98 MAR 19.DOC
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 19, 1998
7:00 P.M. - 7:50 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 March 19, 1998 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: Elliott, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Wilson,
Fletcher, Williamson, Keaton, and Howard answered ROLL CALL.
Alderman Ray arrived at approximately 7:09 p.m. PRESENT TEN (10),
ABSENT (0). Mayor Swaim answered ROLL CALL and declared a quorum.
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, Director of Human
Resources Steve Ward, City Engineer Duane Reel, Public Works
Director Murice Green, Finance Director Paul Mushrush, Police
Chief Larry Hibbs, Chamber of Commerce Director Mickey Anders and
Members from the AmeriCorps group, Mrs. Robert Lewis, Mr. Larry
Hampshire, 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 March 5, 1998 for study and action at the next Regular
City Council Meeting.
APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES:
Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Howard that the
minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of February 18, 1998
be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED.
CONSENT AGENDA:
REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/POLICE DEPARTMENT
Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Williamson that the
Regular Monthly Report for February of the Jacksonville Police
Department be APPROVED. Said report reflects: Fine Settlements,
$ 65,012.33, Miscellaneous Payments $ 387.00 Report Sales $ 271.00
for a total Collections of $ 65,670.33. ROLL CALL: Aldermen:
Elliott, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson,
Keaton and Howard voted AYE, NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED.
REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/FIRE DEPARTMENT
Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Williamson that the
Regular Monthly Report for February of the Jacksonville Fire
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 19, 1998
7:00 P.M. - 7:50 P.M.
Department be APPROVED. (Said report reflects an estimated fire
loss of $ 2,100.00 for the month of February.) ROLL CALL:
Aldermen: Elliott, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Wilson, Fletcher,
Williamson, Keaton and Howard voted AYE. NAY 0. MOTION CARRIED.
WATER DEPARTMENT:
WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT:
FIRE DEPARTMENT:
POLICE DEPARTMENT:
STREET DEPARTMENT: a. Request to Accept Bid/1998 Asphalt Overlay
Program
Mayor Swaim related that bids for the list of proposed streets has
opened, adding that he is pleased the bids are lower in cold
milling this year and that the decision to postpone some of the
work has paid off in dollars saved. He noted the significant
difference from last years bid of $4.50 per square yard as
compared to this years bid of $1.25 for the same. He pointed out
that the recommended low bidder is Cranford Construction Company.
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to accept the
low bid of $28.98 a ton and $1.25 per square yard on cold milling
from Cranford Construction Company. MOTION CARRIED.
(Funds drawn from Street Department line item for asphalt work)
In response to a question posed by Alderman Wilson, City Engineer
Reel related that weather permitting they are ready to begin work.
He related that the access into the ball fields will be completed
first so as to accommodate the approaching baseball and softball
season.
Loop Road Update: Mayor Swaim related that most of the drainage
work has been completed except for a drop inlet for the middle of
the street and overlay. He stated that he was not certain the
project would meet completion date, adding that the City will
press for liquidated damages if not completed on time.
b. Request to Accept Bid for Street Sweeper
Public Works Director Murice Green related that the recommendation
is for the low bidder Dealers Truck Equipment in the amount of
$81,551.00 for a Swartz model A-6000. He pointed out an
$18,000.00 dollar difference between low bidder and next to low
bidder (not including a $15,000.00 trade in allowance) River City
Hydraulics. He related that the Tempo currently being used has
provided good service and that in review with other municipalities
and the Hwy Department the Swartz A-6000 and the Tempo have been
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operationally CITY OF JACKSONVILLE,
ARKANSAS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 19, 1998
7:00 P.M. - 7:50 P.M.
comparable, adding that only the City of Hattisburg, Mississippi
has reported any problems which they have attributed to wear from
sand conditions. He related that there was only one minor spec
not met regarding a fan (the blower suction portion of the
sweeper), pointing out the City had requested an abrasive type
rubber coated fan but that the Swartz A-6000 offers a wear
resistance stainless steel blade. He stated that dealer support
was reportedly good. He informed the Council that the remaining
bids were on two and three year old demonstration models. He
related that he hoped to sell the sweeper currently owned by the
City for between ten and twenty thousand dollars.
Alderman Fletcher moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson to accept the
low bid from Dealers Truck Equipment in the amount of $81,551.00.
(Funds drawn from budgeted Street Department Equipment)
In response to a question posed by Alderman Wilson, Mr. Green
concurred that two bids were submitted by Dealers Truck Equipment
one for the Swartz A-6000 and a Swartz 7000 which was also a
demonstration sweeper.
At this time the MOTION CARRIED.
Mayor Swaim related that the City of Marianna is interested in
purchasing the sweeper currently used by the City, explaining that
closer to time of delivery the City of Jacksonville would
advertise for sealed bids. He then related that other
municipalities would be notified through the Arkansas Municipal
League. He asked for a minimum bid of ten thousand dollars.
In response to a question posed by Alderman Ray, Mr. Green related
that while the street sweeper has the capability to vacuum leaves
from ditches the Leaf Vac recently purchased by the City is
preferred for that duty.
PARKS & REC DEPARTMENT:
SANITATION DEPARTMENT:
PLANNING COMMISSION:
GENERAL: Appropriation for AmeriCorps
Mayor Swaim related that Jacksonville has been very fortunate over
the past three years to have groups of young people through the
federal program AmeriCorps. He pointed out their good work in
helping clean up areas in the City of Jacksonville and painting
the Elderly Activities building. He also related that the group
works with the Care Channel, the Elderly Activities Center, the
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Chamber of Commerce, and the Boys and Girls Club. He then
explained that CITY OF
JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 19, 1998
7:00 P.M. - 7:50 P.M.
one of the problems experienced by the group is housing expense in
the Jacksonville area and related efforts to find ways to house
the group at a better price. He pointed out that housing at Camp
Robinson is without kitchen facilities which also increases their
meals expense. He encouraged the Council to appropriate a
$2,000.00 dollar subsidy to assist, adding that Jacksonville
benefits from having the group here.
Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to appropriate
$2,000.00 to help subsidize the AmeriCorps group.
Chamber of Commerce Director Mr. Anders introduced the group to
the City Council.
Mayor Swaim noted that funds are to be drawn from fund balance.
At this time the MOTION CARRIED.
APPOINTMENTS: CIVIL SERVICE Clark Hastings and Jim Durham terms
expire 4/1/1998
Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to reappoint Mr.
Clark Hastings and Mr. Jim Durham to the Civil Service Commission
with terms to expire 04/01/2004. MOTION CARRIED.
JACKSONVILLE HOUSING AUTHORITY Reappointment of Ms. Judith L.
Conway
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson to approve the
reappointment of Ms. Judith L. Conway for a term to expire
03/01/2003. MOTION CARRIED.
DEVIATION IN AGENDA:
At 7:18 p.m. Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Fletcher
to adjourn into executive session to discuss personnel. MOTION
CARRIED.
At 7:35 p.m. Alderman Fletcher moved, seconded by Alderman Smith
to reconvene from executive session. MOTION CARRIED.
Mayor Swaim stated that no action was taken in executive session
and that no motion is forthcoming.
Mayor Swaim requested volunteers to serve on a personnel committee
with himself. Alderman Williamson and Howard volunteered to
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serve.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 19, 1998
7:00 P.M. - 7:50 P.M.
FINANCE REPORT:
Mayor Swaim related that there are no major concerns regarding
Sales Tax adding that while it was slightly short, it should
average out unless there is a down turn in the economy. He stated
that at this point in time income will balance out and
expenditures are on line as projected.
FIRE CHIEF RESIGNATION:
Mayor Swaim related that under State law the positions for Police
and Fire Chief in cities of the first class are hired and
dismissed by the mayor, referring to a policy change in
legislative session two years earlier. He related that the Human
Resource Director Steve Ward has advertised for application of the
Fire Chief's position in the paper. Regarding time frame
concerns, Mayor Swaim related that resumes will be accepted for
captain or above adding that he would like to be able to hire from
within. Mayor Swaim expressed regret on behalf of the City in
loosing the Chief.
POLICE DEPARTMENT POLICY UPDATES:
Chief Hibbs related that the Police Department does monitor
changes in court decisions that affect liability associated
activities such as with pursuits. He related liability issues
were discussed at a recent meeting with Colonel Bailey and the
Police Chiefs in the Pulaski County area. He referred to cases
now before the Supreme Court that are awaiting a ruling to see how
any change needs to be addressed regarding current policy. He
then related the difficulty in a standardized pursuit policy
because of the variations of each entity and other factors such as
population and traffic. He related that the City of Jacksonville
stresses and trains for safety regarding pursuits issues. He
related that policy update occurs as new factors become available.
NOISE ORDINANCE:
Chief Hibbs related that the noise ordinance is enforced with the
State disorderly conduct statute citing the difficulty to utilize
the decimal level referred to in the noise ordinance when
obtaining a reading for court presentation.
RIGHT TURN LANE AT MAIN AND MAIN STREET EXIT INTERSECTION:
Mayor Swaim asked for clarification regarding the right turn at
the intersection of Main and Main Street Exit. He said that it is
his understanding that it is being used as a right turn lane
without an arrow indicating such.
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Chief Hibbs related that it is his understanding that the Hwy
Department has painted a turn lane at that location but concurred
it does not have an arrow.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 19, 1998
7:00 P.M. - 7:50 P.M.
Mayor Swaim related that it was proposed to the Hwy Department
that the City be allowed to place a straight across and right turn
arrow, asking the Chief if this would present any problems
regarding traffic flow.
Chief Hibbs related that if there is a right lane turn it should
have a right turn arrow while the left lane should have a straight
ahead and left turn arrow.
NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES CONFERENCE:
Alderman Elliott commended the Mayor regarding his many hours and
hard work with the Arkansas Municipal League and the National
League of Cities which has been of great benefit to the City of
Jacksonville. He related that as Chairman of the Small Cities
Committee people are familiar with the Mayor anywhere in Arkansas
or the Nation and carries a good reputation throughout the
Country.
Alderman Elliott then related that courtesy of Mayor Swaim a group
of representatives consisting of thirty-five to fifty mayors will
visit Jacksonville in July for a meeting of the Small Cities
Committee. He pointed out the good publicity this will bring into
the City of Jacksonville.
Alderman Lewis related that he enjoyed the National League of
Cities Conference and found it to be highly educational,
recommending that other Alderman attend. He related the
usefulness of networking with other small cities and previewing
desired legislation on different governmental levels.
Alderman Elliott highlighted several pressing issues for cities
such as the internet tax, the takings, and various bills. He
related that the NLC adopted a five point agenda and in force
presented it to Capital Hill, meeting with senators and
representatives to stress those issues. He related there were
excellent speakers, updates on bills and beneficial information
exchange in meetings with the congressmen.
Mayor Swaim encouraged readership of the Nations Business Weekly
which featured highlights from the recent National League of
Cities Conference meetings.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Swaim adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:50 p.m.
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Respectfully,
___________________________ ____________________________
Susan L. Davitt MAYOR
Deputy City Clerk
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