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91 FEB 21.doc CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 21, 1991 7:30 P.M. - 8:45 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 February 21, 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: Knight, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson, Keaton and Twitty were present. PRESENT, TEN (10), ABSENT, (0). Mayor Swaim also answered ROLL CALL and declared a quorum. Others present for the meeting: City Attorney Robert E. Bamburg, Fire Chief Rick Ezell, Asst. Fire Chief Bill Baldridge, Captain Frank Sturdivant of the Police Department, Personnel Director Michael Beeman, City Engineer Duane Reel, Assistant Finance Director Paul Mushrush, Deputy City Clerk Teresa Parker, Street Superintendent Bob Martin, Sanitation Superintendent Billy Gil- more, Purchasing Agent Art Hodum, Mylissa Founds of the Engineer- ing Department, other city employees, interested citizens, Con- sultant Joe Zegler and members of the press. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Swaim presented the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of February 7, 1991 for study and action at the next regular meeting of the council. APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES: Alderman Lewis moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson that the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of January 17, 1991 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: FIRE DEPARTMENT Alderman Knight moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson that the Regular Monthly Report of the Jacksonville Fire Department for January, which reflects an estimated fire loss of $73,150.00, be APPROVED. ROLL CALL: Alderman Knight, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson, Keaton and Twitty voted AYE. NAY 0. MOTION CARRIED. WATER DEPARTMENT: SEWER DEPARTMENT: FIRE DEPARTMENT: a. Request to go out for bids: AERIAL APPARA- TUS CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 21, 1991 7:30 P.M. - 8:45 P.M. Chief Ezell addressed the City Council explaining that the Na- tional Fire Protection Association regulates the standards for manufacturers on all aerial apparatus. He said that some changes took place, effective February 12, 1991, and that the department felt money would be saved to delay the purchase until the changes in manufacturing requirements were in place. He said that speci- fications are ready at this time. He said that the city is in a fourth class rating at present and that the aerial unit of itself will probably not move the classi- fication. He pointed out that the aerial is a heavy credit with ISO adding that he felt it would solidify the fourth class rat- ing. He said that personnel, training, communication, equipment and the water system are taken into consideration in rating classifications. He pointed out, as a question was posed regard- ing the number of persons who respond to alarms in the Jackson- ville area, that personnel has not been increased, except for paramedics, in a twelve year period. He said that rating bureaus make their rounds about every ten to fifteen years. Alderman Fletcher voiced that he feels that there should be a gradual increase in personnel in the Fire Department. Chief Ezell noted that he had requested three additional person- nel during budget hearings adding that the growth of the city has taken place and that it is unfortunate, but that man power has not grown and that there is a definite need for more men. Mayor Swaim pointed out that the two-man fire teams have come under scrutiny in Little Rock and North Little Rock recently and that additional personnel for the department was not funded in the 1991 budget requesting Council consideration in the matter. Chief Ezell said that there will be a need for more drivers with the additional equipment explaining that the apparatus has a one hundred foot platform and will adequately take care of nine stories. He noted that he felt the one hundred foot platform should be purchased stating a cost price of $500,000.00. Alderman Williamson pointed out that a bay will have to be added at the Fire Department in which to store the equipment and Ald. Keaton suggested that with the firemen working on the addition, as they did on the last addition at Central Station, he felt a bay could be designed which would be relatively inexpensive. Mayor Swaim voiced that he is hopeful that the ladder truck can be used as the pumper at Central Station as a response vehicle. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 21, 1991 7:30 P.M. - 8:45 P.M. Chief Ezell said that credit can be received in two areas for the ladder truck if it is equipped with a pumper and an aerial appa- ratus. He said that another credit is for a service truck; one that carries all needed equipment. He said that word from the manufacturer is that delivery could take fourteen or fifteen months. Mayor Swaim explained that the funding for the apparatus has been set aside in an equipment fund adding that police car purchases were made from the funds in 1990 and that extra cars will be purchased this year which were not included in budgeted funds. Chief Ezell said that the purchase is a twenty-five or thirty year investment costing approximately $500,000.00. Alderman Knight moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to advertise for bids for an aerial apparatus, not under one hundred feet, for the Jacksonville Fire Department. It was pointed out that ambulance membership funds have been used to purchase new ambulances costing approximately $57,000.00 and that money from the Capital Improvement Fund will be used to fund the ladder truck. Chief Ezell noted that advertising for bids is now being done with regard to an ambulance the department has for sale. Chief Ezell said that bids received will be good for the project-ed delivery date. At this time, a vote was taken on the motion to go out for bids. MOTION CARRIED. Alderman Wilson requested that overall project costs be looked at and presented to the Council along with bids received suggesting also that research be done with the Water Utility regarding improvements they have made with regard to further upgrading the ISO rating. He suggested also that fire insurance premiums in relation to ratings be done on a $50,000.00 residence. Chief Ezell said that the ladder truck can be used in residen- tial, industrial, water rescues, derailments, high rise build- ings, etc. as well as a pumper response and service vehicle. Mayor Swaim pointed out that Jacksonville is one of the few cities our size that does not have a ladder truck. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE. ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 21, 1991 7:30 P.M. - 8:45 P.M. b. Request to go out for bids: COMMUNICATION RECORDER Alderman Williamson voiced that the emergency services equipment is a must and pointed out that Dr. Wortham and other local doc- tors have requested upgrading the recording equipment particular-ly for liability purposes. Chief Ezell explained the present recording system which was a hand-me-down from the Police Department when their equipment was upgraded. He said that it has become undependable; that mainte- nance costs are high. He said that medical information is trans- ported through the dispatch many times and that patient informa- tion from dispatch to responding units is also recorded. He said that if there is legal concern regarding patient treatment, a recording is needed for protection of the city, the doctors and the hospital. Mayor Swaim noted that funds are available from Sales Tax Re- ceipts. Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson to go out for bids for a communication recorder to be purchased from the Sales Tax Fund. MOTION CARRIED. POLICE DEPARTMENT: STREET DEPARTMENT: Request to accept bid: MOWER (Rotary Cutter) (Note: Bid sheet information on the next page of these minutes) Mayor Swaim pointed out that there will be three mowers bought as separate purchases, each at the low bid price, $4,340.00 if that one is chosen by the Council. He noted that the item was budget- ed. Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to accept the low bid of $4,340.00 from G.L. Turner for a mower (rotary cutter). MOTION CARRIED. b. Request to accept bid: TRACTOR Mayor Swaim pointed out that were numerous bids for a tractor noting the range from $9,565.00 to $13,206.00. He said that Street Superintendent Bob Martin feels comfortable that the low bid is for a sufficient tractor to do what needs to be done. Alderman Keaton raised questions regarding the Zetor tractor and a lengthy discussion followed with concern being expressed by several aldermen with regard to parts and servicing the tractor. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 21, 1991 7:30 P.M. - 8:45 P.M. Alderman Knight moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to accept the low bid of $9,565.00 from Evans Tractor Co., which met the speci- fications. Mayor Swaim explained that the city has a mixture of brand name tractors; that being created with acceptance of the low bids over the years. Mr. Martin said that parts are available for purchase from Evans Tractor Co. and that the owner of the company is the same owner of a Massey Ferguson dealership. He said that he was comfortable with the purchase. Other bids were pointed out as more discussion followed regarding tractor manufacturers at home and abroad. Alderman Ray commented that he felt the Street Department's judgment over the years should be taken into consideration adding that he felt service for the tractor will not be a problem. Alderman Knight expressed the same opinion. At this time, a vote was taken on the motion to accept the low bid of $9,565.00 from Evans Tractor Company for the Zetor Trac- tor. MOTION CARRIED with Aldermen Wilson and Fletcher voting NAY. It was pointed out that the item was included in the 1991 budget. Alderman Wilson voiced that he has concerns regarding the Trickey Lane signals on South Hwy 161 and requested that the Mayor con- tact in writing the State Highway Department. Mayor Swaim noted that the original contract time has expired and that an extension has been granted due to expire the latter part of April according to City Engineer Reel. He said that he would contact the Highway Department and convey the displeasure ex- pressed by the Council regarding the delay of the completion of the Trickey Lane project. PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT: ANNUAL REPORT Mayor Swaim advised the Council of the report and said that questions should be directed to Annabelle Davis, P & R Director. SANITATION DEPARTMENT: GENERAL: a. REPORT FROM PERSONNEL CONSULTANT CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 21, 1991 7:30 P.M. - 8:45 P.M. Mr. Joe Zegler was introduced by Mayor Swaim and gave a progress report regarding his work which was begun January 2, 1991. He pointed out the following action which taken as he gave an overview of his efforts. (1) An employee opinion survey in all departments/compiling of data, which was reviewed with the Mayor and department heads with the exception of the Police Department due to retirement of the Chief (2) A seventeen hour supervisor course for department heads which Mayor Swaim also attended / pointing out study regarding recording of time on the job and performance recording records (3) Assisting Mayor Swaim in assembling personnel data that was requested under Freedom of Information requests (4) Personnel Director/ Administrative Assistant Search and work entailed in handling approximately 200 applications At this time he introduced Personnel Director/Administrative Assistant Mr. Michael Beeman. (5) Job description endeavors over a three week period with evaluation of each job placing it in a salary group after which analysis of existing salaries will be made and recommendations of any action which can be taken to adjust the salaries properly (6) Future work on present Policy Manual noting changes to be made and areas to be added with one more first line supervisors training session to be scheduled when the manual is completed (7) Work with the Mayor, the Council Members, various depart- ment heads and with the Civil Service Commission / requested that the Council defer action with regard to establishing a Bi- racial committee noting that a fifth entity will not help at this time pointing out that positive steps are being taken to identify and correct any problems which may exist within the system Alderman Knight pointed out that comments have been made regard- ing the good work being done by Mr. Zegler. She questioned pay scale modification. Mr. Zegler said that the pay scale he is designing will be some- what similar with efforts to put in place a performance related system. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 21, 1991 7:30 P.M. - 8:45 P.M. He related that he has not done much work with the Police Depart- ment due to the fact that there is no Chief of Police at the department. Alderman Lewis questioned the criteria used in selection of the Personnel Director. Mr. Zegler said that dual criteria was used; someone with famil- iarity with personnel, experience in working with the various laws including EEOC and someone who can hopefully fill in for the Mayor at functions which he is unable to attend and who would have the ability to stand and present themselves as a representa- tive of the Mayor in group situations. Mayor Swaim said that the selection process was done through resumes with Mr. Zegler making selections according to qualifica- tions with an interview process following. Mayor Swaim pointed out that he has asked Mr. Zegler to work with Civil Service, which was not part of his original contract, adding that state law controls the hiring process in the fire and police department. He voiced that the session held by Mr. Zegler for department heads was probably equal to a college course in the personnel field. He said that the second level course could possibly take in captains at the fire and police department and persons in the upper management areas within the city work force. He said that hopefully by the month of May new procedures will have been implemented with results in the near future. Alderman Lewis questioned what solution could be found to get a black representative in City Hall. Mr. Zegler said th=r=a was no magic solution noting that state law has complicated hiring in some areas of the city and that in some areas he is hoping that the Mayor and Council will set some sort of voluntary affirmative action goals and time tables that will hopefully correct any existing problems. Mayor Swaim expressed appreciation for Mr. Zegler's Presentation pointing out that he will be a consultant for the year 1991. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 21, 1991 7:30 P.M. - 8:45 P.M. b.ORDINANCE 944 (# 7-90)Ref: MEETING PLACE OF THE COUNCIL Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Ray ,that Ordinance be placed on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Knight, Smith Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson, Keaton and Twitty voted AYE. NAY (0). Motion received ten (10) affirmative votes, (0) negative votes. MOTION CARRIED. By general consensus of the Council, the time of the meeting of the City Council was changed from 7:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Ordi- nance read FIRST TIME by Mayor Tommy Swaim due to the fact that Attorney Bamburg had laryngitis. Alderman Fletcher moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson, that Ordinance be accepted on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Alder- men: Knight, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson, Keaton and Twitty voted AYE. NAY (0). Motion re- ceived ten (10) affirmative votes, (0) negative votes. MOTION CARRIED. ACCEPTED ON FIRST READING. Alderman Fletcher moved, seconded by Alderman Knight, to suspend the rules and place the Ordinance on SECONDREADING. ROLL CALL. Aldermen: Knight, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson, Keaton and Twitty voted AYE. NAY (0). Motion received ten (10) affirmative votes, (0) negative votes. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon. Mayor Tommy Swaim read the Ordinance for the SECOND TIME. Alderman Fletcher moved, seconded by Alderman Lewis, to further suspend the rules and place the Ordinance on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Knight, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson, Keaton and Twitty voted AYE. NAY 0. Motion received ten (10) affirmative votes, (0) negative votes. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon, Mayor Tommy Swaim read the Ordinance for the THIRD AND FINAL TIME. Alderman Lewis moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing that Ordinance be APPROVED AND ADOPTED. ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Knight, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson, Keaton and Twitty voted AYE. NAY 0. Motion received ten (10) affirmative votes, (0) negative votes. MOTION CARRIED. Alderman Lewis moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing that the EMERGENCY CLAUSE be APPROVED AND ADOPTED. ROLL CALL: Alder- men: Knight, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson, Keaton and Twitty voted AYE. NAY 0. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 21, 1991 7:30 P.M. - 8:45 P.M. Motion received ten (10) affirmative votes, (0) negative votes MOTION CARRIED. ORDINANCE APPROVED AND ADOPTED AND NUMBERED 944 THIS 21ST DAY OF FEBRUARY 1991. c. ORDINANCE 945 (#8-91) Ref: RESTRICTING SALE OF CITY PROPERTY Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Knight, that Ordinance be placed on FIRST READING. Alderman Sansing voiced that he favored making an exception in the case of retiring policemen and the purchase of the service revolver which is a long time tradition all over the country. Attorney Bamburg said that a special exemption clause could be placed in the ordinance making it comply with the desire of the Council as other aldermen expressed favorable remarks for the exemption clause. Mayor Swaim pointed out that the ordinance was directed for the most part to the purchase of vehicles. Captain Sturdivant voiced that a 357 Magnum is furnished officers entering the department as a discussion ensued regarding the type of guns used in the department. Alderman Williamson moved, seconded by Alderman Ray that Ordi- nance 945 be tabled until the next regular meeting of the City Council with modification by City Attorney Bamburg with a special exemption clause relative to police department retirees or medi-cally retired police officers. MOTION CARRIED. d. REMOVAL OF UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS (funded from sales tax) Mayor Swaim pointed out that EPA standards have made it necessary for the undergroun6 storage tanks, previously used for storage of gas used in city vehicles, to be disposed of. He said that he originally set aside $18,000.00 to cover the cost of the cleanup adding numerous estimates have been received and that one came in under $5,000.00. He pointed out that no advertising for bids was done and that under a present city ordinance, the expenditure can be made without a vote of the Council. He pointed out that city employees and equipment will be used as a part of the remov-al process recommending removal of the tanks for said expendi-ture under $5,000.00. He said voiced that some estimates were excessive. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 21, 1991 7:30 P.M. - 8:45 P.M. APPOINTMENTS: ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor Swaim announced that there will be an event entitled Opera- tion Desert Praise on March 2, 1991 at 1:00 p.m. at the Jackson- ville High School in support of Operation Desert Storm sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and the citizens of Jackson- ville. He urged all present to attend in support of the Gulf Troops. ADJOURNMENT Alderman Fletcher moved, seconded by Alderman Williamson,that the meeting adjourn at approximately 8:45 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully, ___________________________ __________________________ Lula M. Leonard MAYOR City Clerk-Treasurer