00 SEP 07.docCITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 7, 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 September 7, 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, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson, Twitty and Howard answered ROLL CALL. Mayor Swaim also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. Alderman Lewis
arrived at approximately 7:02 p.m. PRESENT nine (9), ABSENT (1).
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, City
Engineer Jay Whisker, Finance Director Paul Mushrush, Purchasing Agent C.J. Brown, Fire Chief Vanderhoof, Police Captain Baker, Deputy of Public Works Jimmy Oakley, Parks and Recreation
Assistant Administrator Patty Walker, Alltel Representatives Mrs. Billie Ann Myers, Nina Cash, and Tammy Wormington, Metro Plan Representatives Richard Magee and Susan Dollar, Mrs. Judy
Swaim, Mrs. Lindy Lewis, Mr. Robert Stroud, Mr. Dennis Sobba, Mrs. Becky Brooks, Jacksonville Patriot Reporter Peggy Koury, and interested citizens.
PRESENTATION OF MINUTES:
Mayor Swaim presented the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of August 17, 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 Ray that the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of 3 August 2000 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED.
CONSENT AGENDA:
REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/ANIMAL CONTROL
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson to APPROVE the monthly Animal Control Report for August 2000. Report reflects the following:
REVENUES……………………………………………$ 558.00
CONTRIBUTIONS………………………………$ 0.00
ADOPTIONS/FINES…………………………$ 558.00
TOTAL……………………………………………………$ 558.00
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 7, 2000
7:00 P.M. – 8:10 P.M.
ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Smith, Lewis, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson, Twitty and Howard voted AYE. (0) voted NAY. MOTION CARRIED.
WATER DEPARTMENT:
WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT:
FIRE DEPARTMENT:
POLICE DEPARTMENT:
STREET DEPARTMENT:
PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT:
PLANNING COMMISSION:
GENERAL: a. PRESENTATION from Alltel Arena Representative Billie Ann Myers
Mrs. Myers related that all the contractor and beam repair bills are settled and the Alltel Arena received $277,00 for cost incurred during that problem of October 1999, adding that
the Lakers were given $30,000 from the insurance company to offset their expenses and have agreed to return when scheduling permits.
She then related that the Arena will host an NBA game of the Houston Rockets and the Portland Trailblazers on October 19th.
She stated that in the first nine months of operation 770,000 have attended 180 events ranging from “Lord of the Dance” to the “WCW”, adding that the Arena has sold out a number of times
including the Elton John concert, which was the opening event. She stated that the Arena has already begun returning taxes to the City of North Little Rock, Pulaski County, and the
State of Arkansas in the amount of $766,000.00 in the first nine months. She projected returns in the neighborhood of 1 million dollars annually. She stated that the breakdown so far
is $587,000 to the State, $125,000 to the County, which Jacksonville benefits from, and $51,500 to the City of North Little Rock, which will increase with the addition of a one-cent
sales tax.
She acknowledged Ms. Nina Cash, Suite Coordinator for Alltel and Ms. Tammy Wormington Office Manager.
She related that payroll in the first nine months for 370 employees was 1.5 million locally and that 3.9 million has been returned to approximately 200 vendors in the area. She mentioned
her volunteer background and said that she is proud to report that the Alltel arena has returned to $153,000 to 43 non-profit agencies in the State.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 7, 2000
7:00 P.M. – 8:10 P.M.
She stated that it is important to know that the Arena is under budget at this point and have a 2.5 million dollar operating reserve, adding that they are confident it will see operations
through the first five years. She stated that the business plan called for some amount of reserves, pointing out that traditionally arena do not make money the first several years of
operation. She related that part of the success of the Alltel Arena is the addition of the Twister Football Team, which has brought in huge crowds. She said that Hockey begins in October
and Basketball starts in November. She related that the Arena is working on hosting Women’s National Basketball Association, Gaither Christmas Shows, WCW, WWF, and Champions on Ice,
Dave Matthews, Jimmy Buffet, and Creed. She stated that September 26, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw will be appearing and are sold out and Don Henley will be appearing at the Arena. She
stated that parking and safety have become non-issues, adding that the lighting and landscape around the Arena are great. She invited everyone to come and enjoy the events offered at
the Alltel Arena.
Alderman Wilson commented that in addition to the good job regarding construction of the new facility and properly addressed safety issues, he feels the management personnel is doing
a great job regarding the events brought to the arena. He stated that he is very impressed with the entertainment line up.
Alderman Ray related a parking incident involving the wrongful towing of vehicles, adding that management made them bring the cars back.
Alderman Elliott also thanked the Arena Board for their hard work and success.
Mayor Swaim pointed out that the City of Jacksonville receives approximately 8.3% of the funds returned to Pulaski County, somewhere between 11 and 15 thousand so far in sales tax.
Ms. Nina Cash offered that three suites are being constructed, leaving space for only four more. She pointed out that there are a total of 31 suites for long-term lease or rental.
b. PRESENTATION regarding Transportation Funding by Metroplan representative Richard Magee and Susan Dollar
Mayor Swaim related that the City of Jacksonville is a member of the Metroplan Organization involving transportation issues and stated that Murice Green and City Engineer Whisker serve
on
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 7, 2000
7:00 P.M. – 8:10 P.M.
Metroplan committees. He pointed out that the overpass is a result
of part of the funding provided by the Federal Highway and Transportation funding. He related change such as when ICTEA became T-21, adding that Mr. Magee is familiar with those changes
and any new regulations.
Mr. Richard Magee reviewed the Metropolitan Transportation Plan, recently adopted by the Metroplan Board following a two-month public comment period. He related that in terms of transportation
planning for the metropolitan area, one of the first things considered is the four County population and its expected change over a 25-year period. He related that under Federal law
the Plan is updated approximately every five years. He related that in 1990 the four County area population was 513,117, with Pulaski County at 67% of that total. He then stated that
starting in the 90’s and expected over the following 25-year period there will be a dramatic shift regarding the outer Counties of Saline, Faulkner and Lonoke consuming larger percentage
of the population growth. He said that Pulaski County will continue to grow but is expected to decline to 54% of the total four County population. He related population decline in areas
of Little Rock, North Little Rock, Benton, Jacksonville, and even Conway who has experienced substantial growth. He stated that population loss is not unusual and does not mean that
an area is unstable. He explained that those cities are termed “empty nest” areas, which only means that most of the areas were settled around 20 years ago and as the family grows,
the children leave home, which is reflected in these population loss areas.
He related that employment always follows population growth and affect traffic patterns. He stated that in 1990 Pulaski County had 81% of the employment in the Metropolitan Area, adding
that there is projected employment growth within the outer Counties. He pointed out that Faulkner County is projected to be the largest recipient of those employment gains. He said
that Conway is unique as a suburban community with its own economic base that attracts employment of its own, separate from Little Rock and North Little Rock. He related that Pulaski
County’s percentage will decline to 73%, but will continue to be the center of employment within the Metropolitan area. He explained that there will be a large population growth in
outer Counties, while employment remains in the center City and center County area. He stated that this is what Metroplan terms a “housing employment balance” out of balance, adding
that the majority of traffic will continue to commute between the outer Counties and the inner County.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 7, 2000
7:00 P.M. – 8:10 P.M.
He stated that the Metro 2025 Vision was adopted in the 1995 including the Metro 2020 Plan with input from the technical committee, which is composed of planning directors, public works
directors and technical people along with another group, which acts as a citizens advisory group. He related that the committee consists of approximately 50 people who recently reviewed
the 1995 vision and retained it for the 2025 vision. He emphasized that the vision is taken verbatim and drives every policy adopted by Metroplan.
METRO 2025 VISION
The Metropolitan Transportation Plan will contribute to a more livable and efficient environment in central Arkansas. This plan should significantly change how we are presently allowing
our transportation systems and our communities to develop by defining an intermodal transportation system that:
Maximizes the mobility of people and goods
Minimizes transportation related fuel consumption and air pollution, and
Establishes a strong link between the provision of transportation facilities and how we use our land.
He highlighted the issues regarding air pollution, mentioning the frequency of Ozone Alert Days in central Arkansas, which has put the area in danger of becoming non-attainment by Federal
standards. He stated that efforts to reduce air pollution will become more critical in the next few years.
He demonstrated by slide projector, the transportation areas covered by Metroplan, saying that there are 23 members of local jurisdiction of Metroplan along with the Highway Department
and the Central Arkansas Transitory combined make up the Metroplan Board.
He related that committed major roadway improvements under the current plan were issue regarding the rebuilding of I-30, I-40 regarding the bond issue just passed. He continued with
US 167 to the south, US 67 near Jacksonville and the north belt freeway, concluding with US 64 as commitments in the Metropolitan area that are going to be continued and built in the
25-year period.
In response to a question from Alderman Wilson regarding US 67 and I-30, Mr. Magee related that all committed improvements will be widened to six lanes and that the North belt portion
will be opened first followed construction on the 67/167 portion. He then related that I-30 is on the transportation improvement program to begin in the next three years regarding the
major components.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 7, 2000
7:00 P.M. – 8:10 P.M.
He clarified that there were major commitments regarding I-30 that included additional crossovers that are currently under construction and that the all interchanges will have to be
rebuilt before road reconstruction begins. He then related that the contract regarding the North Belt Loop and I-40 will go to bid within three years with a two-year construction time.
He went on to say that the phase of road construction will not begin until the structures are completed. He related that the time frame regarding the structures is two years from the
time that they are bid to finish construction. He related that the portion west from 67 to I-430 is still in the environmental impact stage and should be release in the fall, which
will set the alignment for construction.
He related that one new key issue regarding the plan is the issue termed the “Regional Arterial Network”, explaining that Metroplan looked at the five thousand miles of federally funded
system within the Metropolitan area and in working with the communities decided that they would target many needs on that system more specifically and bring them up to a higher level
of standards before then going back and picking up the road system. He stated that basically you are seeing a reduced system of 682 miles of major roadways in the metropolitan area
that over the next 25 years are going to be targeted using federal funds available to Metroplan in bring those roadways up to standard quicker and than otherwise could be achieved.
He pointed out that it goes back to the vision statement of being able to provide greater mobility within the Metropolitan area. He related that it is Metroplan’s thinking that this
would best provide travel across the region in its entirety and in a shorter time frame than spending those funds on a larger system. He related that this would include alignment studies
regarding new sections in Conway and Saline County.
He related that aside from the number of travel lanes and sidewalk issues, bicycle elements were included for the first time in the cross-sections design standards. He pointed out that
under federal law you have to include bicycles in the planning process. He went on to say that if a jurisdiction has a bike plan and presents a project for improvement the bike element
is required and would be funded federally. He then related flexibility regarding specific design elements in terms of right-of-way issues. He pointed out that the previous plan was
more prescriptive regarding right-of-way requirements. He stated that this plan allows jurisdictions some leeway and greater freedom for getting those elements into a narrower right-of-way.
He said that the policy regarding the requirement for a maximum six through-lanes was retained from the 1995 plan for the interstate system or local arterial and
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 7, 2000
7:00 P.M. – 8:10 P.M.
accommodate demand transit along with the prohibition regarding development of continuous center-turn lanes. He clarified that Metroplan no longer funds roadways that have continuous
center-turn lanes, and pointed out that projects such as 161 and 107 in Sherwood are grandfathered projects that were in the pipeline before the policy was adopted.
He related that a key issue for Metro 2020 was grade separations and how the number of trains in the Metropolitan area is dividing communities in terms of medical emergencies. He stated
that given public comment the Board has prioritized all railroad crossings in the Metropolitan area (300 total) to a top 12 that Metroplan would fund grade separations. He related that
Jacksonville on Main Street is the first to be constructed, adding that it has been funded, design is completed, and has environmental clearance. He then noted another grade separation
on the list for Jacksonville is J.P. Wright Loop Road.
Mayor Swaim pointed out that there is only a certain amount of the funds each year set aside that is available.
Mr. Magee clarified that funds have been set-aside over the 25-year period and that the list has been prioritized in five-year increments.
He related that the map indicating grade separations, also identifies bridges on the regional arterial network that are deficient in terms of design or load capacity and need to be replaced
in the next 25 years to further facility the mobility of the network.
He related that transit is another essential issues in the Metropolitan area for more than just Little Rock and North Little Rock. He stated that every community has put forward the
desire to investigate transit. He pointed out expanded and enhancement coverage in the new plan regarding the CATA system for Little Rock and North Little Rock, and also deployment
of suburban circulator service. He stated that Transit consideration will be more demand responsive, explaining that you will be able to call a transit service to your door. He said
that Metroplan would be working with the Highway Department in funding a transit service feasibility study for Conway. He then explained that Conway was selected because of its large
employment, and educational base. He then stated that all communities in the Metropolitan area have shown interest in the light rail and commuter rail into Little Rock and North Little
Rock.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 7, 2000
7:00 P.M. – 8:10 P.M.
He related that CATA has funded a study to prioritize corridors beginning in the central downtown area and that they will look at the rail trolley system to serve the River Market area
and the Alltel Arena, along with consideration for expansion toward the entire downtown area. He stated that the 3rd prioritized corridor is toward Jacksonville and that the studies
will identify the type of transit utilized and fixed guide ways. He said that the capital elements in the plan are Bus, mini-bus & van fleets, bus shelters, and investment in technology,
suburban transfer points, and construction of the downtown trolley circulator system.
He reviewed non-roadway requirements and recommendations regarding bikeways and pedestrian sidewalks included in funding guidelines. He pointed out that regional funding will be used
to construct strategic regional bikeway links. He said that 70% of Metroplan funding will be devoted to regional issues and 30% to allow each local jurisdiction to fund its own federal
project. He related that projects are placed on the plan as they are funded.
He stated that the projected revenue over the 25-year period slated for the Metropolitan area is approximately 3.5 billion dollars. He explained that State funding is determined by
the amount of Federal monies and that percentages are 40% Federal, 40% Local and the remainder is State. He pointed out that 58% of total funding is projected for maintenance and operation
of the existing system, adding that the regional arterial network will consume approximately 14.32%, local priority project represents almost 2%, transit 8.61%, and freeways came in
at 11.38%. He stated that the Metro 2025 plan is a continuation of a “disinvestment plan”, meaning that Metroplan will only maintain a portion or level of the O & M cost and will instead
concentrate on development and expansion.
He reviewed funding implications, saying that Metroplan receives approximately 5 million annually, of which 30% goes to local jurisdiction and 70% to implement regional issues. Therefore,
the City of Jacksonville will receive an allocation of the local 30% jurisdiction funding to be utilized on any project. He stated that as a requirement it must meet with the Metro
2025 vision without competition from another jurisdiction. He said that the allocated funds can utilized each year toward one expensive project or a city could work out a borrowing
arrangement with one of the other local jurisdiction.
Mayor Swaim related that the amount allocated for the City of Jacksonville is $98,000.00 annually.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 7, 2000
7:00 P.M. – 8:10 P.M.
Mr. Magee said that the local 30% could be used toward a regional project if a City wanted to move a regional project forward.
He related that the same Land Use recommendations for the Metro 2020 have been included in the Metro 2025, adding that Metroplan is available to work with local jurisdictions in updating
their comprehensive plan, zoning regulations, master street plan, and subdivision regulations.
Discussion ensued regarding Hwy 294 and Graham Road and it was noted that Graham Road has been on the TIP request list for many years. It was expressed that emphasis is geared toward
Graham Road regarding development concerns for Jacksonville. Mayor Swaim then related that Hwy 294 could be addressed by the Highway Department and is not precluded from the Metro 2025
plan.
Mr. Magee stated the whole intent behind the regional arterial network was to give the local user of the system another mode of travel other than the interstate system across the Metropolitan
area. He related that Metroplan will be working to improve that network with “intelligent transportation technology” which deals with improving signal issues, coordination, and small
intersection improvements. He stated that the goal is to keep the traffic moving which improves air quality.
Discussion ensued regarding Metroplan’s standpoint regarding environmental issues and Mr. Magee related that it Metroplan’s objection to comply and help cities comply with all Federal
requirements.
Mayor Swaim related that City Engineer Whisker is currently looking at areas for designating a bikeway, which will be brought before Council next year. He then related that the City
is also looking at Federal funding for the lights along Main, James and Bailey regarding Ozone and traffic concerns. He stated that paperwork regarding the overpass has been completed,
and rights-of-way are currently being sought from property owners as time permits.
Mayor Swaim thanked Richard Magee and Susan Dollar for their presentation, adding that sometimes it can become confusing regarding federal funding and time considerations.
In response to a question from Mayor Swaim, Murice Green related that the sidewalk project along Hwy 161 (a TIP proposal) is ready for Highway Department review, adding that $139,000
is the funding match.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 7, 2000
7:00 P.M. – 8:10 P.M.
He stated that the Parks and Recreation Trails Program is a federally funded project requiring marching funds of $85,000, adding that asphalt work will begin in approximately three weeks.
He then related that the sidewalk project connecting the Community Center to Dupree Park comes under the federally funded enhancement Program, requiring a City match of $56,000.
Mayor Swaim expressed his appreciation to Mr. Green for his work with Metroplan regarding grants approved for the City of Jacksonville.
c. AMENDING Sign Ordinance
Mayor Swaim related that the realtors of the area have registered concerns regarding directional signage.
Discussion ensued and the ordinance was amended to read item C would not exceed sixteen square feet and it was noted that this amendment will not affect the ordinance requirement that
no sign may be placed closer than 11 ½ feet to the street. Mayor Swaim stated that the ordinance addresses the intent of area realtors.
ORDINANCE 1141 (#13-2000)
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING JACKSONVILLE MUNICIPAL CODE § 18.76(SIGNS); DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Alderman Fletcher moved, seconded by Alderman Smith that Ordinance 1141 be placed on FIRST READING as amended. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Lewis, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson,
Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). Motion received nine (9) 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 1141 in its entirety. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Lewis, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson,
Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). Motion received nine (9) affirmative votes, (0) negative votes. MOTION CARRIED.
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Elliott that Ordinance 1141 be APPROVED on FIRST READING as amended. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Lewis, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson,
Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). Motion received nine (9) affirmative votes, (0) negative votes. MOTION CARRIED.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 7, 2000
7:00 P.M. – 8:10 P.M.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Howard to suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1141 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Lewis, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson,
Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). Motion received nine (9) affirmative votes, (0) negative votes. MOTION CARRIED.
Alderman Lewis moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to further suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1141 on THIRD AND FINAL READING ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Lewis, Ray, Wilson,
Fletcher, Williamson, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). Motion received nine (9) affirmative votes, (0) negative votes. MOTION CARRIED.
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Lewis to APPROVE AND ADOPT Ordinance 1141 as amended. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Lewis, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson, Twitty,
and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). Motion received nine (9) affirmative votes, (0) negative votes. MOTION CARRIED.
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Ray that the EMERGENCY CLAUSE be approved and adopted. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Lewis, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Williamson, Twitty,
and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). Motion received nine (9) affirmative votes, (0) negative votes. MOTION CARRIED.
ORDINANCE APPROVED, ADOPTED AND NUMBERED 1141 THIS THE 7th DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2000.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Alderman Ray announced that the Senior Citizen Carnival and the re-enactment Battle of Reed’s Bridge will be on Saturday, he encouraged attendance for both events.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Swaim without objection adjourned the meeting at approximately 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully,
________________________ _________________________
Susan L. Davitt MAYOR TOMMY SWAIM
City Clerk-Treasurer