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95 JAN 19.DOC CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 19, 1995 7:00 P.M. - 7:55 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 19, 1995 at the regular meeting place of the Council. Alderman Smith delivered the invocation after which Mayor Swaim led the standing audience in the "Pledge of Allegiance" to the flag. ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, and Williamson answered ROLL CALL. PRESENT seven (7), ABSENT (3). 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 Davitt, Public Works Director Skip Spears, Finance Director Paul Mushrush, Economic Development Director Phil Sullivan, Police Chief Larry Hibbs, Fire Chief Rick Ezell, CDBG Director Tony Ply, Marketing and Public Relations Specialist for Parks Department Annabelle Davis, P & R Commissioner Robert Stroud, Planning Commission Chairman Art Brannen, Chamber President Martha Yagos and Ex-officio Nick Kohut, Industrial Specialist Jerry Hasell, Wastewater Utility Commission Chairman Joan Zumwalt, Wastewater Utility Manager Dick VanPelt, Jacksonville Water Department Manager Ken Anderson, Fireman Bill Plunk, Mrs. Judy Swaim, Mrs. D.D. Hibbs, Mrs. Edith Smith, other city employees, interested citizens and members of the press. DEVIATION IN AGENDA ANNOUNCEMENT Mayor Swaim acknowledged the attendance of parents of students from Jacksonville High Schools. He related their plan with regard to an "after party" on prom night that would be held in the new Community Center. He advised the parents to contact the Parks and Recreation Department who is in charge of setting up and making those arrangements and related that a special meeting addressing this item of business will be held on the first Tuesday in February. He stated that he felt it is an excellent plan, inviting comment from the audience. STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS a. GENERAL: Mayor Swaim outlined the State of the City Report as compiled for the 1994 fiscal year. He stated that the City is financially stable and enjoys a progressive and strong thinking City Council coupled with a state congressional delegation who are cooperative and eager to help with our legislative needs. He related that housing starts in the City of Jacksonville are up 10% over 1993. He stated that the City established the Office of Economic Development to complete a study to make Jacksonville economically sound for the CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 19, 1995 7:00 P.M. - 7:55 P.M. next generation, adding that the program has been funded for 1995. He related the progress of on-going projects being worked by Community Development. He then related that the Finance Department has increased their ability to keep concise records involving tax dollar expenditures. He stated that a new purchasing manual was approved standardizing purchasing procedures. He highlighted the improvements and progress made by the Jacksonville Police Department referring to crime case clearance rates and stolen property recovery percentage, pointing out the advantages of the new police sub-station located in Sunnyside Hills Addition and benefits from educational programs like D.A.R.E. Adding that because of the emphasis placed on narcotics activity and follow-up arrests the department was able to purchase a second K-9 for the narcotics division. He related the completion of a major addition to the Central Fire Sation and the purchase of a new state-of-the-art rescue truck. He expressed enthusiasm for the progress toward completion of the new Community Center for Jacksonville. He related the progressive moves made regarding Rebsamen Regional Medical Center transfer to a C-3 corporation, which will ensure a good health care facility for all citizens in the area. He stated that two capital improvement projects regarding expansion were completed in the Public Works Department. He stated that major drainage projects were completed, along with six miles of street asphalt and 27,591 feet of street striping adding that 584 raised pavement markers were placed. He highlighted the accomplishments of the recycling program noting that 1,347,703 pounds of recyclables were collected and sold generating $31,185.00 and that $9,952.00 in landfill costs were deferred. He stated "My goal is to continue moving Jacksonville forward. Good planning, hard working employees, progressive thinking Council members, and continued cooperation of you the citizens, will allow us to make Jacksonville, an even greater place to live. The elected officials join with me in thanking you for the opportunity to serve you another year. Without your support and encouragement our job would be very difficult. We look forward to 1995 with great optimism for the future of Jacksonville." A copy of the written report is on file in the Office of the City Clerk. JACKSONVILLE WATER WORKS 1994 REPORT Mr. Ken Anderson reported that the Jacksonville Water System is in excellent condition financially as well as structurally. He stated that the number of water service customers has increased by 1.7% to 8,239 which is a net gain of 138 new residents. Total water production for 1994 was 1.7 billion gallons which is 6% lower than CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 19, 1995 7:00 P.M. - 7:55 P.M. in 1993. He stated that of total production, 35% came from wells in Lonoke County while 65% was purchased from North Little Rock. He reviewed the completed water projects during 1994 adding that the Water Department continues to meet all Arkansas Department of Health requirements and regulation in water quality. He thanked the Mayor and Council members for helping to meet the goals of the Jacksonville Water Works. A copy of the written report is on file in the Office of the City Clerk. JACKSONVILLE WASTEWATER UTILITY Mr. Dick VanPelt reported that Jacksonville Wastewater Utility experienced another successful year in 1994 remaining debt free. He stated that in the treatment department they are continuing to produce an excellent quality of water that is replaced in the receiving stream. He related that they have safely disposed of 8,000 cubic yards of bio-solids. He stated that efforts are concentrated toward the on-going rehabilitation of the collection system and were able to replace several thousand feet of new sewer lines in 1994, adding that there were 140 major spot repairs to improve the system. He pointed out that the routine cleaning of 110 miles of sewer line was completed. He related that the laboratory department has been praised by EPA for meeting all standards set and that the industrial pre-treatment program has absolutely no discrepancies. A copy of the written report is on file in the Office of the City Clerk. Mayor Swaim commended both utilities and their chairman, adding that there is ample Water and Wastewater services for the citizens of the City of Jacksonville . RESUME AGENDA PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Swaim presented the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of January 5, 1995 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 December 15, 1994 and the minutes from the Special City Council Meeting of December 29, 1994 be APPROVED. ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 19, 1995 7:00 P.M. - 7:55 P.M. CONSENT AGENDA: POLICE DEPARTMENT/REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT FOR DECEMBER 1994 Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson that the Regular Monthly Report for December 1994 of the Jacksonville Police Department be APPROVED. Said report reflects: Computer Collections, $ 53,066.50, Miscellaneous Payments $ 1,238.50, Report Copies $ 286.00 for a total Collections of $ 54,591.00. ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, and Williamson voted AYE, NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. FIRE DEPARTMENT/REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT FOR DECEMBER 1994 Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson that the Regular Monthly Report of the Jacksonville Fire Department be APPROVED. Said report reflects an estimated fire loss of $ 113,700.00 for the month of December 1994. ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, and Williamson voted AYE. NAY 0. MOTION CARRIED. RECYCLING 4th QUARTERLY REPORT 1994 Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson that the quarterly recycling report be APPROVED. Said report reflects the following for the 4th quarter of 1994. Sale of Alum. cans, Paper (Newspaper, Computer, White, Mixed), Cardboard, Scrap Metal, Plastics #1 & 2 and Mulch sold was $13,086.36 in the 4th quarter and $31,185.49 for the 1994 total; 359,598 lbs. collected and sold in the 4th quarter and 1,347,703 for the annual amount collected. Ground Yard Waste 7,334 Cubic Yards in the 4th quarter and 26,933 total Cubic Yards for 1994. Number of people through Recycling Center 2,328 in the 4th quarter and a total of 7,915 for 1994. Public Works Director Spears related that with regard to price increases there was a 6% increase over the 4th quarter of 1993 for pounds collected and a 64% increase for monies collected for the same recyclables. He pointed out that the total increase for the year is 24% for the pounds collected and a 56% increase for monies collected. He related that the prediction is that prices will hold steady for most of the year. He related the change in the quarterly report to reflect the amount it would cost if recyclable were taken to the landfill. It was related that there was a 21% increase in cubic yards ground mulch from the storms last summer. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 19, 1995 7:00 P.M. - 7:55 P.M. He related that due to the holiday schedule and other contributing factors the Sanitation Department was not able to make a fair assessment of the participation of the Sunnyside recyclable pick-up. Mayor Swaim related that it would not be surprising to experience a down trend in the market with regard to the price of recyclables since the market is now being flooded due to price increases. ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, and Williamson voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. CDBG REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT FOR DECEMBER 1994 Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson that the Regular Monthly Report for December 1994, of the Community Development Department be approved. Said report reflects: Informal Meetings ....................................... 1 Public Hearings.......................................... 1 REHAB a. Letters to prospective applicants .................... 0 b. Applications received ................................ 0 c. Bid Advertised ....................................... 0 d. Work write-ups & estimates ........................... 0 e. Pre-Construction Conferences ......................... 0 f. Appraisals & Environmental reviews ................... 0 g. Interim inspections .................................. 6 h. Final inspections .................................... 0 i. Emergency inspections ................................ 0 j. Partial payments ..................................... 1 k. Project Close-outs ................................... 0 l. Warranty Repairs ..................................... 2 Public Works: a. Bids Received ........................................ 1 b. Interim Inspections .................................. 7 c. HUD Workshops ........................................ 0 d. Project Close-out .................................... 0 e. Contract Awarded ..................................... 0 ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, and Williamson voted AYE, NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. WATER DEPARTMENT: WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT: CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 19, 1995 7:00 P.M. - 7:55 P.M. FIRE DEPARTMENT: POLICE DEPARTMENT: STREET DEPARTMENT: Request for Approval/Balance of Trickey Lane Project Mayor Swaim related that the Trickey Lane Project was estimated by the State Highway Department to cost $392,222.00 and that the City had worked with the State Highway Department and the Federal Matching Funds to negotiate a 25% of total cost contract. He then related that there were some changes involving additional costs on the project which brought the total project cost to $532,968.00. He stated that the Highway Department has born most of that additional expense pointing out that over the past two years he and Mr. Mushrush have been in further negotiations for a lesser settlement. He reiterated that the contract states that the City will pay 25% of total cost, adding that the monies were set aside and have been drawing interest. He stated that he is now proposing that the City pay their portion of $45,046.13 from the set aside non-budgeted street funds. Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Smith that the City pay the State Highway Department $45,046.13 on Job # Y-222-1 (Trickey Lane Extension). MOTION CARRIED. PARKS & REC DEPARTMENT: SANITATION DEPARTMENT: PLANNING COMMISSION: a. Ordinance 1037 (#1-95) Reclassifying Property 5 acres in the general location of Hwy 161 and Valentine Road from R-0 to R-1A. b. Ordinance 1038 (#2-95) Annexation of 25 acres in the general location of Hwy 161 and Valentine Road. Mayor Swaim related that he has spoken with Mr. Smith, the project supervisor from Florida, adding that the project consists of approximately 150 houses that were planned for construction depending on the annexation of the property. He then related that Mr. Smith now feels that the project is no longer feasible and has declined development of the project due to efforts with tax credits not being able to be finalized at this time. He then related that the company has expressed interest for a possible future project in the City of Jacksonville. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 19, 1995 7:00 P.M. - 7:55 P.M. Mayor Swaim requested that Ordinance 1038 be withdrawn and that Ordinance 1037 be deferred until the next regularly scheduled City Council Meeting when Alderman Knight is available. GENERAL: b. Request by Chamber of Commerce regarding joint Industrial Recruiting efforts Mayor Swaim read from a letter he received from the Chamber of Commerce requesting that the Chamber "play an active role in industrial recruitment and economic development, serving as the hub of activity in a unified effort to sell Jacksonville as a package." He stated that the Chamber of Commerce is requesting that the City Council contract with them for the amount budgeted in 1995 for the Industrial Specialist. He pointed out that quarterly progress reports would be furnished to the City Council. He stated that the Chamber Board has met and concluded that industrial recruiting and economic development should "go hand in hand" and be handled from one location; speeding efforts and increasing effectiveness. He related the need to strengthen efforts, pointing out that acquisition of industry for cities is a very competitive market. He asked the Council members for a commitment to consider the request from the Chamber of Commerce; voting to transfer funds only if the Chamber of Commerce hires a person and puts together a package for implementation. Alderman Smith, treasurer of the Chamber of Commerce, related that the Commerce Corporation was first formed in the early 80's when the Chamber of Commerce did not accept the leadership in having the broad knowledge necessary to move into the field of industrial recruitment. He stated that the Chamber has a new mission statement and desires to make a positive move putting these operations under one roof with a new progressive executive director. He related that the Commerce Corporation has indicated a willingness to proceed with the new mission of the Chamber of Commerce adding that the Commerce Corporation will still be their own entity operating under the umbrella of the Chamber of Commerce. Mayor Swaim pointed out that the Commerce Corporation is a non-profit corporation of 30 plus individuals from the community who donate money, time, and effort to the growth of Jacksonville. He related that they have done a good job under the restraints they have, adding that the Chamber handles the portion considered to be commerce. He stated that the interest of the Chamber is to combine the two, spending the same monies to do those operations with some of the same personnel. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 19, 1995 7:00 P.M. - 7:55 P.M. Mayor Swaim related that it was suggested to him by a Council member that a committee be formed consisting of two Council members, two Chamber Board members, two Commerce Corporation members and the Mayor; appointed to firm up the details and bring the proposal back to the City Council for approval. He said that it was disclosed by the City Attorney that a contract outlining the specific services for City compensation would be necessary. He related the need to procure a commitment from Council members, should they support the concept, to move forward with forming a committee to work out details of the contract. Alderman Wilson stated that "If we are going to be competitive in the area of economic development, I don't think we have any choice but to take this step." He stated that similar situations have worked well in other communities. Alderman Ray expressed his support saying that he learned during the Municipal League Meeting that other communities are trying to put together similar programs in order to attract industry. Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to move forward with the concept as requested by the Chamber of Commerce, and work with a committee to firm the details and come back for final approval. MOTION CARRIED. APPOINTMENTS: ANNOUNCEMENTS: ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Swaim adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:55 p.m. Respectfully, ___________________________ ____________________________ Lula M. Leonard MAYOR City Clerk-Treasurer