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92 MAR 19.doc CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 19, 1992 7:00 P.M. – 8:35 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 March 19, 1992 at the regular meeting place of the Council. Alderman Marshall Smith 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, Williamson, Keaton and Twitty were present. PRESENT, TEN (10). ABSENT, (0). Mayor Swaim also answered ROLL CALL and declared a quorum and expressed appreciation for those in attendance. Others present for the meeting: City Attorney Robert E. Bamburg, City Engineer Duane Reel, Fire Chief Rick Ezell, Personnel Director and Mayoral Aide Michael Beeman, Finance Director Paul Mushrush, Code Enforcement Officer Wayne Cox, Acting Deputy City Clerk Susan Goings, Chairman of Park & Rec. Dept., Robert Stroud, other city employees, interested citizens, members of the press. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Swaim presented the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of March 5, 1992, for study and action at the next Regular City Council Meeting. APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES: Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Ray that the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of February 20, 1992 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: MUNICIPAL COURT (Probation Officer) Alderman Knight moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing that the monthly report for February 1992 from Probation Officer Mike Mahone be APPROVED. Said report reflects cases for the month ending January 31, 1992 - 154, Cases added in Month of February 1992 - 9, Probations completed, Month ending February 29, 1992 -14, for a TOTAL CASES AS OF FEBRUARY 29, 1992 of 149. Number of Juveniles on Probation - 13. ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Knight, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson, Keaton and Twitty voted AYE. NAY 0. Motion received ten (10) affirma-tive votes, (0) negative votes. MOTION CARRIED. FIRE DEPARTMENT: Alderman Knight moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing that the regular monthly report for the month of February 1992 from the Jacksonville Fire Department that reflects an estimated fire CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 19, 1992 7:00 P.M. - 8:35 P.M. loss of $123,250.00 be APPROVED. ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Knight, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson, Keaton and Twitty voted AYE. NAY (O). Motion received ten (10) affirma-tive votes, (0) negative votes. MOTION CARRIED. WATER DEPARTMENT: SEWER DEPARTMENT: FIRE DEPARTMENT: POLICE DEPARTMENT: STREET DEPARTMENT: DISCUSSION: New Federal Highway Transportation Bill The Mayor referred to the new legislation as the “ Iced Tea Bill". He introduced the Director of Metroplan Mr. Jim McKinzie, who expressed appreciation to the council for the opportunity to make the presentation regarding the Inter-Modal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991. He stated that the major impact of this act in the metropolitan area is that it elavates the role of local elected officials through the metropolitan planning organi- zation, Metroplan, giving them decision making powers with regard to expenditure of funds related to interstate construction, interstate maintenance, major bridge programs, one hundred fifty -five thousand mile national highway system, and the surface transportation program. He related that the greater Little Rock area will qualify for special attributed surface transportation funds based on their share of the states total population as designated by the census bureau. He said that the core cities in the urbanized area boundary are Little Rock, North Little Rock, and Jacksonville, with funding beginning July 1, 1992 approximately four and one-half million dollars for the fiscal year of 1993. There will also be state and federal funds for urban area improvements. He stated that the matching ratio went from 75/25 to 80/20 and that final regulations regarding the legislation are expected by the end of 1992. Mayor Swaim related that there will probably be a lot more money available for street projects in the city; the projected amount of first priority street projects was stated as 6.5 million plus. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 19, 1992 7:00 P.M. - 8:35 P.M. Mayor Swaim related that thwo major projects, four-laning Highway 161, an overpass at Graham Road and the railroad crossing and the widening of Grahan Road are possible with the funding as men-tioned above if the city is able to provide the twenty percent match which could be as much as two million dollars to complete the two above named projects. He said the amount of funds requested by the City of Jacksonville is the smallest amount; twenty-five million dollars. He urged the council to be creative in the twenty percent match fund raising endeavor. Alderman Smith questioned the possibility of a vote by the general public regarding a one cent sales tax with a sunset clause. Alderman Fletcher mentioned the widening of the James Street Bridge and Mayor Swaim added that widening the street to three lanes to Dupree Park might also be a possibility. Alderman Wilson suggested that a list of improvements which need to be completed be prepared by the City Engineer. He mentioned that perhaps there could be alternatives tot he plan with delay of some of the projects for a year or two as the twenty percent march was discussed. Mr. McKenzie pointed out that there will be a six-year span of time during which the federal funds will be available. He said that the first opportunity for use of the money will be during the fiscal year 1993 in the Transportation Improvement Plan. He related that if the funds are not spent, they will revert back to the federal government and that the highway department will work with the cities in coming up with the match required. He said that there are additional funds from the state that may also be available. Mayor Swaim said that the federal money is designated for our area adding that all projects have to be approved by the PATS Policy Committee as major needs for transportation in the whole metropolitan area were discussed. He said that there is a 2010 Plan in which areas are designated particularly relating to the City of Jacksonville and that the projects as laid out in the plan have already gone through the scrutiny of the State Highway Department. He related that the projects will be necessary for moving transportation in the metropolitan area. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 19, 1992 7:00 P.M. - 8:35 P.M. Mr. McKenzie voiced that the North Belt Loop will definitely benefit from the federal funds in that it is listed as a demon-stration project with 8.9 million dollars allocated to fund the same. Mayor Swaim noted that the street light at Martin Street and Highway 161 are benefits provided through the efforts of the State Highway Department pointing out that we were not fortunate in that making Highway 161 a four-lane thoroughfare has not materialized. He expressed appreciation to Mr. McKenzie for the presentation and invited Council Members to come to the PATS meeting. PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT: SANITATION DEPARTMENT: PLANNING COMMISSION: GENERAL: a. DISCUSSION: Jacksonville Health Facility/Presenta-tion/Zenobia Harris Mayor Swaim introduced Mrs. Harris who briefed the Council re- garding the status of the Health Facility from its beginning to the present time. She related that the construction of the facility was in 1977 with three employees and that now there are thirteen. She point-ed out that funding for the facility at that time was from the City of Jacksonville, Hill-Burton and Pulaski County. Data was presented and explained by Mrs. Harris to the Council with regard to the programs provided through the department. She related that due to the number of persons who are accommodat- ed through the programs that there is lack of space to provide the services in a proper manner and requested that the Council give consideration to helping provide at least a five thousand square foot facility for the department. There was discussion regarding expansion of the present facility, use of the "Old City Hall", sale of the present facility and relocation of the department. A discussion revealed that the apartment does not qualify for ADIC grants. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 19, 1992 7:00 P.M. - 8:35 P.M. After a lengthy discussion, Mayor Swaim pointed out that the Hospital Commission is going to give consideration to the request for expansion of the Health Department Facility, that the County judge also is aware and giving consideration to the departments needs and requested that a committee be formed to study the situation and bring a recommendation back to the City Council regarding ways the city can help to generate funds for expansion. Those who volunteered to serve on the committee were Aldermen Marshall Smith, Reedie Ray and Larry Wilson. b. CONDEMNATION of 105 Dennis Lane (by petition) Mayor Swaim introduced Mrs. Dorothy Head, owner of the property at 105 Dennis Lane stating that a petition, which is on file in the office of the City Clerk, has been filed by area residents requesting action by the City of Jacksonville concerning the existing unsightly condition of the property. Mrs. Head related that her property is paid for and that she does not desire to vacate it except maybe to buy a mobile home and place on the property. During a discussion between the Council and Mrs. Head, she relat-ed that she is paying fines because of citations served by the Code Enforcement Office of the City of Jacksonville. Mayor Swaim pointed out that HUD will not fund repairs due to the condition of the property, that the home is not repairable. Council members expressed concern for the health and welfare of Mrs. Head and made suggestions which included her seeking resi-dence in the Jacksonville Towers or the purchase of a mobile home to be placed on her property. The matter was made an item of business to be considered at the Regular City Council Meeting of April 16, 1992 by general con- sensus of the Council. APPOINTMENTS: HOUSING AUTHORITY/ Reappoint Fred West Mayor Swaim pointed out that the Housing Authority by Resolution has recommended that Mr. Fred West be reappointed to the Housing Authority. Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Knight that Mr. Fred West be reappointed to the Housing Authority for a five year term to expire 3/17/97. MOTION CARRIED. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 19, 1992 7:00 P.M. - 8:35 P.M. DEVIATION IN AGENDA: Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Ray that the rules be suspended and that an appointment to the Civil Service Commission be placed on the agenda for action. MOTION CARRIED. Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Ray that Mr. Clark Hastings be appointed to the Civil Service Commission for a full six year term to expire April 1, 1998. DEVIATION IN AGENDA: Alderman Fletcher requested that at the next Regular City Council Meeting that an arrangement be made with ADPC&E and EPA for ques- tions to be answered regarding the incineration process at the Vertac Plant. Mayor Swaim recognized a request by Mrs. Sharon Golgan to discuss the matter during the present meeting. Alderman Knight moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to discuss the Vertac issue immediately. MOTION CARRIED. Alderman Wilson voted NO. Mrs. Golgan expressed her views regarding an article which had appeared in the newspaper on March 19, 1992 relating to events as far back as 1988 stating that she is not satisfied with reports and actions of state agencies regarding the dioxin burn at the Vertac Plant site. She presented data to the Council regarding information from said agencies regarding the “six- nine” burn. Mrs. Golgan related her actions with regard to contact with scientists outside the state agencies, monitoring at the plant site and the devastation possibilities if the burn is continued and a Supreme Court decision regarding government officials who can be held liable when they willfully and deliberately does something to hurt somebody. She related that she feels the state agencies are guilty of breaking the law and should be held liable by the citizens of Jacksonville whom they have harmed. She pointed out instances with her friends whose health is im-paired, laying the charge for the problem to the incinerator in the City of Jacksonville. Concern was expressed by Alderman Smith that citizens of the city have been mislead with regard to the “six-nine” burn. He said he would also like to hear from the state agencies regarding the matter. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 19, 1992 7:00 P.M. - 8:35 P.M. Mrs. Golgan requested that she be allowed to request the presence of Pat Cosner when the matter is discussed again by the Council. Mayor Swaim replied that there will be no public hearing, that the session will be one for information from state agencies relating to the "six-nine" burn. He related that he is interest- ed in solving the problems, not creating a media coverage event. Alderman Fletcher expressed that he is interested in building up the community, not in hurting it, that he is interested in infor-mation regarding the truth about the situation which now exists with the incineration process at the Vertac Plant site. ANNOUNCEMENTS: APPOINTMENTS: ADJOURNMENT: Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson that the meeting adjourn at approximately 8:35 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully, ____________________________ _____________________________ Lula M. Leonard MAYOR City Clerk-Treasurer