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96 JAN 04.DOCCITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 4, 1996 7:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING - CITY HALL - #1 MUNICIPAL DRIVE The City Council of the City of Jacksonville, Arkansas met in Regular Session on January 4, 1996 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. ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson, and Twitty answered ROLL CALL. PRESENT EIGHT (8), ABSENT (2). Mayor Swaim answered ROLL CALL and declared a quorum. Others present for the meeting were: City Attorney Robert E. Bamburg, Personnel Director Michael Beeman, Deputy City Clerk Susan Davitt, City Engineer Duane Reel, Public Works Coordinator Murice Green, Director of Economic Development Phil Sullivan, Police Chief Larry Hibbs, Fire Chief Rick Ezell, Chamber of Commerce Director Mickey Anders, Mrs. Judy Swaim, Mrs. D.D. Hibbs, Mrs. Edith Smith, Mrs. Sandra Sansing, 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 December 21, 1995 for Study and action at the next Regular City Council Meeting. APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES: Alderman Sansing moved, seconded by Alderman Ray that the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of December 7, 1995 be APPROVED. ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson, and Twitty. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: ANIMAL CONTROL: DECEMBER 1995 Alderman Sansing moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to APPROVE the monthly Animal Control Report for the month of December 1995. Report reflects the following: CONTRIBUTIONS............................$ .00 ADOPTION/FINES...........................$ 560.50 SECURITY DEPOSITS........................$ 275.00 TOTAL....................................$ 835.50 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 4, 1996 7:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M. ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson, and Twitty voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. ANIMAL CONTROL: ANNUAL 1995 REPORT Alderman Sansing moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to APPROVE the Annual Animal Control Report for 1995. Report reflects the following: CONTRIBUTIONS............................$ 70.00 ADOPTION/FINES...........................$7,115.50 SECURITY DEPOSITS........................$2,750.00 TOTAL....................................$9,935.50 ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson, and Twitty voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. DEVIATION IN AGENDA: WATER DEPARTMENT: Water Commission Resignation Mayor Swaim read a letter from by Mr. Kenneth Pat Wilson stating that he is tending his resignation as chairman of the Water Commission. Mr. Wilson stated in his letter that his resignation is mainly for consideration of health problems he has experienced, adding that he appreciates the opportunity to serve on the Water Commission, offering to serve in an advisory capacity. Mayor Swaim related that the Water Commission will be proposing two new members and asking the Council to approve those appointments. WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT: FIRE DEPARTMENT: POLICE DEPARTMENT: STREET DEPARTMENT: PARKS & REC DEPARTMENT: SANITATION DEPARTMENT: Mayor Swaim related that with regard to the sanitation schedule both local papers and the state paper carried a bulletin. He stated that while it has been suggested that a mail-out be prepared, it would be too costly. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 4, 1996 7:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M. Alderman Wilson suggested that a change in policy regarding days off for the holiday season might aid Sanitation Department endeavors. PLANNING COMMISSION: FINAL PLAT Long Ford Commercial Subdivision Mayor Swaim related that the plat consisted of approximately eight acres, located West of the Southside Northside Jr. High School football field at the Main Street exit. Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Smith that the Final Plat of Long Ford Commercial Subdivision be approved as recommended by the Planning Commission. MOTION CARRIED. GENERAL: DISCUSSION: Main Street Overpass "Grant Application" Mayor Swaim related that 250,000.00 from the one cent sales tax was set aside in the 1996 budget for the overpass project. He related that the funding has been a problem in the past, however the City has the opportunity to apply for funding which would provide an 80/20 match. He stated that if the Council elects to move forward the City will also work with the railroad regarding further help with funding. He related that the City has a good chance to receive the funding necessary. He stated that the above grade crossing will need to show that it is a part of a long-range plan for the City of Jacksonville. He pointed out that the Metroplan Land Use Map shows the need for a four-lane road from Loop Road West through the City making an East - West corridor. He stated that in order to qualify for funding the overpass will need to be connected to a major thoroughfare. He related the importance of the East - West corridor which will increase safety and connect areas of the City to the downtown area. He stated that after a meeting with Metroplan his understanding is that the City stands an excellent chance for receiving the set aside funding. He asked the Council for input regarding moving forward towards the application. Alderman Smith related that given consideration to the 80/20 match, it would be prudent on behalf of the City to file an application. He stated his approval for planning and moving forward with the project. Alderman Ray stated that he has had the opportunity to view other similar structures and expressed support for filing an application. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 4, 1996 7:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M. Mayor Swaim related that there will be a lot of considerations before final design is decided upon. He stated safety to be one of the main contributing factors. He stated that by opening up Graham Road the City would be taking advantage of the opportunity to direct people to the downtown area. Alderman Wilson suggested that aerial photos and other information be made available to people in the area while the plan is formulated. He stated that safety with consideration for Fire and Police could possibly justify the cost. He suggested that a plan that provides the East - West thoroughfare should be as least disruptive as possible. Mayor Swaim stated that he was open to suggestions, asking if the Council thought a committee from Council would be necessary. He pointed out the controversy in the past with regard to questions concerning where it would be built and how it would be paid for. He stated the need for public meetings in order to get citizens input. He pointed out that not being the only funding agent will restrict the City, adding that federal and state requirements will need to be followed. Discussion ensued as to traffic counts with regard to Graham Road and safety with regard to Fire and Police in the area. Mayor Swaim related that the railroad overpass could be considered part of the capital improvements funded by the one-cent sales tax until the project is completed. He related that he felt the community would pull together to bring a solution to where the overpass should be located. The consensus of the Council was to move forward with the application, with several Aldermen volunteering to serve on a committee. Mayor Swaim related that work on the proposals would begin. APPOINTMENTS: PLANNING COMMISSION Mark Perry and John Hardwick for terms to expire 1-1-99. Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson to approve the appointments of Mark Perry to fill the un-expired term of Leslie Belden ending 1-1-1997 and John Hardwick for a three-year term to expire 1-1-1999. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 4, 1996 7:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M. ANNOUNCEMENTS: ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Swaim adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:30 p.m. Respectfully, ___________________________ ____________________________ Lula M. Leonard MAYOR City Clerk-Treasurer