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CITY 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
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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
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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
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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.
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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:
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Mayor Swaim without objection adjourned the meeting at
approximately 7:20 p.m.
Respectfully,
________________________ _________________________
Susan L. Davitt MAYOR TOMMY SWAIM
City Clerk-Treasurer
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