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94 JAN 20.doc CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 20, 1994 7:00 P.M. - 7:45 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 January 20, 1994 at the regular meeting place of the Council. Alderman Lewis delivered the invocation after which Mayor Swaim led the standing audience in the "Pledge of Allegiance" to the flag. Others present for the meeting were: City Attorney Robert E. Bamburg, Deputy City Clerk Susan Goings, Asst. to the Mayor Betty Anderson, City Engineer Duane Reel, Public Works Coordinator Skip Spears, Finance Director Paul Mushrush, Fire Chief Rick Ezell, CDBG Director Tony Ply, Parks and Recreation Director Annabelle Davis, Economic Development Director Phil Sullivan, General Manager of the Jacksonville Waterworks Ken Anderson, Water Commissioner Mr. Thad Gray, Planning Commission Chairman Elliott, Chairman for the Parks and Recreation Commission Mrs. Pat Bond, Jacksonville Wastewater Utility Director Dick Van Pelt, Chairman of the Sewer Commission Mrs. Joan Zumwalt, other city employees, interested citizens and members of the press. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Swaim presented the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of January 6, 1994 for study and action at the next Regular City Council Meeting. ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Knight, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson and Twitty answered ROLL CALL. Alderman Keaton was absent. PRESENT NINE (9), ABSENT ONE (1). APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES: Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Ray that the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of December 16, 1993 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS: Mayor Swaim related that he would like to take the opportunity at hand to present the State of the City Report encouraging the Council to peruse the fifty page report at length. His address is as follows: The state of the City is more than facts and figures -- it includes the attitudes and enthusiasm of the citizens and employees. I've been privileged to watch the enthusiasm for our City grow in recent years, while attitudes have moved from somewhat negative to the most positive I've witnessed in the past 25 years. This is the most encouraging part of this report. The citizens of Jacksonville are preparing for a great future. 1 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 20, 1994 7:00 P.M. - 7:45 P.M. I'm proud to present to the City Council and citizens a report tonight that depicts a very vibrant city with a strong financial foundation. Jacksonville, is a city where things are not only looking up -- they are definitely "ON THE MOVE UPWARD." Goals defined in past years are now being accomplished, but this would not be true without the input and efforts of the citizens of Jacksonville, City Council, and City employees. Good management techniques administered by our Department Heads have allowed us to operate below our 1993 budget appropriations while still providing excellent services to the citizens. These administrative and management changes have allowed us to improve our infrastructure without large increases in the general fund budget. This year we will spend between one and two hundred thousand dollars less than the appropriated budget, final figures will be available in a week. Two years of negotiations paid off when Franklin electric Company donated their building and 21-acre plant site to the City. The City has decided to keep 11.7 acres of the property for its own use or the possible sale to a new industry. Bids were accepted on the donated Franklin Building and remaining land, which resulted in the property being sold to a local industry to expand their operations. Profits from the $500,000 sale will be used for commercial and industrial development, possibly to include a new Industrial Park. New housing starts are a strong indication of a community's economic growth. During 1993 new home starts were at a sever-year high with a 41.5% increase over last year and a 188.4% increase over our lowest year in 1990. The value of all construction in the City was up 122.9% over last year and 171.5% above our lowest year in the past 10 years. This definitely indicates an upward trend for the housing and construction industry. To make our economic base even stronger, we applied for and received a $100,000 federal grant to prepare a study and a five- year strategic plan to give the City a clear direction for its economic future. The study is progressing and good things are already happening because of the information provided. The WAGE Program will graduate its first class soon, emphasizing cooperation among many different entities, including school, state, industry, and City to help provide training and eventually jobs to our citizens. This program was a "pilot program" and has been duplicated in other cities in Arkansas. 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 20 1994 7:00 P.M. - 7:45 P.M. A very positive decision was made by the citizens when they voted to build a new community center. Very diverse groups pulled together to pass a 1-cent sales tax to pay for construction of the building. This building will provide recreational activities for young and old alike, for present and future generations. A plan was implemented to finance construction without issuing bonds; this saved taxpayers over a quarter of a million dollars, plus all the interest that would have been paid on the bonds. Now that is progress we can all be proud of. The Parks Commission worked hard to design a building that would provide activities for the entire family, with a fee schedule adequate to operate and maintain the facility for the enjoyment o future generations. Jacksonville's recycling program continues to be a model for other cities in the state. Over 1,026,229 pounds of recyclable were diverted from the landfill during 1993. These items were sold, earning the City $13,907.32. A recycling truck was purchased and 800 homes now have curbside pickup. Plans are continuing to provide curbside pickup for the entire City, when funds are available. Jacksonville may be the only city in Arkansas that is already in compliance with the state law that requires cities to recycle 95$ of their yardwaste by 1995. This year the Sanitation Department used our tub grinder to grind over 21,000 cubic yards of yardwaste, saving $80,000 in tipping fees. This could not have been accomplished without the citizens helping by separating yardwaste from landfill items. The fire. Department continued an extensive training and educational program for all employees and extended awareness programs for citizens. These programs have paid off because not one person lost their life in a fire during 1993. Construction is nearing completion on an addition to the Central Fire Station to house our new ladder truck and provide space for a much needed hose tower to extend the life of expensive fire hoses. This addition also improves dormitory space, dayroom area, and kitchen facilities. The Jacksonville Police Department has faced growing crime trends head-on by implementing new programs for crime reduction and crime prevention. This led to the solution of a number of previously unsolved crimes. Our city has the third (3rd) lowest crime rate of all cities in Arkansas with populations of between 25,000 and 3 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 20 1994 7:00 P.M. - 7:45 P.M. 35,000. The Department has a phenomenal solution rate of 66$. Acquisition of an additional 6,500 sq ft of office space to solve the overcrowded conditions in the Police Department will help improve working conditions and morale. The remodeling is scheduled for completion in early 1994. Continued improvements in drainage have kept us on schedule for solving the many drainage problems identified in 1987. During 1993, $611,000 was spent to complete major drainage projects, with hundreds of thousands still in progress or scheduled to start in the near future. Many smaller drainage projects were accomplished using city equipment and employees. We plan to continue identifying and addressing these problems as funds are available. The Community Development and Home programs provided monies to remodel 20 low-income homes to prevent further deterioration of our neighborhoods. Also completed with these federal funds was a major reconstruction of King Street and two additional drainage projects. Our friends as Little Rock Air Force Base brought a tremendous economic boost to the community when the International Airlift Rodeo was held in Jacksonville. This activity brought thousands of competitors and observers from all over the world, who stayed in local hotels, motels, and shopped at local businesses and restaurants. We have confirmed that efforts are being made to bring the rodeo back to Little Rock Air Force Base in 1995. General Loh announced this year the C-130 Center of Excellence will be located at Little Rock Air Force Base in the near future, bringing over 300 new personnel to our City. Even with military personnel cutbacks, Little Rock Air Force Base continues to be a major economic factor in our community, providing an estimated $429.9 million impact on Central Arkansas during 1993. We are not content to sit on our laurels, pointing to the accomplishments of the past and forget about the challenges of the future. This City is, without a doubt, "ON THE MOVE.' To accept our present position as good enough would only allow us to slide backward. We must continue to strive for even greater heights. Those who made sacrifices in the past, to help Jacksonville grow from a train stop on the railroad in the 1800's to one of the most modern, progressive cities in the state during the 1900's, deserve our strongest efforts to continue the progress. Being part of a City whose citizens care about the past, while striving to improve the future, makes me proud to live in Jacksonville, Arkansas, and even prouder to have served as your Mayor for the past seven years. 4 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 20 1994 7:00 P.M. - 7:45 P.M. Mayor Swaim's final comments were that exciting things were happening in the city and encouraged those present to read the complete report made by the different departments of the City. DEVIATION IN THE AGENDA: WATER DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT: General Manager from the Water Department Mr. Ken Anderson expressed appreciation for the opportunity to address the Council. He related that the City's water system is in excellent condition financially with a positive balance in funds. He related an increase of customers by 1.1% during 1993. He stated that there was no rate increase for the previous year with none expected in 1994. The major water production was 1.8 billion gallons which, is a 10.8% increase over 1992. He related the uses as follows: City of Jacksonville 66% Little Rock Air Force Base 20% City of Cabot 9$ Furlow Water Users Association 3% Bayou Two Water Users Association 2$ In order to keep up with production demands a new well which produces 650 gallons per minute was added in 1993 making a total of eleven active wells. He stated that from total production 39% comes from the wells while 61% is purchased from North Little Rock amounting to 3 million gallons each day. He further related the completion of nine major water projects during 1993 including a meter replacement program. He stated that the Water Department continues to maintain all requirements from the Arkansas Department of Health with regard to water testing and employee training. He commented on benefits provided by the new building. He related that the pressure problems in Jackson Heights will be solved with the use of the higher pressure plain coming in from North Little Rock and that this can be achieved by installing water line pressure valves along Harris Road. He then related that the project will cost approximately $100,000 with a completion date of March 15, 1994. WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT: Mr. Dick Van Pelt related that the state of the Jacksonville Wastewater Utilities is excellent. He related that the treatment plant did not have a single violation of the EPA permit which he related not to be a common occurrence given the limitation placed by EPA. He stated that the Wastewater Department is proud to relate that the water discharged from the sewer plant is some of the best in the country. He related that this is the fourth consecutive year that the laboratory has successfully completed all 5 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 20 1994 7:00 P.M. - 7:45 P.M. of EPA's quality control testing on the laboratory. He said that a de-chlorination facility, required by EPA, was constructed in 1993 at the cost of one hundred eighty thousand dollars. He mentioned the work being accomplished in the up-grading and re- habilitation program. undersized pumping station was replaced at the cost of one hundred ninety thousand dollars. He related that the mission at the Wastewater Utility is to protect the environment for the citizens of Jacksonville. RESUME AGENDA: CONSENT AGENDA: RECYCLING: QUARTERLY & ANNUAL REPORT/1993 Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Smith that the quarterly & annual recycling report be APPROVED. Said report reflects the following for the fourth quarter of 1993 and year to date totals. 1993 1993 YTD YTD 4th Qtr 4th Qtr lbs. $ lbs $ Alum. Cans 2,340 522.60 10,650 2,450.30 Newspaper 241,120 1,919.14 783,760 6,224.23 Plastic #1 16,016 960.96 29,586 1,741.23 Plastic #2 13,500 845.00 27,800 1,746.00 Computer Paper 730 29.25 6,290 294.74 White Paper 4,610 80.67 16,457 263.06 Mixed Paper 14,140 none 31,875 55.00 Cardboard 9,560 302.28 96,860 459.48 Scrap Metal 6,060 66.00 22,943 291.00 Mulch Sold n/a n/a n/a n/a Totals 338,076 4 ,725.90 1,026,229 13,580.04 ROLL CALL: Alderman: Knight, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Fletcher, Williamson, and Twitty voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. FIRE DEPARTMENT: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/DECEMBER 1993 Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Smith that the Regular Monthly Report for December 1993, of the Jacksonville Fire Department be APPROVED. (Said report reflects an estimated fire loss of $ 74,350.00 for the month of December 1993.) ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Knight, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson, and Twitty voted AYE. NAY 0. MOTION CARRIED. 6 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 20 1994 7:00 P.M. - 7:45 P.M. POLICE DEPARTMENT: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/DECEMBER 1993 Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Smith that the Regular Monthly Report of the Jacksonville Police Department be approved. Said report reflects: Computer Collections, $37,640.96, Miscellaneous Payments $ 607.74, Report Copies $521.00 for a total Collections of $38,769.70. ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Knight, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Williamson, and Twitty voted AYE, NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. CDBG: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/DECEMBER 1993 Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Smith that the Regular Monthly Report for December 1993, of the Community Development Department be approved. Said report reflects: Informal Meetings……………………………………………………..….1 Public Hearings……………………………………………………………1 a. Letters to prospective applicants…………………………4 b. Applications received……………………………………………0 c. Work write-ups & estimates……………………………………2 d. Pre-constructions conferences……………………………….3 e. Paperwork for HOME Projects…………………………………..0 f. Interim Inspections……………………………………………...22 g. Final Inspections…………………………………………………..1 h. Partial Payments……………………………………………………0 i. Project Close-outs…………………………………………………1 Public Works: a. Bids Received-Sunnyside Drainage……………………………1 b. Interim Inspections……………………………………………….14 c. HUD Workshops………………………………………………………….1 d. Project inspection………………………………………………….1 ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Knight, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson, and Twitty voted AYE, NAY (O). MOTION CARRIED. MUNICIPAL COURT: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/DECEMBER 1993 Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Smith that the Regular Monthly Report for December 1993 be APPROVED. Said Report Reflects: Cases month ending November 1993,……………………………………117 Cases added in Month of December 1993,……………………………….6 Probations completed, Month ended Dec. 1, 1993…………………..6 Total cases as of December 31, 1993…………………………………117 7 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 20 1994 7:00 P.M. - 7:45 P.M. Number of Juveniles on Probation……………………………………….0 Types of Cases Referred, Month of December 1993 Assault………………………………………………………………………………1 Battery………………………………………………………………………………2 Fleeing………………………………………………………………………………1 Theft of Property………………………………………………………………3 ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Knight, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson, and Twitty voted AYE. NAY 0. MOTION CARRIED. RECYCLING REPORT: Public Works Director Skip Spears emphasized that recycling efforts surpassed 1,000,000 lbs. as opposed to almost 400,000 lbs. the previous year. He pointed out that some of the benefits of recycling, besides the funds collected from sale, are the savings of over 5,000.00 dollars in tipping fees payable to the landfill. He related the savings of diversion cost pointing out that the tub grinder handled over 21 thousand lbs. of yard waste saving $80,000.00 dollars in tipping fees contributing to the fact that the tub grinder will pay for itself in the third year of operation. He further related the economic benefits, while complying with EPA regulations, relating to a $3,000.00 saving in tire expense. He explained that the landfill area is hazardous to the life of the tires on the sanitation trucks. He pointed out that all these benefits have helped to prevent any increase in sanitation collection fees. Alderman Smith commented on the new billboard program and the next expanded efforts to be considered by the recycling program. Public Works Director Skip Spears related that bins are currently being delivered into the Jackson Heights, Shady Lanes and Bushwood for time evaluation with possibly going into the neighborhood on General Samuels. Mayor Swaim complimented Michael Beeman for his efforts in obtaining various grants such as the $10,000.00 recycling educational grant received from DPC & E, which has funded the billboard program and like programs currently underway in the City Of Jacksonville. WATER DEPARTMENT: WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT: FIRE DEPARTMENT: 8 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 20 1994 7:00 P.M. - 7:45 P.M. POLICE DEPARTMENT: STREET DEPARTMENT: PARKS & REC DEPARTMENT: 1993 ANNUAL REPORT Parks and Recreation Director Annabelle Davis related the high points achieved in 1993, stating that all city parks have received some type of major attention during the year adding that more improvements will be anticipated with the pending approval of a $70,000.00 dollar grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund to be used to fund new playground equipment. She related that the list of accomplishments for Parks & Recreation during 1993 has exceeded past years. She voiced the excitement concerning the new Community Center adding that in 1994 the biggest challenge for the Park Commission will be to set policy procedure and user fees for the building. She reminded everyone that opening and maintaining the operation of the new building will require fees charged for uses, designed for the new building. She said the variables and input from the citizens will be taken into consideration when setting the new user fees and that a possibly a introductory time of no charges may be used in order to give citizens the opportunity to "make friends" with the building and find something that interest them. She pointed out that raising or adding fees to make up operational funds is a matter of good business adding that she hopes it will not become a political football with this being election year. She noted the hard work contributed by the Parks Commission. SANITATION DEPARTMENT: PLANNING COMMISSION: MISAK COMMERCIAL SUBDIVISION Mayor Swaim related the location of the property and that the development plans for the lot is the future site of Twin City Bank. It was noted that the Planning Commission recommended approval with no stipulations. Alderman Knight moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to APPROVE the FINAL PLAT of the Misak Commercial Subdivision. MOTION CARRIED. Mayor Swaim introduced Mr. Kenny Elliott as the new Planning Commission Chairman... He related that he would also like to thank the commissioners who serve on the various commissions and boards for their dedication and hard work. He expressed that he would also like to say thank you to the Jacksonville City employees who helped to achieve all that was accomplished in 1993. He stated that he would like to apologize for failing sometimes to pat people on the back for a job well done. He related that all department 9 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 20 1994 7:00 P.M. - 7:45 P.M. heads present should relate that message to their employees, expressing that he appreciates their efforts. He expressed that he has been able to call on the public many times and have them come forward and volunteer their time and efforts. APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS: ADJOURNMENT Mayor Swaim adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:45 p.m. Respectfully, ________________________ ____________________________ Lula M. Leonard MAYOR City Clerk-Treasurer 10