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96 JAN 18.DOC CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 18, 1996 7:00 P.M. - 7:40 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 Smith delivered the invocation after which Mayor Swaim led the standing audience in the "Pledge of Allegiance" to the flag. ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Knight, Smith, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Williamson, Keaton, and Twitty answered ROLL CALL. Alderman Lewis came in at approximately 7:04 p.m. Alderman Fletcher was ill. PRESENT NINE (9), ABSENT (1). Mayor Swaim answered ROLL CALL and declared a quorum expressing appreciation to the audience for their attendance. 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, Community Development Director Tony Ply, General Mgr. of Jacksonville Waterworks Mr. Ken Anderson, Wastewater Department Manager David Thomas and Chairman of the Sewer Commission Joan Zumwalt, Chairman of the Planning Commission Bart Gray Jr., Mr. Tom Cory, Mrs. Judy Swaim, Mrs. D.D. Hibbs, 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 January 4, 1996 for study and action at the next Regular City Council Meeting. APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES: Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Ray that the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of December 21, 1995 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: FIRE DEPARTMENT Regular Monthly Report/Fire Department Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing that the Regular Monthly Report for December, of the Jacksonville Fire Department be APPROVED. (Said report reflects an estimated fire loss of $235,500.00 for the month of December.) ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Knight, Smith, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Williamson, Keaton and Twitty voted AYE. NAY 0. MOTION CARRIED. 1 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 18, 1996 7:00 P.M. - 7:40 P.M. CONSENT AGENDA CONTINUED: POLICE DEPARTMENT Regular Monthly Report/Police Department Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing that the Regular Monthly Report for December of the Jacksonville Police Department be APPROVED. Said report reflects: Computer Collections, $ 80,105.33, Miscellaneous Payments $ 818.00, Report Copies $ 311.00 for a total Collections of $57,422.25. ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Knight, Smith, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Williamson, Keaton and Twitty voted AYE, NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Regular Monthly Report/CDBG Department Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing that the Regular Monthly Report for December, of the Community Development Department be approved. Said report reflects: Informal Meetings ....................................... 4 Hud Meetings............................................. 0 Public Hearings.......................................... 1 a. Letters to prospective applicants..................... 6 b. Applications received................................. 4 c. Bids Advertised....................................... 3 d. Work write-ups & estimates............................ 1 e. Pre-constructions conferences......................... 1 f. Appraisals & Environmental reviews.................... 0 g. Interim Inspections................................... 72 h. Final inspections..................................... 3 i. Emergency Inspection................................. 0 j. Partial payments...................................... 1 k. Project Close-outs.................................... 3 l. Warranty Repairs...................................... 0 m. Contracts signed...................................... 1 Public Works: a. Bids Received-Sunnyside Drainage ..................... 0 b. Interim Inspections................................... 8 c. Project Close-out..................................... 0 ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Knight, Smith, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Williamson, Keaton and Twitty voted AYE, NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. WATER DEPARTMENT: ANNUAL REPORT/1995 Mayor Swaim voiced that Mr. Pat Wilson recently resigned his position, held for approximately twenty years, as Chairman of the 2 Jacksonville Water Commission. He introduced the General Manager CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 18, 1996 7:00 P.M. - 7:40 P.M. of the Jacksonville Waterworks Department, Mr. Ken Anderson, who made the annual report in that Mr. Wilson was unable to attend the City Council Meeting. Mr. Anderson expressed that he could report that the department completed the 1995 fiscal year under budget while making continued improvements to the water system. He voiced that a meter replacement program was started in 1995 with a total of 112 replacements being done. Six hundred meters are projected to be replaced in 1996. He said that a valve and hydrant preventive maintenance program was begun in 1995 as well. Completion of a twelve (12) inch water main on North First Street was noted, approximately 6,000 feet of pipe. He related that water mains on T.P. White, Foxwood Subdivision, North James, Loop Rd. and Military, Graham Rd., Walnut Point and Municipal Drive were upgraded and relocated. Mr. Anderson pointed out that the average daily flow for 1995 was 5.2 million gallons with a maximum daily flow of 9.3 million gallons occurring August 30, 1995. He said that there was a total production of 1.9 billion gallons for the year, an 11% increase over 1994. He informed the Council that the department is looking into future water sources in the central Arkansas area relating that a Consultant Engineer is working on a master plan covering improvements for the next twenty years. After questions regarding water storage, Mr. Anderson related that there is a total of approximately ten 10 million gallons. He related that Phase VII relating to Sunnyside Addition will be completed in 1996. Mayor Swaim expressed appreciation for the report. WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT: ANNUAL REPORT/1995 Mayor Swaim introduced Mr. David Thomas who presented the Wastewater Utility Report. 3 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 18, 1996 7:00 P.M. - 7:40 P.M. He gave a brief overview of written data, on file in the office of the City Clerk, presented to the Council. He made note of a study with regard to an administrative order to fix overflowing manholes and de-commission the west treatment plant. He related that the majority of the field work has been accomplished and that a preliminary report should be available in April. He said that there is a lot of work to be done in the collection system and that the Johnson Plant will need to be expanded to accept the flows from the West Plant when the de- commission is completed. He pointed out that Mrs. Thea Hughes who was office manager has been promoted to Assistant Manager of the Wastewater Utility. He said that she is performing some of the same duties but running the Administration Department as well. He related that a significant part of time has been spent testing several hundred thousand feet of sewer line by those in the Collection Department supporting the study previously mentioned. He pointed out that Mr. J. Summers is the new manager of that department. He said that the monthly production report from January thru December is included in the data. He mentioned also that Laboratory Services are included in the report as well noting the head of the department, Mr. Sam Zehtaban as well as the Treatment Department operated under the direction of Mr. Mark Hickock. It was pointed out by Mayor Swaim that one billion, two hundred fifty-three million gallons were treated by the utility in the year 1995. Mr. Thomas stated that the sludge is buried on site in mono-fills. He said that one of the considerations that will be looked at in the report provided to EPA will be the beneficial use of sludge. He pointed out that the utility is now a level four (4) plant with two individuals having level four license and two having level three and that classes are being conducted on the plant site. He said that with a little luck, the utility will have eight (8) new class one operators. Mayor Swaim asked that copies of the report be made available to 4 the press. 5 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 18, 1996 7:00 P.M. - 7:40 P.M. FIRE DEPARTMENT: POLICE DEPARTMENT: STREET DEPARTMENT: PARKS & REC DEPARTMENT: SANITATION DEPARTMENT: PLANNING COMMISSION: GENERAL: a. Discussion: State & City Ref: Smoke Alarms Mayor Swaim informed the Council that it has been requested by the attorneys representing the item regarding state statutes governing the hard wiring of smoke detectors that the item be deferred in that they desire to collect additional information. He noted that the item will be placed on the agenda at a later date. b. Presentation by Tom Cory & Bart Gray, Jr. Ref: Acquisition of Industrial Property Mayor Swaim related the need for buying industrial lands Bart Gray, Jr. related that the Jacksonville community is a very progressive one, and desires to bring industry and promote growth and job opportunities for all people of the community as well as future residents. He pointed out that he and Mr. Tom Cory, President of the Commerce Corporation, and several others are serving on a committee in search of lands to bring new industry into the city. He pointed out that in their efforts, while visiting other cities, communities and AIDC, it was learned that one of the most prominent ways of developing the committee structure to make development happen is through the formation of a non-profit foundation with a committed endeavor to accomplish the desires for progress as stated. He asked that the Council support Resolution 486 on behalf of the Jacksonville Chamber Foundation, a corporation that is being formed under the proper IRS codes to enable it to function for the economic industrial development of the City of Jacksonville. He said that in the process of seeking new lands, Mr. Tom Cory and Mr. Pat Wilson had made an endeavor to work with current 6 industrial land owners, one of which is the predominant Pulaski Industrial CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 18, 1996 7:00 P.M. - 7:40 P.M. Park. He said those lands owned by Pulaski Industrial Park have been held for sale or development as such for approximately forty to fifty years. He related that an agreement has been made to work through a foundation to purchase the lands and provide a development plan and do so in a cost effective manner that would be very beneficial to the non-profit foundation enabling it to make some things happen for the City of Jacksonville. He requested passage of Resolution 486 to help fund the foundation with reserves held by the City of Jacksonville for development of industry in the same. He made note of a hand-out to the City Council showing the lands which are available for purchase. He pointed out that passage of the resolution would enable creation and finalization of the non-profit foundation and creation of the means with which it can use to start subdividing and selling and creating jobs for the City of Jacksonville. RESOLUTION 486 (#1-96) A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING SUPPORT OF THE FORMATION OF A NON-PROFIT PRIVATE/PUBLIC FOUNDATION TO ENCOURAGE, PROMOTE, AND PURSUE ECONOMIC AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT FOR THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Alderman Wilson pointed out that there are funds available which came to the City through Franklin Electric from the donation of property several years ago noting the reason for said donation to help the City develop additional industry. Mayor Swaim said that in the proposed formation of the foundation measures are being taken to ensure that the City will have three entities with two people from each one at minimum, the Chamber of Commerce having two, the Commerce Corporation having two, and the City will have two to regulate the funds. He went on to explain that when Franklin Electric left the community, it was related by Mr. Dean Pfister that they desired to do something to make up for the job loss. He said that the money from the sale of the Franklin building has been set aside for industrial purposes. He pointed out that a search committee was not able to find any land which could be developed into an industrial park, minimum of one hundred acres, in the city limits of Jacksonville. He said that no lands were found reasonably priced which could be bought 7 and then developed with installation of streets and utilities. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 18, 1996 7:00 P.M. - 7:40 P.M. He said that there is opportunity to purchase land at below market value because of some tax credits which the City of Jacksonville can give to the sellers and pass on to potential industry. He pointed out that the land, as indicated on the information handed out by Mr. Gray, has been for sale for between ten and twenty thousand dollars per acre. He said that the proposal is to the City of Jacksonville for the possible purchase of as low as three thousand dollars per acre. He added this would give the City a distinct advantage owning the property and having it managed by the corporation. He explained that there is difficulty in the sale of City owned property with regard to the bid process and auction along with the process of potential industry location in the area. He said that he felt the resolution is appropriate adding that the funds were earmarked for this purpose. He related that they are not tax dollars collected from the citizens. Alderman Knight moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing that Resolution 486 (#1-96) be read. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon, City Attorney Robert Bamburg read the resolution. Alderman Wilson expressed appreciation to Mr. Gray, Mr. Cory, and others of the committee for their efforts in bringing about this giant step forward for the community. Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Knight to APPROVE Resolution 486 (#1-96). MOTION CARRIED. c. STATE OF THE CITY REPORT Mayor Swaim gave the report, on file in the office of the City Clerk, relating that the progressive thinking of the citizens of Jacksonville have helped to make the City what it is to date. He noted the following accomplishments and on-going projects; (1) the Jacksonville Community Center (2) the widening of Highway 161 (North First Street) to a five- lane thoroughfare, (3) completion of Industrial/Municipal Drive connecting South Redmond and West Main Street with the latter and Municipal being signalized (proposed in 1986 and completed without a tax increase), 8 (4) Major Obstacle Removal/two Superfund Sites completed through a cooperative agreement between the City of Jacksonville, the CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 18, 1996 7:00 P.M. - 7:40 P.M. State of Arkansas, and the US Dept. of Environmental Protection (saving millions of dollars in clean-up costs), (5) Fire Departments improvements through training, use of better equipment, determined staff for the best service to customers, building construction with majority of work done by fire department employees done above and beyond their assigned duties, (6) Police Department initiated PAKT, Police and Kids Together, funded mainly by community sponsors and held at the Community Center (7) Land Purchase / Commerce Corporation, Chamber of Commerce, City of Jacksonville (100 acres) Industrial Development opportunities forthcoming (8) 1995 on-going projects, Downtown Revitalization and a Railroad Overpass Copies were made available to the press and the general public. APPOINTMENTS: ANNOUNCEMENTS: (1) Railroad Overpass Mayor Swaim informed the Council that he had met with the engineering firm, Garver and Garver, who had originally worked on railroad overpass plans for the City of Jacksonville. He said that data collected at that time will be helpful in the present endeavor inexpensively and pertinent to an April 17, 1996 deadline. He said that presentations will be made city-wide regarding the project. He said that he has met with the railroad and is hopeful that partial funding will be available from them. He related that he is still hopeful for 80/20 matching funds toward completion of the railroad overpass. It was pointed out by Mayor Swaim that public meetings will give the input desired with regard to the route of the overpass thus determining funding needed. He said that he hoped that at least one meeting will be held before the first City Council Meeting of February. He related that plans and preliminary numbers should be available at that meeting. 9 (2) Commission Appreciation Alderman Wilson expressed appreciation to all Commissions for their efforts in the Community. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JANUARY 18, 1996 7:00 P.M. - 7:40 P.M. Mayor Swaim pointed out that ample water and wastewater service as provided by the respective commissions is a vital part of the community. He related that the City of Jacksonville is the envy of many communities with regard to the services along with good streets and little or no bond indebtedness with strong finances. Alderman Smith mentioned that the recycling program is outstanding. DEVIATION IN AGENDA: Carmen-Jewel Subdivision Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Lewis that the Final Plat of the Carmen-Jewel Subdivision be placed on the agenda for Council action. MOTION CARRIED. Mayor Swaim and City Engineer Reel explained that the subdivision clears up part of the estate of Mr. Chuck Drummond in the Toneyville area. City Engineer Reel explained the lot designations of the final plat adding that it has been reviewed by the Planning Commission and is subject to Council approval. Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Knight to APPROVE the FINAL PLAT of Carmen-Jewel Subdivision. MOTION CARRIED. ANNOUNCEMENTS continued: Alderman Emma Knight submitted a press release to be published with regard to her decision not to seek re-election for Ward 1, Position 1 on the City Council in the upcoming election. She voiced that she will continue to work to give her best to the community in every way possible. ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Swaim adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:40 p.m. Respectfully, ___________________________ ____________________________ Lula M. Leonard MAYOR 10 City Clerk-Treasurer 11