00 JUL 06.docCITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 6, 2000
7:00 P.M. – 7:20 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 July 6, 2000 at the regular meeting place of the Council. Alderman Smith delivered the invocation and
Mayor Swaim led a standing audience in the “Pledge of Allegiance” to the flag.
ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Smith, Gentry, Ray, Wilson, 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, CDBG Director Frank Rowland, Parks and Recreation Director George Biggs, Police Chief Hibbs, Fire Chief Vanderhoof, Captain-Chaplain
Joe Bratton, Mrs. Judy Swaim, Mrs. Edith Smith, Mrs. DeDe Hibbs, Mrs. JoAnn Williamson, Alderman-elect Robert Stroud, Deputy of Public Works Jimmy Oakley, Mrs. Addie Gibson, Jacksonville
Patriot Reporter Peggy Koury, Leader Reporter Rick Kron, Democrat-Gazette Reporter Amy Upshaw and interested citizens.
PRESENTATION OF MINUTES:
Mayor Swaim presented the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of June 15, 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 1 June 2000 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED.
CONSENT AGENDA:
REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/ANIMAL CONTROL
Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Elliott to APPROVE the monthly Animal Control Report for June 2000. Report reflects the following:
REVENUES……………………………………………$ 719.00
CONTRIBUTIONS………………………………$ .00
ADOPTIONS/FINES…………………………$ 719.00
TOTAL……………………………………………………$ 719.00
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 6, 2000
7:00 P.M. – 7:20 P.M.
ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Smith, Gentry, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson, and Howard voted AYE. (0) voted NAY. MOTION CARRIED.
DEVIATION IN AGENDA:
ELECTION OF JOE BRATTON AS CHAPLAIN
Chief Vanderhoof announced that Joe Bratton was nominated and elected as Chaplain for the Arkansas Fire Chiefs Association representing Arkansas.
Mayor Swaim and Council congratulated Captain Bratton, adding that the Chaplain program receives many compliments, which is above and beyond the call of duty.
BUSINESS INCUBATOR PROGRAM RECOGNITION AWARDS
Mr. Frank Rowland recognized the Mayor and Council in thanking those who have helped to make the Business Incubator Program an outstanding program which is now being recognized as one
of the “Best of the Best” of HUD programs in the State of Arkansas. He related that the program was included in the regional area of Arkansas, Texas, Missouri and several other southwestern
regional states and selected at that level and is now being forwarded on to the National level for the “Best of 100” in the Country. He stated that it is a collective effort involving
the support of the Mayor, Council and the hard work of Kay Phillips and Cindy Elia. He joined in congratulations for those accomplishments.
WATER DEPARTMENT:
WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT:
WATER DEPARTMENT:
FIRE DEPARTMENT:
STREET DEPARTMENT:
PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT:
GENERAL: a. PRESENTATION OF 1999 CAFR (Comprehensive Annual Financial Report)
Mr. Mack McAlister said that he is proud to be a citizen of Jacksonville and stated that it is his honor to work on the financial reports for City of Jacksonville. He complimented the
CAFR Report and the Finance Department. He recognized that the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada awarded its certificate of achievement for excellence
in
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 6, 2000
7:00 P.M. – 7:20 P.M.
financial reporting to the City of Jacksonville for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year December 31, 1998. He stated that it was the second year the City of
Jacksonville received the prestigious award.
He stated that the report represents a significant accomplishment by the City to provide the public and the City’s management with a clear and thorough understanding of the City’s finances.
The CAFR is published by the City’s Finance Department and represents the City’s official annual financial report. He related that it is their job as auditors to report on the fair
presentation of the financial statement contained therein. He recognized Finance Director Paul Mushrush and McAlister Associate Gerald Clark for their accomplishments.
He related that CAFR consists of the Introductory, Financial, Single Audit, and Statistical Sections. He highlighted that total operating revenues for 1999 were $16.5 million an increase
of approximately 3.4% over 1998. He then related that total operating and capital expenditures in 1999 were $12.3 million, up slightly from $12.2 million in 1998. He pointed out that
Personnel cost is the City’s largest expense at approximately $8 million or 60% of the total. He said that revenues exceeded expenditures in the City’s operating and capital project
funds by approximately $4.2 million in 1999, thereby increasing the fund balances of those Funds to $12.3 million at the end of 1999. He noted that, of this amount, $7.1 million dollars
was reserved or designed either for future projects or for the year 2000 budget as of December 31, 1999. He said that the General Fund balance at December 31, 1999 was approximately
$2.0 million which represents approximately 56 days of current operating expenditures. He related that the City of Jacksonville has done an excellent job in maintaining capital expenditures
funds. He related that there were no reportable conditions on internal control or material instances of noncompliance regarding laws and regulations in the audit of the financial statements.
He then related there were no audit findings or questioned cost relative to Federal grant award programs and that all issues regarding prior and current year audit findings of an immaterial
nature are in compliance.
He stated that overall, 1999 was another exceptionally good and successful year for the City. He said that good budgetary control contributed to effective cost containment, and that
the City
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 6, 2000
7:00 P.M. – 7:20 P.M.
continues to fulfill its financial responsibility in a conservative, pay-as-you-go manner, making the most of its resources.
He stated that the CAFR has been submitted to the Government Finance Officers Association for consideration of a third Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.
He offered special recognition of the City’s Finance Department and Finance Director in publishing a quality annual financial report. In conclusion, he expressed appreciation to the
Council for the opportunity to serve as the City’s auditors.
Mayor Swaim pointed out that from the 2% City Sales Tax of $4.9 million approximately one-half is generated as Wastewater Fund revenues.
b. UPDATE of Engineering Projects:
OVERLAY PROGRAM
City Engineer Whisker related that milling has begun at the old bank building which had base failures in the back parking lot that have been repaired. He stated that 20% of the contract
has been milled, which takes into account recent holidays taken by the contractor. He stated that asphalt has been laid in the front parking lot of the bank building and work will begin
on the back lot tomorrow. He related that the millings have been used to build a road from Garvin to Dupree Lake.
Mayor Swaim pointed out that the road is being used as a relief road and additional access road during tournaments, made possible with the last purchase of 20 additional acres adjacent
to Dupree Park.
MAIN STREET OVERPASS
City Engineer Whisker related that the public hearing went well as a come and go event. He offered handouts regarding the re-locative guides.
REDMOND ROAD BRIDGE
City Engineer Whisker related that plans are currently being reviewed, adding that the project has been sized and he is currently determining the estimate.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 6, 2000
7:00 P.M. – 7:20 P.M.
In response to a question from Alderman Wilson, City Engineer Whisker related that given the time line of the project regarding closure of the road, precast box culverts have been chosen.
He stated that the road will be detoured for approximately one week.
He explained procedure regarding placement of precast box culverts.
Alderman Wilson suggested that a detour sign be placed at Hwy 161 regarding the bridge closure, giving motorists advanced notice of conditions ahead.
City Engineer Whisker stated that the main detour sign will be placed at James Street allowing only traffic to the back area and a full detour behind that area at Dupree.
In response to a question from Alderman Elliott, City Engineer Whisker related that the bridge will be matched to the other bridge on Redmond that was redesigned to accommodate four
lanes.
Mayor Swaim noted that given the scope of work involved in the Overlay program it will be time consuming. He related that bids for striping will now begin.
TRAIN DERAILMENT
Mayor Swaim commended the Public Safety and Pubic Works Department, complimenting their jobs regarding the train derailment. He stated that upon arriving from Little Rock he found the
situation under control. He stated that both Departments did a great job, adding that Murice Green and Jay Whisker coordinated necessary action to bring the situation under control.
He pointed out that it was a major derailment involving sixteen rail cars of which fifteen were overturned. He stated repair work regarding the crossing is being monitored by City
Engineer Whisker. He expressed appreciation for all involved and their hard work.
APPOINTMENTS:
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Swaim without objection adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:20 p.m.
Respectfully,
________________________ _________________________
Susan L. Davitt MAYOR TOMMY SWAIM
City Clerk-Treasurer