Loading...
00 DEC 21.doc CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 21, 2000 7:00 P.M. – 8:10 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 December 21, 2000 at the regular meeting place of the Council. Alderman Howard delivered the invocation and Mayor Swaim led a standing audience in the “Pledge of Allegiance” to the flag. ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Smith, Lewis, Gentry, Ray, Fletcher, Williamson, and Howard answered ROLL CALL. Mayor Swaim also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT eight (8), ABSENT (2). Others present for the meeting were: City Attorney Robert E. Bamburg, Deputy City Clerk Melanie Green, Director of Administration Murice Green, Human Resource Director Dennis Foor, Finance Director Paul Mushrush, City Engineer Jay Whisker, Police Chief Hibbs, Fire Chief Vanderhoof, Public Works Coordinator Jimmy Oakley, Purchasing Agent C.J. Brown, CDBG Director Teresa Watson, Mrs. Judy Swaim, Mrs. Lindy Lewis, Mrs. DeDe Hibbs, Parks and Recreation Administration Manager Patty Walker, Mr. Terry Sansing, Mrs. Emma Knight, Ms. Laura Todd, Jacksonville Patriot Reporter Peggy Koury, Leader Reporter Rick Kron, and interested citizens. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Swaim presented the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of December 7, 2000 for approval and/or correction at the next Regular City Council Meeting. APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES: Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Gentry that the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of 16 November 2000 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. DEVIATION IN AGENDA: Mayor Swaim thanked the staff for their diligence and hard work during the recent ice storm, adding that it was handled very well by the public safety department as well as other departments. He related that the Community Center served as an emergency shelter for victims without heat in their homes. He related that many of the elderly benefited from the shelter, thanking again the many volunteers and City employees who participated. He related that Gary Laney from Entergy praised the performance of City employees. He related that most of the electricity has been restored. 1 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 21, 2000 7:00 P.M. – 8:10 P.M. CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/POLICE DEPARTMENT Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Gentry that the Regular Monthly Report for November from the Jacksonville Police Department be APPROVED. Said report reflects; Total Value of Reported Stolen Property $132,111.00, Total Value of Recovered Stolen Property $50,583.00, and Total Report Sales $287.00. REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/FIRE DEPARTMENT Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Gentry to approve the Regular Monthly Report for November from the Jacksonville Fire Department, which reflects a fire loss of $55,000.00, and a Savings Total of $251,500.00. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Lewis, Gentry, Ray, Fletcher, Williamson, and Howard voted AYE. Motion received (8) AYE. (0) NAY. MOTION CARRIED. STREET DEPARTMENT: Request to Accept Bid for Sidewalk Construction Mayor Swaim related Mr. Green’s work regarding a Master Sidewalk Plan, adding that the bid will allow for connection of various sidewalks in different areas. Mr. Green related that the low bidder has performed satisfactory work for the City previously. Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Gentry to accept the low bid from McV Inc. in the amount of $28,206.00 to be drawn from funds set aside. MOTION CARRIED. GENERAL: a. Request to Accept Bid for Calhoun Branch Phase II City Engineer Whisker related that the bid will finish a current existing drainage channel that was broken into four parts from Gregory Street to Marshall Road by McArthur. He related that the low bid came in under project amount per linear feet. Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Elliott to accept the low bid from Jeffco Construction in the amount of $370,000.00 to be drawn from the Drainage Fund. MOTION CARRIED. b. PUBLIC HEARING for CDBG Proposed One-Year Action Plan Mayor Swaim opened the public hearing at approximately 7:06 p.m. 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 21, 2000 7:00 P.M. – 8:10 P.M. CDBG Director Teresa Watson related that there is one revision to the original plan, which includes a program income of $3,196.43, added to the total estimated funding of $338,196.43. Alderman Ray praised Teresa Watson’s efforts as the new director regarding the five-year plan. Mayor Swaim related that the proposal includes $98,100.00 for housing rehab, $10,000.00 for sewer hookups, $12,500.00 for emergency service, $12,500.00 for handicap accessibility, $72,400.00 for the business incubator, $15,000.00 for housing assistance grants, and $10,000.00 for charitable services, $15,000.00 neighborhood revitalization, $35,000.00 for public improvement and administration cost of $67,000.00. He related that HUD has strongly requested charitable funds be provided to help in the community. He related that the City has chosen to work this through the local Care Channel operation. With no one to speak in favor or opposition to the proposed plan, Mayor Swaim closed the public hearing at approximately 7:10 p.m. City Attorney Bamburg reported an amendment in paragraph two with the deletion of the word “between” in section two last sentence and amended totals to include the program income of $3,196.43 for a revised total of $338,196.43. Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Gentry to read Resolution 540 as amended. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read Resolution 540. Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to dispense with the reading of Resolution 540 in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED. Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Lewis that Resolution 540 be approved this date. MOTION CARRIED. c. ORDINANCE 1146 AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A FISCAL BUDGET FOR 2001 MAKING APPROPRIATIONS AND AUTHORIZING EXPENDITURES FOR OPERATION OF VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS OF CITY GOVERNMENT FOR THE PURCHASE OF MATERIALS, SUPPLIES, EQUIPMENT, AND SERVICES \[COVERS: GENERAL FUND OPERATIONS, STREET DEPARTMENT, AND SANITATION FUND\]; AMENDING 3 ORDINANCE NUMBERS 1100, 1101, AND 1102; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 21, 2000 7:00 P.M. – 8:10 P.M. Mayor Swaim invited Ms. Laura Todd, Vice President of Pet Angels to address the Council. Ms. Todd of 106 Delaware Circle, a member of Pet Angels who has been working as a volunteer group with the Jacksonville Animal Shelter stated that the group feels that the 2001 budget for Animal Control is inadequate. She expressed the need for a new animal shelter, stating that they have researched building plan types and cost; offering as an alternative a modular type building. She then requested additional funds for operational cost at the shelter, and additional employees. She addressed specific items such as an increase for animal supplies and summer T-shirts for employees. She also related the need for increased funds to educate the public regarding pet responsibility. She stated that Animal Control will receive a new vehicle in 2001, which would require additional funds to cover insurance and repair cost including the new building. She expressed concern for an increase in veterinarian care cost and food while keeping the animals longer, stating until recently there was a high euthanasia rate. She stated that construction costs are another concern and stated that the outside runs need to be fenced immediately. She related the importance of the job performed by the Animal Control staff. Mr. Murice Green addressed the concerns from the group, stating that he has also reviewed several plans and square foot construction costs. He gave a brief history of animal control construction and related that he will forward those plans to a company that specializes in this type of construction for recommendation. He then addressed budgetary concerns from the group, concluding that the Pet Angels have been a great help and the City is working in the right direction. He then related that additional funds were given to the Department above that requested in the budget process. Overall, he stated that the budget increased by $65,000 to $221,000. He pointed out that an additional employee has been budgeted for the Animal Control Department. He stated that while there is more to accomplish, progress will continue. He expressed his willingness to work with Pet Angels regarding all concerns. Mayor Swaim commended the Pet Angels and related that issues’ 4 regarding additional vehicle maintenance is not a factor, pointing out that insurance is $100.00 per year regarding a new or old model vehicle. He then stated that it is not uncommon for shelter food to be received through donations in the community. He cited the progress made in Sherwood and noted that Jacksonville could CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 21, 2000 7:00 P.M. – 8:10 P.M. accomplish the same. Other factors were mentioned regarding construction cost and monies budgeted for remodeling and new construction cost. He stated that legitimate concerns regarding funding increases are considered at any time during the year by the City Council and on many occasions allowed for additional funding. He addressed other issues regarding additional employees and current space available as well as temperature conditions at the shelter. He related the desire by the City to work with Pet Angels. He agreed that additional funds are needed for education, adding that the type of animal shelter facility needs to be identified before appropriation of funds. He stated that Pet Angels has a worthy cause and the City will continue to work for progress with Pet Angels. Other issues were discussed regarding continued progress and support for the Pet Angels. Improvements and construction types were further discussed. Conditions that have been improved and further needed improvements were discussed regarding Federal law. Many of the aldermen stated support for improved conditions. Accountability for tax dollars and the percentage increase to the Animal Shelter budget. General consensus was to settle issues regarding a construction plan and square foot construction cost to be presented to the Council in the near future. Other items in the budget were discussed including energy projections regarding safety vehicles. Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Howard that Ordinance 1146 be placed on FIRST READING. A short discussion ensued regarding reclassification of supplies to establish internally a capitalization threshold for equipment. Mayor Swaim pointed out an increase in health insurance, adding that the proposed plan of the salary consultants is in its second year phase. He stated that health insurance costs have risen by $99,360.00, which has been absorbed by the City. He stated that 5 currently loses exceed premiums which affects the ability to secure other insurance. He stated that overall salary expense is increased around $450,000.00 to implement phase two of the plan. He pointed out a 32% increase in Sanitation mainly due to a large salary increase and fuel considerations. It was noted that the snitch money has been appropriately funded. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 21, 2000 7:00 P.M. – 8:10 P.M. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Lewis, Gentry, Ray, Fletcher, Williamson, Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). Motion received eight (8) affirmative votes, (0) negative votes. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon, City Attorney Bamburg read the Ordinance. Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to DISPENSE with the reading of Ordinance 1146 in its entirety and noting the Grand Total of $11,737,445.00. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Lewis, Gentry, Ray, Fletcher, Williamson, Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). Motion received eight (8) affirmative votes, (0) negative votes. MOTION CARRIED. Mayor Swaim related that the actual operating cost is increase by 5.2% not including monies set aside to fund the rebate for telephone charges collected by GTE in error. Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Gentry that Ordinance 1146 be ACCEPTED on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Lewis, Gentry, Fletcher, Williamson, and Howard voted AYE. Alderman Ray voted NAY. Motion received eight (8) affirmative votes, (0) negative vote. MOTION CARRIED. Alderman Gentry moved, seconded by Alderman Fletcher to suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1146 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Lewis, Gentry, Fletcher, Williamson, and Howard voted AYE. Alderman Ray voted NAY. Motion received eight (8) affirmative votes, (0) negative vote. MOTION CARRIED. Alderman Gentry moved, seconded by Alderman Lewis to further suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1146 on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Lewis, Gentry, Ray, Fletcher, Williamson, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). Motion received eight (8) affirmative votes, (0) negative votes. MOTION CARRIED. 6 Alderman Lewis moved, seconded by Alderman Smith that Ordinance 1146 be APPROVED AND ADOPTED. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Lewis, Gentry, Ray, Fletcher, Williamson and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). Motion received eight (8) affirmative votes, (0) negative votes. MOTION CARRIED. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 21, 2000 7:00 P.M. – 8:10 P.M. Alderman Gentry moved, seconded by Alderman Ray that the EMERGENCY CLAUSE be approved and adopted. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Lewis, Gentry, Ray, Fletcher, Williamson and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). Motion received eight (8) affirmative votes, (0) negative votes. MOTION CARRIED. st ORDINANCE APPROVED, ADOPTED AND NUMBERED 1146 THIS THE 21 DAY OF DECEMBER 2000. Mayor Swaim related that Mr. Mushrush has requested that Council reconfirm the salary schedule and institute the pay scale. Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Howard to reconfirm salary and institute the pay scale. MOTION CARRIED. In response to a question from Alderman Smith, Mr. Mushrush related that when the study was completed the City recognized the fact that it would need two phases to completely implement the salary increases. He stated at this time we are at the first point in the salary study, adding he felt it important to establish that. He related that it ties into the grade, title structures and salary ranges. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mayor Swaim announced an annexation public hearing th January 8 at 6:00 p.m. regarding two areas proposed by the Planning Commission. He then announced that the elected official swearing in ceremony th will be held January 4 prior to the regularly scheduled City Council meeting. Mr. Green requested committee volunteers from the Council and Pet Angels regarding Animal Shelter improvements. 7 Mayor Swaim commended Aldermen Williamson and Gentry for their time served on the City Council. Aldermen Williamson and Gentry expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve the citizens of Jacksonville. Alderman Gentry reminded us that public service is a great and honorable challenge and stated that involvement in local government can make a huge CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 21, 2000 7:00 P.M. – 8:10 P.M. difference. He stated that Mr. Sansing will serve well and effectively. He commended all Council members for their service and related that as a citizen he will remain involved. ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Swaim without objection adjourned the meeting at approximately 8:10 p.m. Respectfully, ________________________ _________________________ Susan L. Davitt MAYOR TOMMY SWAIM City Clerk-Treasurer 8