-NANCE 949 BE APPROVED AND ADOPTED. ROLL CALL: Alderman: Smith, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson, Keaton and Twitty voted AYE. Nay 0. Motion received eight (8) affirmative votes, (0) negative votes. MOTION CARRIED. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 1, 1991 7:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing, that the EMERGENCY CLAUSE BE APPROVED AND ADOPTED. ROLL CALL: Alderman: Smith, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson, Keaton and Twitty voted AYE. Nay 0. Motion received eight (8) affirmative votes, (0) negative votes. MOTION CARRIED. b. Request to accept bids - CDBG - O'Neal Street Reconstruction Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Keaton to accept low bid by Morden & Barger Construction Co., Inc. at $23,904.56. Voice Vote. MOTION CARRIED for the reconstruction of O'Neal Street. APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS: ADJOURNMENT: Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson that the meeting adjourn at approximately 8:30 p.m. Respectfully, ____________________________ _________________________ Lula M. Leonard MAYOR City Clerk-Treasurer