96 JAN 04.DOC
CITY 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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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