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98 FEB 19.DOC CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 19, 1998 7:00 P.M. - 7:35 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 February 19, 1998 at the regular meeting place of the Council. Alderman Howard delivered the invocation after which Mayor Swaim led the standing audience in the "Pledge of Allegiance" to the flag. ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Smith, Lewis, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson, Keaton, and Howard answered ROLL CALL. PRESENT NINE (9), ABSENT (1). Mayor Swaim answered ROLL CALL and declared a quorum explaining that Alderman Sansing had contacted his office regarding non attendance due to work schedule. He expressed appreciation to the audience for their presence. Others present for the meeting were: City Attorney Robert E. Bamburg, Deputy City Clerk Susan Davitt, City Engineer Duane Reel, Public Works Director Murice Green, Finance Director Paul Mushrush, Economic and Community Development Director Frank Rowland, Police Chief Larry Hibbs, Fire Chief Rick Ezell, Director of Human Resources Steve Ward, Chairman of the Planning Commission Bart Gray Jr., Mrs. Edith Smith, Mrs. DeDe 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 February 5, 1998 for study and action at the next Regular City Council Meeting. APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES: Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Howard that the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of January 15, 1998 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/POLICE DEPARTMENT/JANUARY Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Lewis that the Regular Monthly Report for January of the Jacksonville Police Department be APPROVED. Said report reflects: Fine Settlements, $ 71,101.25, Miscellaneous Payments $ 698.00 Report Sales $252.00 for a total Collections of $72.051.25. ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Smith, Lewis, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson, Keaton and Howard voted AYE, NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/FIRE DEPARTMENT/JANUARY Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Lewis that the Regular Monthly Report for January, of the Jacksonville Fire Department be APPROVED.(Said report reflects an estimated fire loss of 1 $24,300.00 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 19, 1998 7:00 P.M. - 7:35 P.M. for the month of January.) ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Smith, Lewis, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson, Keaton and Howard voted AYE. NAY 0. MOTION CARRIED. WATER DEPARTMENT: WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT: FIRE DEPARTMENT: POLICE DEPARTMENT: STREET DEPARTMENT: PRESENTATION of the Proposed 1998 Overlay Program Mayor Swaim related that the proposed program is a culmination of extended work done by the City Engineer, Public Works and the Street Superintendant. He related that regular street overlay is $492,462.00 and that $500,000.00 has been budgeted. He pointed out a list of projects proposed by Parks and Recreation totalling $72,494.00 would not be funded from Street revenues. Questions regarding streets included from the 1997 program and use of slurry seal arose. Mayor Swaim related difficulties with slurry seal in the past and stated that based on the condition of the streets City Engineer Reel has recommended that slurry seal not be used at this time but that a rotation for street paving be scheduled. He said that there is less expense in slurry but the long run proves that paving works best. He said that milling will be done this year with the by product being used on the shoulders of streets and as a base for other areas. He noted that bids will be prepared for the asphalt work. PARKS & REC DEPARTMENT: Coach of the Year 1997 Mayor Swaim recognized Mr. Bob Stroud, who filled in for Chairman Donnie Griggs. He pointed out the outstanding youth programs in Jacksonville and expressed appreciation to the Mayor and City Council for improving the quality of life for the citizens of the community. He recognized three coaches who were selected as outstanding "teachers" in playing the game of life as well as leaders in the sports program. They were: Steve Crook, Jeff Shelton, and George Ballew. Mr. Ballew was chosen Coach of the Year! Congratulations were expressed by the Council. Mayor Swaim expressed appreciation for volunteers of the community noting those who work with the youth in particular. 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 19, 1998 7:00 P.M. - 7:35 P.M. SANITATION DEPARTMENT: PLANNING COMMISSION: GENERAL: DISCUSSION: Zoning/Land Use Change Alderman Keaton was recognized by Mayor Swaim. He noted that at a recent Planning Commission Meeting a particular tract of property was discussed with regard to rezoning. He related that the request was denied due to the fact that a change in the Land Use Plan was proper procedure. He updated the Council that ten years ago Butcher Boy bought the property which adjoins and abuts General Samuels Road from Redmond Road on down to the power line easement. He said they elected not to do anything with it and that is still remains undeveloped. He pointed out that a developer was invited by the City approximately a year ago and in the process of time this parcel was chosen for the development. He noted that the intent of the developer is for apartments and a commercial convenient store. He related that it was not compatible with the Land Use Plan which designates the area as industrial. He said that there is desire to request that the Planning Commission look at revising the Land Use Plan pointing out that there are apartment complexes in the City which abut R-1 with hardly an exception. He noted that the land is not being utilized, as designated in the plan for industrial development, at the present adding that the same may not be its highest and best use. It was pointed out that a public hearing will need to be set by the Planning Commission in relation to the possibility of changing the Land Use Plan. Alderman Ray questioned industrial development in the City and how this matter might relate. Alderman Keaton pointed out that the 11 acre tract has not been developed for industry at this point and that its highest and best use is in question due to that fact. Alderman Elliott expressed that care should be taken when addressing rezonings in accord with the Land Use Plan before requests are put in motion. Mayor Swaim voiced that the Council has been very willing to work 3 with the Planning Commission and that the suggestion to send the item for proper review is in order. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 19, 1998 7:00 P.M. - 7:35 P.M. Alderman Larry Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Lewis, to request that the Planning Commission have a Public Hearing on a parcel, located on Redmond and General Samuels Road (Ex. "A" being the East 585 feet and Ex. "B" the West 700 feet) so designated in a drawing submitted to the City Clerk, to change the Land Use Plan and the appropriate zoning of R-3 and C-2. Alderman Fletcher voiced that he would like for the Planning Commission to keep in mind that there needs to be a buffer between residential and industrial developments and that the logical thing would be multi-family housing. Time factors regarding public hearing announcement in the local paper were questioned as far as the matter being addressed at the next Regular Planning Commission Meeting. Mayor Swaim voiced that the matter will be reviewed by the City Attorney with regard to proper advertising. MOTION CARRIED. AGREEMENT WITH CHAMBER FOUNDATION/INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT City Attorney Bamburg voiced that a final draft from his office is underway for perusal by the Chamber Director Mickey Anders. APPOINTMENTS: CIVIL SERVICE appointment of Mr. Ron McDaniel to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Brad Ford (to expire 04/01/2001). Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Smith that Mr. Ron McDaniel fill the unexpired term (ending 04/01/2001) of Mr. Brad Ford. MOTION CARRIED. ANNOUNCEMENTS: G T E COMPLAINT: Mayor Swaim noted that service in the community has not been desirable since no office is available for use by the general public. He pointed out that a Resolution to the Public Service Commission may need to be addressed in the future. He expressed appreciation to Mr. Donnie Farmer for his help with the 911 building adding that overall service by GTE is undesirable. Alderman Fletcher said that he had an experience with GTE representatives recently regarding laying of a cable at a new residence he constructed. He added that service was undesirable 4 as well. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 19, 1998 7:00 P.M. - 7:35 P.M. FLOOD ZONE: Mayor Swaim pointed out that efforts to improve flood zone ratings in the City have been pursued but that more needs to be done with regard to the matter. City Engineer Reel noted that persons are notified whose homes are in flood plain areas with regard to flood insurance. He said that as-built drawings of houses constructed in the City have to have flood elevation certificates stating that the house itself is out of the flood plain. He said that those various things are adding to the 5% discount homeowners are getting. He related that the year 2000 is slated for the next upgrade of the flood plain maps. He said he is working with persons from Soil and Water that will convince FEMA to come in and do a study to take care of problems which have been created by some of the flood map areas which he related do not show a notable difference since 1985. He pointed out that developers in flood areas are having to pay approximately $400.00 per lot to get changes recognized as homes are built above the flood plain. He said that a map amendment is issued regarding flood insurance adding that each year is more complicated than the last. Mayor Swaim said that the Congressional Delegation may need to be contacted pointing out that the issue is not just a local one. He encouraged that the Council contact their Congressmen. Alderman Wilson voiced that he feels the National League of Cities should get involved. LOOP ROAD PROJECT: City Engineer Reel said that the contract is due to end April 15, 1998 adding that no extra time will be permitted by the City. OVERPASS: Mayor Swaim noted that near finalized plans have been made and are to be submitted to the Highway Department for approval. He said that the project is in the second stage which will be the acquisition and utility placement. Alderman Elliott related that at a meeting he attended, a projected completion time frame is the end of 1999. 5 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 19, 1998 7:00 P.M. - 7:35 P.M. ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Swaim adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:35 p.m. Respectfully, ___________________________ ____________________________ Lula M. Hawkins MAYOR City Clerk-Treasurer 6