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94 NOV 17.DOC CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 17, 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 November 17, 1994 at the regular meeting place of the Council. Alderman Ray 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, and Twitty answered ROLL CALL. Alderman Fletcher arrived at approximately 7:08 p.m. PRESENT nine (9), ABSENT (1). Mayor Swaim also answered ROLL CALL and declared a quorum. Others present for the meeting were: Mayoral Aide Michael Beeman, City Attorney Robert E. Bamburg, Deputy City Clerk Susan Goings, City Engineer Duane Reel, Public Works Director Skip Spears, CDBG Director Tony Ply, Economic Development Director Phil Sullivan and Asst. Rona Scott, Industrial Specialist Jerry Halsel, Police Chief Larry Hibbs, Asst. Chief Baldridge and various Firemen, Parks & Recreation Director Annabelle Davis, Parks and Recreation Chairman Pat Bond, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Robert Stroud and Wayne Riddle, Mrs. Judy Swaim, Mrs. D. D. Hibbs, Mrs. Marshall Smith, 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 November 3, 1994 for study and action at the next Regular City Council Meeting. APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES: Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing that the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of October 20, 1994 be approved. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: FIRE DEPARTMENT: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/OCTOBER 1994 Alderman Knight moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson that the Regular Monthly Report for the month of October 1994, of the Jacksonville Fire Department be APPROVED. (Said report reflects an estimated fire loss of $38,850.00) ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Knight, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Williamson, and Twitty voted AYE. NAY 0. MOTION CARRIED. CDBG: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/OCTOBER 1994 Alderman Knight moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson that the Regular Monthly Report for October 1994, of the Community Development Department be approved. Said report reflects: 1 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 17, 1994 7:00 P.M. - 7:45 P.M. Informal Meetings ....................................... 3 Public Hearings ......................................... 0 a. Letters to prospective applicants .................... 0 b. Applications received ................................ 1 c. Bids Advertised ...................................... 2 d. Work write-ups & estimates ........................... 2 e. Pre-constructions conferences ........................ 1 f. Appraisals & Environmental reviews ................... 2 g. Interim Inspections ..................................22 h. Final Inspections .................................... 2 i. Emergency Inspection ................................. 1 j. Partial Payments ..................................... 0 k. Project Close-outs ................................... 0 l. Warranty Repairs ..................................... 3 Public Works: a. Bids Received ........................................ 0 b. Interim Inspections ..................................14 c. HUD Workshops ........................................ 1 d. Project Close-out .................................... 0 e Contract Awarded ..................................... 1 ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Knight, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Williamson, and Twitty voted AYE, NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. WATER DEPARTMENT: WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT: FIRE DEPARTMENT: Presentation of "NASA" Certificates Mayor Swaim related that some of the Jacksonville firemen participated in activities regarding the space shuttle, adding that this was a good event for the City of Jacksonville. He circulated an edition of the "Town and City" municipal magazine featuring the space shuttle while it was in Jacksonville. Awards were presented to the following firemen: Asst. Chief Bill Baldridge Captain Gene Beasley Lanny Lehman Captain Bill Plunk Wayne Coleman Engineer Bill Allen Jeff Cruise Johnny Bradley Jr. POLICE DEPARTMENT: STREET DEPARTMENT: Request to advertise bids for a traffic light at Main and Industrial Drive. 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 17, 1994 7:00 P.M. - 7:45 P.M. Mayor Swaim related that along with the approved plans for the extension of Industrial Drive to Redmond Road, a traffic light needs to be installed at the intersection of Industrial Drive. He requested permission from the Council to advertise bids regarding installation of a traffic light at that location. He related that funds have been set aside for this project. He stated that City Attorney Bamburg is working on the negotiations with regard to right-of-ways and street construction. He related that the railroad and Little Rock Air Force Base have granted a right-of- way to cross the spur. He further related that a right-of-way concerning a small easement belonging to a private individual is still being negotiated. Mayor Swaim related the need to discuss an addition to the extension plan, regarding construction of a curb on the east side of Industrial Drive. He stated that cars have made ruts on both sides of the drive of City Hall, adding that the only way to alleviate this problem would be to construct a curb there. He related that the City Engineer has designed a curb that will allow water from the street to move into the necessary drainage area. Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Knight to suspend the rules and place discussion of a curb on the east side of Industrial drive as an item of business. Mayor Swaim related that the curb would begin on Main Street going through to the recycling center and include the entrance of City Hall. MOTION CARRIED at this time. Mayor Swaim related that there is an $8,000.00 dollar bid offer which can be accepted as a change order if the Council desires. Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Knight to approve a change order and accept a bid from Jeffco Company in the amount of $8,000.00 for curbs along Industrial Drive with funds to be drawn from the Street Department. MOTION CARRIED. Alderman Wilson questioned if there were any plans to upgrade the signals at Main and Bailey. He stated that because it is a very old system, he understands that it is a problem to get parts. Mayor Swaim related that the traffic lights at Main & Bailey, Main & James, and Main & Redmond were included on a list of projects prepared for ISTEA funds. He related that the traffic lights are 3 very antiquated, pointing out that the poles are leaning and the CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 17, 1994 7:00 P.M. - 7:45 P.M. cables are sagging. He stated that efforts will be made to address some of the traffic light problems; setting aside funds for that purpose. He related that the estimated cost for a new lighting system at Industrial Drive is approximately $35,000.00, adding that the City will try to upgrade at least one lighting system a year. PARKS & REC DEPARTMENT: DISCUSSION: Use of the Ball Fields Alderman Ray related that he sponsored the item of business on behalf of a local small business owner who is coaching a football team, the Vikings, who do not play in the Sertoma league. He stated that Mr. Loving is asking the Parks and Recreation Department to allow his team use of the practice field to finish their season. He related that this time of the year is when Park & Recreation have closed for the season and are beginning to winterize the city parks. He related that Mr. Loving requests that the rules be suspended and the practice field be left open with lights left on for an additional seven to eight days to accommodate his team. After being invited to speak Mr. Loving related that he has been denied use of the parks even when no one else is using them. He related that he and his team have practiced for seven years on private property. He said that the football team is made up of underprivileged kids who "do not have any rights to the parks". He stated that he has spoken with personnel in charge of the parks and does not want to do so again, feeling he has been given "the run around". He related that if the parks are supported by tax revenue he feels that he and his team has as much rights as anyone else. He related that it is rumored the private property they are currently practicing on has been sold, leaving them no place to practice next year. He related that out of seventy-five kids possibly only five could afford to pay the twenty-five dollar fee to play football. He stated that all he is asking from the City of Jacksonville is a place to practice and play football, adding that he is not asking for more than what is done for anyone else. He related that because of the cost involved the underprivileged kids cannot afford to play in the Sertoma League adding that "their parents are not going to support them in any kind of way". He further related that since the kids do not have anything else to do he is trying to keep them off the streets. He reiterated that "all we ask, is that the City give us a place to practice and play". He stated that he has been turned down for seven years. Alderman Ray related that the subject of tonight's discussion is 4 the team having a place to practice until the championships. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 17, 1994 7:00 P.M. - 7:45 P.M. Mr. Loving stated "the agenda has changed". At this time Mr. Loving stated, "This is what happens, we've got needs and we don't get them". "I thank you." Mr. Loving was abruptly leaving the Council Chambers as Alderman Ray and Mayor Swaim were trying to attract his attention to further the discussion. Alderman Ray explained that when he sponsored Mr. Loving for the agenda the discussion was to be in regard to the rules and regulations for the parks. He stated that "after what just happened I have no further discussion". Mayor Swaim related that he would like to state for the benefit of the press that two letters were written to Mr. Loving from himself and the Parks Department adding that Mr. Loving has not been denied use of the fields. He related that the rules and regulations of the Parks and Recreation Department state "that for all those who participate, there is a fee." He stated that league players pay league fees and that anyone using the fields, who are not part of the league, pay a fee. He related that the City made arrangements through the Parks and Recreation Department for Mr. Loving to practice his team with lights for the time he had requested. He stated that arrangements were made to use the High School field with the tennis court lights at no charge, since the parks were closed. He related that this type of accommodation has not been offered to anyone else. He further related that contrary to Mr. Loving's statement the Parks Department has tried to work with him with regard to practice on the soccer field in a scheduled situation. He added that Mr. Loving did not want to work in a scheduled situation which would allow practice time for the soccer team as well. Mayor Swaim related that the Parks and Recreation Commission governs how the parks will be used, adding that everyone abides by those rules. He then related that Ron McDaniel from the Sertoma Club, as well as softball and baseball representatives were present and can inform Council as to how their programs operate. He stated that this is not an attempt by the City to deny anyone use of the parks. He related that Mr. Wayne Riddle a Parks and Recreation Commissioner working in the football program went to Mr. Loving and offered him a place to practice, adding that Mr. Loving seems to be choosing not to accept. 5 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 17, 1994 7:00 P.M. - 7:45 P.M. Mayor Swaim said he would like to reiterate that this is a "policy and procedures" situation for the Parks and Recreation Department, and his recommendation is that the Parks and Recreation Commission attempt again to work with Mr. Loving in providing the opportunity for his team to use the facilities. He stated that it is not the responsibility of the City Council to determine the policy and procedures for Commissions. Alderman Sansing stated that he would like to comment that while he heard Mr. Loving state that he was not asking for anything not already provided to everyone, he also heard Mr. Loving ask for free use of the parks. He added that Mr. Loving desires to go around the system that has been set up for all teams. He stated that Mr. Loving is asking for special privileges and to be treated differently from everyone else. Mayor Swaim related that several years ago the City used city equipment and labor to level the ball field that they now play on. He related that Alderman Sansing had the field surveyed free of charge. He then related that he has personally donated funds in the past two years to this league, which he has not done for the Sertoma Club. He said that he is discouraged by the statement that they are not being helped. Alderman Knight related that just like all commissions, the Parks and Recreation Commission is there to serve a purpose. She related that she feels that the fee schedule and the rules are set forth to serve a purpose, adding that it is not for Council to step in and circumvent, undermining the Commission. She related that she was pleased that the Parks and Recreation Department has tried to work with Mr. Loving with regard to his needs adding however if that doesn't work the rules need to be observed. Discussion ensued as to the cost with regard to participation in the Sertoma League. It was disclosed that no child is turned down for lack of funds. Alderman Williamson related that the City Council should not get involved with matters that belong to the Parks and Recreation Commission. He related that when he and Alderman Ray were Park and Recreation Commissioners they resented interference from the Council. SANITATION DEPARTMENT: 6 PLANNING COMMISSION: CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 17, 1994 7:00 P.M. - 7:45 P.M. GENERAL: a. RESOLUTION 476 (#10-94) A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ENDORSEMENT BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS, FOR AGL CORPORATION'S PARTICIPATION IN AND EXPANSION THROUGH THE ARKANSAS ENTERPRISE ZONE PROGRAM; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Mayor Swaim related that AGL has remodeled the AMAC building and will be relocating. He related that in order to participate in the benefits from the enterprise zone City Council needs to pass a resolution of endorsement. Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson to read Resolution 476 (#10-94). MOTION CARRIED. At this time City Attorney Bamburg read Resolution 476 (#10-94) Alderman Knight moved, seconded by Alderman Lewis to Approve Resolution 476 (#10-94). MOTION CARRIED. Mayor Swaim expressed approval with regard to the refurbishing of the building and the improvement efforts made by AGL. b. Economic Development Briefing Mayor Swaim related the importance of action to be taken with regard to some segments of the plan. The following are highlights from the plan as outlined by Phil Sullivan and Rona Scott. Five Year Strategic Plan for Economic Growth Mrs. Scott related that in order to better organize the plan it was divided into six different areas: Community Growth Work Force/Education Medical/Industrial Development Commercial Development Little Rock Air Force Base She related that the goal of the plan is to improve the City's economy by utilizing it assets in order to best maximize its growth in the following ways: 7 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 17, 1994 7:00 P.M. - 7:45 P.M. Community Growth Annex appropriate land with a plan for the development of that land such as new residential areas. Secure public transportation to meet the need in growth. Form a Community Development Corporation that will raise local matching funds to go in addition to available federal and state funds. Work Force/Education Form a business education council which will be based on meeting the needs of the employer and employee within the local area. Medical Supporting Rebsamen Regional Medical Center to insure that it remains a viable and comprehensive health care provider for Central Arkansas. Industrial Development Increase the opportunities for industrial retention and/or expansion while building a competitive foundation to attract new industry. Commercial Redevelopment Strengthen and expand the retail economy of Jacksonville by meeting the needs of its existing retailer and preparing for future opportunities. Little Rock Air Force Base Maintain and provide for the growth of Little Rock Air Force Base by encouraging community and military communications. Looking carefully at the zoning in the county which will help prevent anyone from building in the flight line. APPOINTMENTS: ANNOUNCEMENTS: ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Swaim adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:45 p.m. Respectfully, ___________________________ ____________________________ 8 Lula M. Leonard MAYOR City Clerk-Treasurer 9