96 NOV 21.DOC
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE,
ARKANSAS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 21, 1996
7:00 P.M. - 8:25 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 November 21, 1996 at the regular meeting place
of the Council. Alderman Fletcher delivered the invocation after
which Mayor Swaim led the standing audience in the "Pledge of
Allegiance" to the flag.
ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Knight, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson,
Fletcher, Williamson, Keaton and Twitty answered ROLL CALL.
PRESENT TEN (10), ABSENT (0). 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, Mayoral Assistants Michael Beeman and Mark Powers, Deputy
City Clerk Susan Davitt, City Engineer Duane Reel, Public Works
Coordinator Murice Green, Finance Director Paul Mushrush, Director
of Economic Development Phil Sullivan, Police Chief Larry Hibbs,
Fire Chief Rick Ezell, Parks and Recreation Director Zack Rowan,
Chamber of Commerce Director Mickey Anders, Planning
Commissioners Kenny Elliott, Rudy Reid, Jacksonville Attorney Ben
Rice, Council Member Elect Bill Howard, Mrs. Judy Swaim, Mrs.
D.D. Hibbs, Mrs. Evelyn Smith, other City employees, petitioners,
interested citizens and members of the press.
PRESENTATION OF MINUTES:
Mayor Swaim presented the minutes of the Regular City Council
Meeting of November 7, 1996 for study and action at the next
Regular City Council Meeting.
APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES:
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Lewis, that the minutes
of the Regular City Council Meeting of October 17, 1996 be
APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED.
CONSENT AGENDA:
POLICE DEPARTMENT/OCTOBER
Alderman Knight moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson, that the
Regular Monthly Report, for the month of October, from the
Jacksonville Police Department be APPROVED. Said report reflects:
Fine Settlements, $76,716.40, Miscellaneous Payments $ 543.75,
Report Sales,$ 413.00 for a total Collections of $77,673.15. ROLL
CALL; Aldermen: Knight, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson,
Fletcher, Williamson, Keaton and Twitty voted AYE, NAY (0).
MOTION CARRIED.
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 21, 1996
7:00 P.M. - 8:25 P.M.
FIRE DEPARTMENT/OCTOBER
Alderman Knight moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson, that the
Regular Monthly Report for October 1996 of the Jacksonville Fire
Department be APPROVED. (Said report reflects an estimated fire
loss of $103,450.00 for the month of October) ROLL CALL:
Aldermen: Knight, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher,
Williamson, Keaton and Twitty voted AYE. NAY 0. MOTION CARRIED.
CDBG/OCTOBER
Alderman Knight moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson, that the
Regular Monthly Report of the Community Development Department for
October, 1996 be APPROVED. Said report reflects:
Informal Meetings ....................................... 0
HUD Meetings............................................. 0
Public Hearings.......................................... 0
Professional meetings.................................... 0
a. Letters to prospective applicants..................... 0
b. Applications received................................. 1
c. Bids Advertised....................................... 3
d. Work write-ups & estimates............................ 3
e. Pre-constructions conferences......................... 0
f. Appraisals & Environmental reviews.................... 0
g. Interim Inspections................................... 6
h. Final inspections..................................... 1
i. Emergency Inspection................................. 0
j. Partial payments...................................... 2
k. Project Close-outs.................................... 1
l. Warranty Repairs...................................... 0
m. Contracts signed...................................... 0
n. Rehab mortgages released............................. 2
Public Works:
a. Proposals Received.................................... 1
b. Interim Inspections................................... 0
c. Project Close-out..................................... 0
d. Pre-construction Conference........................... 0
ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Knight, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson,
Fletcher, Williamson, Keaton and Twitty voted AYE, NAY (0).
MOTION CARRIED.
PUBLIC HEARING 7:00 P.M.
Mayor Swaim opened the public hearing at approximately 7:02 p.m.
and recognized Mr. Phil Sullivan. He related related that
community involvement regarding expenditure of CDBG funds has
revealed three priority concerns: they are Home Rehabilitation,
Public Works Projects, and Job Creation Projects.
Mayor Swaim invited comments from the audience, and recognized Mr.
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Tom Cory from the Jacksonville Boys and Girls Club.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 21, 1996
7:00 P.M. - 8:25 P.M.
Mr. Tom Cory stated that the Boys and Girls Club has requested
assistance regarding projects for the building. He related that a
retaining wall along the south side of the building is needed to
prevent rain water from seeping under the foundation and gym
floor. He also said that the City Engineer has examined the
problem and provided detailed solutions, adding that estimates
received were approximately $15,000.00. He then related that
after a series of repairs, the gym floor needs to be replaced with
a wooden floor at an estimated cost of $55,000.00. He stated that
property located behind the Boys Club which is part of Fireman's
Park would provide the community day and night facilities from an
area that is not now usable. He related that the property
contained three half basketball courts and two tennis courts. He
stated that removing the cracks and slurry coating the asphalt on
the tennis courts, construction of a retaining wall on the south
side to prevent mud from entering the area after rains,
restriping, putting up four new lights on timers, and backboards
for the basketball court are estimated at $21,000.00. He stated
that total project cost is $91,000.00. He related that
contributions have been offered and that concrete can be provided
for construction of the retaining walls. He pointed out that the
1997 figures will escalate in cost from last years figures. He
stated that the repairs will offer a better facility with improved
usage, and that repairs in Fireman's Park will bring an added
dimension of facilities not before enjoyed. He asked the Council
for consideration in these endeavors, adding that the Boys and
Girls Club would like to host an open house and invite the
community for input concerning their facilities and services.
Mayor Swaim thanked Mr. Cory for his participation in the public
hearing and recognized Mr. Frederick Gentry to address the
Council.
Mr. Gentry spoke in support of the proposed jobs in the community
program for low to moderate income individuals, asking the City
Council to give consideration for the same.
Alderman Knight related that other similar community programs had
used funds to provide on the job training in the medical industry
for high school students who earned a salary as well as received
credit from their school.
Mr. Sullivan related that all considerations would be gathered and
and presented for City Council approval.
Alderman Fletcher and Smith voiced support for the rehabilitation
of the Jacksonville Boys and Girls Club.
Mayor Swaim closed the public hearing at approximately 7:17 p.m.
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 21, 1996
7:00 P.M. - 8:25 P.M.
DEVIATION IN AGENDA:
Mayor Swaim asked that bids received on drainage and concrete
projects be placed on the agenda for action by the Council.
Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to suspend the
rules and place bids for the Stonewall Drainage and Handicap
Sidewalk Access projects be placed on the agenda. MOTION CARRIED.
Stonewall Drainage Project:
Mayor Swaim related that the ditch is located near Stonewall
adjacent to the Bayou Meto Cemetery and going toward the larger
ditch at the intersection of Berkshire. He stated that the
project had been worked in two phases in efforts to connect with
the larger concrete ditch. However, a manhole has presented
washing away problems to the sides of the ditch.
City Engineer Reel related that the first section is approximately
500 feet and finishes at the collector ditch with two other
sections leading from Concord Circle and flowing north at
Dartmouth Cove and Amhurst Cove which will finish the north end of
the Stonewall Drainage Project, totaling 1300 feet of ditch.
Alderman Knight moved, seconded by Alderman Smith that low bid
from McV, Inc. be accepted in the amount of $97,324.00 with fund
to be drawn from the Drainage Fund and the Street Drainage Fund.
MOTION CARRIED.
Handicap Sidewalk Access:
Mayor Swaim related that the Americans with Disabilities Act
requires cities and private industry to provide wheel chair access
on sidewalks and buildings. He related that the bid will cover
the areas currently identified as needing street access.
City Engineer Reel related that there are forty-one areas that
need to be addressed, including some sidewalk deficiencies on Main
Street as well as thirty seven ramps to be built.
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Knight to accept the
low bid from McV, Inc. in the amount of $18,310.00 with funds to
be drawn from the sidewalk fund in the Street Department. MOTION
CARRIED.
WATER DEPARTMENT:
WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT:
FIRE DEPARTMENT:
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POLICE DEPARTMENT:
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 21, 1996
7:00 P.M. - 8:25 P.M.
STREET DEPARTMENT:
PARKS & REC DEPARTMENT:
SANITATION DEPARTMENT:
PLANNING COMMISSION:
GENERAL: Presentation of 1997 Draft Budget
Mayor Swaim highlighted individual funds and asked that Council
review the budget for input and/or approval at the next regularly
scheduled City Council Meeting.
SANITATION:
He remarked that there is consideration regarding an increase in
Sanitation fees due to rising landfill cost. He related that
depreciation fund is funded at the rate of approximately
$137,000.00 a year which meets Sanitation equipment needs.
Regarding the need to conside an increase in fees, Alderman
Williamson suggested that Sanitation be funded for 1997 and that
finances be re-evaluated in July with regard to fee increases.
Alderman Wilson suggested that a Sanitation rate increase history
be provided for re-evaluation considerations in July. He related
that efforts have seen better Sanitation service and lower rates
than most cities provide, adding that the time may have come to
adjust rates.
It was generally decided that a public hearing would be held in
July regarding change in service or rates.
Mayor Swaim commended the Sanitation Department for a job well
done and related efforts in the budget to help employees salaries,
some which are at present only slightly above minimum wage. He
added that the lowest paid employee will receive a raise of
$994.00 in the proposed budget using the sliding scale as a guide.
He said that beginning salary for a sanitation worker is
$11,940.00.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Mayor Swaim pointed out that the overall operational and utility
increases in the 1997 budget projections are 6.6 percent. He said
that two policemen, two firemen and one animal control officer are
proposed in the ninety-seven budget.
He explained that a slot has been filled in the Street Department
during 1996 that was kept vacant for two or three years.
Information regarding the building to house the communications
system being put in place for the Police and Fire Departments as
well as all other departments is proposed to be approximately 1400
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square feet.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 21, 1996
7:00 P.M. - 8:25 P.M.
Mayor Swaim noted that the City of Jacksonville is the only city
in the county that does not subsidize their Sanitation Department
with tax dollars.
Mayor Swaim pointed out that he has been negotiating with the
owner of a property on Cory Drive for placement of the tub-
grinder.
He noted that the sale of recycling products is not what it used
to be. He said that the truck is to capacity as discussion ensued
regarding whether or not the city as a whole is involved in the
recycling program. The consensus was that about 75% of the
community is being serviced.
STREET DEPARTMENT:
Mayor Swaim voiced that it is not anticipated that there will be a
large increase of funds for the Street Department during 1997. He
noted funds amounting to $120,000.00 are budgeted for sidewalks
and $300,000.00 for drainage improvements.
He said that in the ten years he has been Mayor, approximately
three million dollars has been spent to improve drainage within
the City.
City Engineer Reel related that traffic signal costs are in a
separate item as a review of street lighting funding was
discussed.
He said that a great deal of money has been spent in the Sunnyside
area in an effort to cut down on crime in the subdivision. He
pointed out that AP&L has relamped the entire City with sodium
fixtures and that the replacement cost is more than that for vapor
lights. He said that volume has caused the need for increased
funding as well as replacement costs.
Mayor Swaim said that funds are budgeted to fund changes in
traffic signalization on James Street.
MUNICIPAL COURT:
After a question by Alderman Knight, Mayor Swaim pointed out that
a slot in Municipal Court budget, previously designated by a
probation officer, has been filled with an additional clerk and
that the probation officer position is not funded in the proposed
budget.
PARK & REC DEPARTMENT:
He went on to the budget proposed for the Parks & Rec Department
pointing out that revenue projections for rentals and fees will
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increase to $352,000.00 with the bulk coming from the Community
Center making a comparison of $145,232.00 in 1991, $131,372.00 in
1994 and $283,990.00 in 1995, noting the opening of the Community
Center in 1995. He said that the general fund proposal is the
same
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 21, 1996
7:00 P.M. - 8:25 P.M.
as last year with an increase from sales tax funds of $338,000.00
with an overall increase of $71,338.00.
A question was raised by Alderman Lewis regarding fees required of
the citizens who rent booth space for craft shows and the like, as
well as those who purchase passes to use the Community Center.
Mayor Swaim explained that $299,338.00 is put into the Parks
Department from the City Sales Tax Fund toward operational costs.
He said that fees are not offsetting the cost to operate the
facility which was never expected.
He went on to explain that facility lease rental, listed under
4339 in the 1997 budget, is projected at $45,000.00. He added
that the utility bill on the building is between ninety to ninety-
five thousand dollars per year.
Alderman Wilson noted that fees would be higher if money from the
one-cent sales tax was not contributed to the operation of the
facility.
Mayor Swaim pointed out maintenance costs of $294,000.00.
He related that there will be a future proposal to the Council for
use of one-cent sales tax funds in the development of soccer
fields estimated to be $250,000.00.
Several Aldermen voiced approval of the proposal.
GENERAL FUND:
Mayor Swaim pointed out that a four percent growth in County Sales
Tax receipts is projected for 1997.
He pointed out that a drop in receipts of Court Fines has been
mandated by the State.
City Attorney Bamburg said that changes made by the State in 1995
instigated an entirely different pay-out program.
Mayor Swaim pointed out that the auditor has recommended that
there needs to be enough funds to operate the City for sixty days.
He pointed out that said funds are available noting the amount as
$137,500.00. He said that the auditor has suggested that not more
than said amount be held in reserve which will enable the city to
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complete at least two projects which are a one-time expense. He
said that two items which will offset the fund balance reserve
are; (1) new aerial photos anticipated to cost $17,500.00 and (2)
compliance with FEMA regulations with regard to re-monumenting the
City will costing approximately $22,500.00.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 21, 1996
7:00 P.M. - 8:25 P.M.
He said that Contingency Funds not used annually have over a
period of time been transferred into the fund balance account
which will cover a sixty-day cash flow and emergency situations
adding that there is $100,000.00 which is available to be spent
for contingency items.
He suggested that the Council peruse the budget suggesting that
questions be directed to his office before the December 5, 1996
City Council Meeting.
Fire Chief Ezell pointed out that diesels are used by the
department and pointed out that tracking systems are available to
aid in meeting regulations. He said that he is exploring the
items for the best price.
Mayor Swaim said that another $30,000.00 of non-reoccurring costs
has been set aside for covering the system for Central Fire
Station.
Alderman Fletcher voiced that the off-ramp at Long Ford poses a
life-threatening situation and asked that the Highway Department
be approached with moving the ramp further north.
Mayor Swaim related that it has been brought to their attention
and that it will be pursued further.
APPOINTMENTS:
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Swaim adjourned the meeting at approximately 8:25 p.m.
Respectfully,
___________________________ ____________________________
Lula M. Leonard MAYOR
City Clerk-Treasurer
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