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95 MAY 04.DOC CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 4, 1995 7:00 P.M. - 7:36 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 May 4, 1995 at the regular meeting place of the Council. Alderman Smith delivered the invocation after which Krystal Gordon led the standing audience in the "Pledge of Allegiance" to the flag. ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Knight, Smith, Sansing, Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson, Keaton and Twitty answered ROLL CALL. Alderman Lewis arrived at approximately 7:02 p.m. PRESENT nine (9), ABSENT (1). Mayor Swaim also answered ROLL CALL and declared a quorum. He expressed appreciation for those in attendance. Others present for the meeting were: Mayoral Aide Michael Beeman, Deputy City Clerk Susan Davitt, City Attorney Robert E. Bamburg, City Engineer Duane Reel, Economic Development Director Phil Sullivan, Police Chief Larry Hibbs, Fire Chief Rick Ezell, Chamber of Commerce Director Mickey Anders, Industrial Specialist Jerry Halsell, Mrs. Judy Swaim, Mrs. D.D. Hibbs, Mrs. Sandra Sansing, Mrs. Edith 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 April 20, 1995 for study and action at the next Regular City Council Meeting. APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES: Alderman Sansing moved, seconded by Alderman Lewis that the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of April 6, 1995 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: ANIMAL CONTROL: APRIL 1995 Alderman Sansing moved, seconded by Alderman Lewis to APPROVE the monthly Animal Control Report for the month of April 1995. Report reflects the following: CONTRIBUTIONS............................. $ 0.00, ADOPTION/FINES ............................$ 611.00, SECURITY DEPOSITS..........................$ 250.00, TOTAL..................................... $ 861.50. ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Knight, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson, Keaton and Twitty voted AYE. MOTION 1 CARRIED. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 4, 1995 7:00 P.M. - 7:36 P.M. WATER DEPARTMENT: WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT: FIRE DEPARTMENT: POLICE DEPARTMENT: STREET DEPARTMENT: a. Request to accept bid: 1995 Asphalt Overlay Program. Mayor Swaim made reference of the list of planned streets for the 1995 Overlay Program. He noted that the list is prepared by the City Engineer, Public Works Director and the Street Superintendent. (a copy of this report is included in these minutes as Exhibit "A".) Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Knight to ACCEPT the low bid from Freshour Construction Company, Inc. in the amount of $25.83 in quantities of four thousand tons or more. Mayor Swaim pointed out that Freshour was awarded the contract last year, adding that the work was satisfactory. MOTION CARRIED at this time. Discussion ensued as to changing the name of Industrial Drive, which is not necessarily indicative of the type of businesses located there with Mayor Swaim pointing out that the Planning Commission is also interested in the endeavor. He invited suggestions for the name change be submitted to him. Mayor Swaim pointed out that the street known as Pennpointe was installed one lot deep before the subdivision was developed, stating that the street from Harris Rd. to the West 200' is not part of the development of Pennpointe. b. Request to Accept Bid: Laurel Street Drainage. Mayor Swaim pointed out the range from high bid to low bid. City Engineer Reel related where the drainage project is located, adding that it is designed to drain low areas on the end of Oak Court and Oak Street. He stated that the estimate of the project and low bid were close. 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 4, 1995 7:00 P.M. - 7:36 P.M. Alderman Keaton moved, seconded by Alderman Knight to ACCEPT the low bid from Utility Management & Construction in the amount of $33,561.00 for the Laurel Street Drainage Project with fund to be drawn from the Drainage and Street Drainage Funds. MOTION CARRIED. PARKS & REC DEPARTMENT: SANITATION DEPARTMENT: PLANNING COMMISSION: GENERAL: a. Request for Matching Funds for Library Improvements of $6,500.00. Mayor Swaim related that the total proposed outlay of funds will be $73,047.00 of which the share from the City will be $6,500.00 with the library contributing the remaining $67,547.00. He related that the library will purchase on-site computers, security system, printers, modems, telecommunications switch, and pro rata cost of software, tape loading, barcoding and initial training. Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to approve the matching library funds of $6,500.00. Mayor Swaim pointed out that as a non-budgeted item these funds will come from the Contingency Fund. MOTION CARRIED at this time. b. Resolution 481 (#5-95) Outlining Incentives for Recruiting Industry. Resolution 481 reserved, not presented at this time. Mayor Swaim related that after reviewing the proposed Resolution, Mr. Mickey Anders and himself would like to clarify the proposal with AIDC. He related that while currently participating in the Arkansas Enterprise Zone Program other cities are offering incentives that have not been offered by the City of Jacksonville in the past. Chamber of Commerce Director Mr. Anders related that the bottom line is to strengthen the City's position for industrial recruiting. He related that competition with other cities is an issue of concern. He stated that other cities may offer a tax incentive or rebates such as Little Rock who offers a rebate on their 1/2 cent sales tax for industry recruiting. He outlined the desire by companies to know what kind of commitment the community 3 is willing to make. He concluded by saying that a Resolution of 4 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 4, 1995 7:00 P.M. - 7:36 P.M. this type will strengthen our standing with the Arkansas Development Commission, who has funds which are used as tie breakers with regard to companies and infrastructure. He pointed out examples of the types of incentive programs which cities are able to offer industries with regard to city, state, and county sales taxes. He related that at the next meeting he hopes to give an analysis of a typical case with regard to how many dollars are involved. Mayor Swaim related that if it is a new industry they will purchase items locally which will generate business among our local merchants creating more than one advantage for the city. He stated that industry will have to qualify for the AIDC rebates before they can qualify for rebates that may be offered by the City of Jacksonville. c. DISCUSSION for Establishment of a Tourism and Promotion fund. Mayor Swaim pointed out that the fastest growing influx of money in the State of Arkansas in the past several years has been tourism dollars. He said that the City is now able to take advantage of attracting tourists in part because of the new Community Center with regard to conventions, etc. He said that many cities set aside funds for promoting tourism and that he desired to start a program to promote the City of Jacksonville in a very positive manner. He suggested that to start the fund, three to five thousand dollars be set aside in promotion efforts. He noted that crime is low in the city. Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Knight that $5,000.00 from the Contingency Fund be set aside establishing a "Tourism and Promotion Fund". The Mayor said that he might present a request later in the year to increase the fund if progress is made in the matter. He said that he would be looking at the progress of other cities and the means used in their tourism efforts. Alderman Knight suggested that a plan for the program would aid the Council at budget times with regard to funding. Alderman Wilson voiced that the Municipal League might be encouraged to meet in the City. 5 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 4, 1995 7:00 P.M. - 7:36 P.M. Mayor Swaim noted that he has invited several groups mentioning in particular the Municipal Clerks Assn. and pointing out an open house concerning Little Rock Air Force Base which will bring tourists into the area. Alderman Fletcher expressed that working with Mr. Phil Sullivan in the Economic Development Department might be beneficial in the endeavors regarding promoting the City and Main Street Revitalization. Mayor Swaim alluded to a meeting at noon during which Mr. Sullivan made a presentation regarding surveys of the area with suggestions of ways to improve downtown Jacksonville from the business people in attendance. (Data of that meeting was provided each Alderman at the Council Meeting.) He related that more participation from the downtown merchants is desired. He said that plans are being made to get the center of business for the City of Jacksonville downtown and that meetings with some of the merchants indicate that there is a willingness to spend some money to revitalize the area and move Jacksonville forward. Mr. Sullivan said that there were thirty-six persons in attendance at the noon meeting. At this time the MOTION CARRIED to the previous motion setting aside $5,000.00. APPOINTMENTS: ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mayor Swaim announced the Municipal League meeting in the month of June in Little Rock and encouraged the Council to attend pointing out that pertinent information can truly be gleaned with regard to legislative action and give an opportunity to learn from progress made by other cities. The City Clerk announced that receipt of a letter from Carolyn Staley, County Clerk, set May 18, 1995 as the last day to register voters for the Special Election to be held June 8, 1995 regarding a millage increase requested by the Fire and Police Departments which relates to their Pension Funds. Fire Chief Ezell noted efforts of both departments with regard to the upcoming election. He announced that two informational 6 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MAY 4, 1995 7:00 P.M. - 7:36 P.M. meetings for the public at large are set for 7:00 pm; one at the new Community Center for May 25 for Wards three (3), four (4), and five (5), and one at the Jacksonville Boy's and Girl's Club for May 30 for Wards one (1) and two (2). He invited the Council to attend the meetings pointing out that members of both departments will be there along with he and Chief Hibbs to answer questions. Concern regarding graffiti was expressed by Alderman Fletcher. Mayor Swaim made brief comments regarding efforts to take care of the problem and encouraged that addresses be made available to him. He said that there are no specifics by ordinance to address that particular issue as he pointed out that there are several interested individuals who are willing to help with painting and businesses that donate the paint. ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Swaim adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:36 p.m. Respectfully, ___________________________ ____________________________ Lula M. Leonard MAYOR City Clerk-Treasurer 7