01 APR 05.docCITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 5, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 8:07 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 April 5, 2001 at the regular meeting place of the Council. Alderman Lewis delivered the invocation and
Mayor Swaim led a standing audience in the “Pledge of Allegiance” to the flag.
ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Smith, Lewis, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Stroud, and Howard answered. Mayor Swaim also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. Alderman Sansing arrived at approximately
7:03 p.m. and Alderman Twitty was absent. 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 June Brown, Police Chief Hibbs, Fire Chief Vanderhoof, Parks and Recreation Director George Biggs, Parks Assistant
Administrator Patty Walker, Mrs. Judy Swaim, Mrs. Edith Smith, Mrs. DeDe Hibbs, Mrs. Lendy Lewis, Mrs. Addie Gibson, Jacksonville Patriot Reporter Peggy Koury, and interested citizens.
PRESENTATION OF MINUTES:
Mayor Swaim presented the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of March 15, 2001 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 1 March 2001 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED.
CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/ANIMAL CONTROL
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Lewis to APPROVE the monthly Animal Control Report for March 2001. Report reflects the following:
REVENUES……………………………………………$ 300.00
CONTRIBUTIONS………………………………$ 0.00
ADOPTIONS/FINES…………………………$ 300.00
TOTAL……………………………………………………$ 300.00
ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Smith, Lewis, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Stroud, and Howard voted AYE. (0) voted NAY. MOTION CARRIED.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 5, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 8:07 P.M.
WATER DEPARTMENT:
WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT:
FIRE DEPARTMENT:
POLICE DEPARTMENT: Police Chief Hibbs related that from officers recently attending the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy, Officer Kim Lett was number one in her class and did
an outstanding job of representing the City of Jacksonville.
STREET DEPARTMENT: Request to Accept Bid for a Road Crack Sealing Machine
Mayor Swaim explained that freezing and thawing conditions develop cracks regarding concrete and asphalt streets, pointing out that if left unsealed or overlaid immediately, they begin
to worsen. He related that the Sealing Machine shoots an expansive emulsion into the crack, which allows for the expansion and contractions regarding varying weather conditions. He
pointed out that the use of the machine extends the life of the street. He then related that two years ago the City borrowed a Sealing Machine from Sherwood, adding that the repairs
have held up very well and has prolonged the life of the streets considerably. He stated that the City is comfortable with the low bidder and has budgeted for the purchase.
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Howard to accept the low bid from L R Equipment in the amount of $36,400 with funds to be drawn from the Street Department Fund.
In response to a question from Alderman Wilson, Mayor Swaim related that it is a large machine which is pulled behind a dump truck, approximately six to eight feet in length and has
a large wand that spays heated emulsion from a tank.
At this time, MOTION CARRIED.
PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT:
PLANNING COMMISSION: ORDINANCE 1153 (#7-01)
AN ORDINANCE RECLASSIFYING PROPERTY IN THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS (GENERAL LOCATION: 10001 SOUTH HIGHWAY 161, JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS); AMENDING ORDINANCE NUMBERS 213 AND 238
AND THE LAND USE MAP OF THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Mayor Swaim explained that the property is adjacent to Ingle Fence Company on Highway 161.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 5, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 8:07 P.M.
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Stroud that Ordinance 1153 be placed on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Stroud,
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 1153 in its entirety. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher,
Stroud, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). Motion received nine (9) affirmative votes, (0) negative votes. MOTION CARRIED.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Lewis to approve Ordinance 1153 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Stroud, and Howard
voted AYE. NAY (0). Motion received nine (9) affirmative votes, (0) negative votes. MOTION CARRIED.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson to suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1153 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher,
Stroud, 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 Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to further suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1153 on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray,
Wilson, Fletcher, Stroud, 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 Fletcher moved, seconded by Alderman Elliott to APPROVE AND ADOPT Ordinance 1153. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Stroud, and Howard
voted AYE. NAY (0). Motion received nine (9) affirmative votes, (0) negative votes. MOTION CARRIED.
ORDINANCE APPROVED, ADOPTED AND NUMBERED 1153 THIS THE 5th DAY OF
APRIL 2001.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 5, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 8:07 P.M.
GENERAL: UPDATE from CenturyTel
Ms. Marion Scott expressed appreciation for the opportunity to update the City Council, and introduced herself as the new General Manger of what is now termed the “North Arkansas Market”
of CenturyTel. She related that CenturyTel realigned the territories into markets rather than divisions, explaining that instead of having the entire State with portions of responsibility
for the various functions, it is now divided into market clusters and she is responsible for all functions in the North Arkansas market. She pointed out on a territory map served by
CenturyTel, that her area (North Arkansas market) is everything north of TexArkana and Pine Bluff.
She related that she has enjoyed her brief time in Arkansas, being in Jacksonville since January 23, 2001 and is still enjoying at this time staying in a hotel here in Jacksonville.
She stated that prior to coming to Jacksonville she had approximately 20-years in the telephone industry in the technical side of operations, working in the field as an engineer on
both outside plant operations and transmission. She admitted that the majority of her experience has not been in customer service, marketing, or sales, but the technical issues that
face the industry.
She related the good news that CenturyTel employs 184 employees in Jacksonville from the building on Main Street with an annual payroll of 7 million dollars, which is beneficial to the
Jacksonville economy. She related that the company has 30 vehicles, which purchase gas in Jacksonville, and repairs and maintenance are performed here. She stated that CenturyTel is
big in community involvement and all management personnel are expected to choose an organization that they feel that they can contribute to as members. She then related that CenturyTel
sponsors an “image program” regarding participation in community craft activities, for which reward points are earned by the employees in a given period of time for their community involvement,
adding that most participate just because they love doing it. She related that so far, CenturyTel has logged approximately 2,000 image hours in Jacksonville and made $32,000.00 in contributions
to various groups and area causes.
She stated that CenturyTel offers new services to the City regarding dial-up Internet and digital subscriber line which is a high speed internet service. She pointed out that this is
particularly important when technical companies approach the City, because one of the first questions is regarding the communication structure and digital subscriber line. She stated
that those services are very high tech and most companies of CenturyTel’s size or larger, particularly the bell operating companies and GTE do not
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 5, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 8:07 P.M.
offer digital subscriber line, adding that it is because primarily of the complications in deploying the service. She stated that overall CenturyTel will deploy DSL to 60% of its access
lines this year or approximately 160,000 customers in Arkansas. She related that Jacksonville already has DSL deployed to the core area of the City. She related that in Phase II that
service will be carried out to what is termed our “digital loop carriers”, adding that once there are upgraded customers within 18 thousand feet of those carriers they will also have
DSL available. She pointed out that this is a good point in favor when Industry is looking at making Jacksonville their business home.
She stated that capital investment in Jacksonville since last August total approximately ¾ of a million dollars, which was achieved by updating switches and providing the features just
spoke about. She analogized that a car does not run without a good engine and that a lot of the engines purchased by CenturyTel in these properties were very out dated, so multiple
levels of upgrades were required. She further related that it is comparable to a home computer upgrading from DOS to Windows NT or any other various version of Windows, pointing out
that all switches are just big computers, so in order to bring them up to what is termed “the most recent generic software load”, CenturyTel had to go through various steps, and then
in between the steps they loaded “patches” or “debugs” which is a very costly and time consuming operation. She stated that all switches in the State have been upgraded to the latest
generic, and that there is no switch even in the United States that is a newer generic than what Arkansas has now. She reported that the two switches in Jacksonville are called GTD
5’s, which is a brand name and is the latest in that technology.
She related that she is aware of the recent problems regarding long distance calls out of the area, stating that long distance is a strange animal and further explaining that CenturyTel
does not own the trunking facilities that carry long distance traffic. She related that those facilities are provided through agreement with inter-exchange carriers for transport to
complete the upgrade, adding that 192 trunk additions have been completed into Jacksonville as of yesterday. She related that long distance difficulties will be helped substantially.
She then pointed out that CenturyTel opened a retail store in February for customers to order new services or pay their telephone bills. She reviewed stock items and related that prices
have been kept very low and are offered mostly as an attraction.
She stated that a current project has been 911 addressing updates in Arkansas Counties, pointing out that it is the responsibility of the telephone company to verify 911 addressing.
She stated that
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 5, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 8:07 P.M.
CenturyTel has presently spent approximately $108,000 on that project and that it should be complete in November. She further stated that records verification has also begun, explaining
that unfortunately the records received from the previous owner were not very good and CenturyTel is having to go back and scrub those records one at a time. She stated this began with
“frame verification” which is comparing what is physically leaving the switch with what is in the switch. She related that through the process it was found that about 1,000 customers
have not been billed since CenturyTel’s purchase because they were not able to be locate in the records. She stated that the verification is helping to get records cleaned up, identify
customers, and make sure the customer and CenturyTel are receiving equitability.
She stated that she had been asked about local representation and was pleased to report that locally Jacksonville has a strong presence with people like Donnie Farmer and Bill Rouse.
She then expressed regret in relating that Donnie had recently announced his retirement, but also stated that CenturyTel would try and find someone who will represent the community
as well as Donnie had for all those many years. She related that Bill Rouse is the local area plant supervisor and serves on the Chamber Board, adding that he has 30-years of experience
in the industry and is very involved in community activities and enjoys doing so. She stated that Jacksonville has some wonderful local representation for issues that you need to escalate,
saying that these representatives are here for you.
She stated that before closing she did have some bad news to relate, stating that in three to four days a letter will be mailed that could cause Mayor Swaim some grief. She went on
to explain that a few months ago, in reaction to competition, CenturyTel began offering a $19.95 unlimited State-wide calling plan; however, there had not been any analysis performed
prior to the offer. She related that the plan’s intention was for voice traffic only, but that was not specified and it did not restrict other uses; consequently, people began using
the plan for dial-up Internet service into Little Rock. She then explained that every minute of long distance time used by a customer, CenturyTel must pay for that minute as well.
She pointed out that while such a calling plan for a low usage customer makes the company money, very quickly those lines merge regarding long distance dial-up Internet and the company
begins subsidizing. She related that all communication companies are beginning to face “whole time” on their toll plans, especially where local dial-up Internet service is not available.
She stated that there are some pockets of subscribers who do not have local dial-up Internet but that does not affect Jacksonville.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 5, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 8:07 P.M.
She stated that the loss of a calling plan that allows unlimited calling into a community of interest is difficult for subscribers and that it is her hope that not many residents in
Jacksonville will be impacted. She then offered that the unlimited plan is being substituted with two other plans; one is a $19.95 plan that caps at 300 minutes for voice, internet,
instate, and out of state for a flat fee of $19.95, after which is .08 cents a minute; secondly the other plan allows unlimited talk (voice) time within the State for $39.95 monthly.
She stated that CenturyTel was losing over ½ million dollars monthly on the plan with only 3500 subscribers on the plan, adding that it makes a significant impact on financial statements.
She stated that hopefully she has given some information that will be helpful with residents who may call.
She stated that she did not want to end on a negative note, pointing out that she was accompanied by Debbie Shumate a company representative in the area. She related that Ms. Shumate
has lived in the area her whole life and golfs at the Country Club, and is known by many in the community. She stated that she and Ms. Shumate would be happy to help with calling needs,
and has offered her card if anyone would like to call her office directly. She stated that Jacksonville was her pick and that she has enjoyed herself very much since coming to the area.
In response to a question from Alderman Wilson, she related that the total remodel of the building on Main Street is budgeted at 4 million dollars, however, because of the significant
loss taken on the long distance plan the remodeling will not occur this year. She then related that plans to purchase an adjacent building have fallen through, bringing focus back to
the remodel of the current building. She stated that she would be pushing for some safety issues this year, mentioning the carpeting and the sprinkler system.
Alderman Fletcher expressed appreciation for the local CenturyTel representation and stated that as a homebuilder he has experienced difficulty with other utilities.
Alderman Stroud also welcomed CenturyTel and questioned the possibility of wireless service.
Ms. Scott related the possibility of a resale wireless option, but stated that is not on the boards for the next 12 months.
Alderman Stroud then related difficulty last year regarding complete service from Alltel in receiving a landline. He stated that Alltel referred him to CenturyTel who was unable to
provide an answer to why he could not receive Alltel service.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 5, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 8:07 P.M.
Ms. Scott stated that she suspected it may have been CenturyTel, adding that from what she understands Alltel put switches in Jacksonville and Russellville, but have declared an intention
to remove their switch from Russellville and go to what is termed a resale arrangement. She related that Alltel is considered a facilities based competitive local exchange, because
they have a switch and could have a home device, stating that those two elements would make them a facilities based provider. She then related that if, however they just solicit subscribers
as a customer the can sometimes offer better rates than CenturyTel can. She explained that this is because CenturyTel is regulated, while Alltel is not, adding that it provides Alltel
with a competitive advantage at this time. She further explained that this is the way it has been set up because they felt that the regulated pendulum has swung in our favor for a while
so now it is going to swing in the opposite direction before it settles in the middle. She also explained that if Alltel were to lease a “pair” from CenturyTel regarding anything other
than existing telephone lines there may not be a facility available, because facilities are tight, adding that if a subscriber were going to disconnect their CenturyTel line and get
an Alltel line in its place then there is no reason why they could not be provided that service.
Mayor Swaim related that some residents have said that they are still not able to get DSL service.
Ms. Scott related that not all of Jacksonville is DSL capable, explaining that CenturyTel was very careful in marketing for DSL in Jacksonville regarding capability. She explained “cable
impair” saying that every telephone line has a piece of line equipment in the office and that line equipment is connected to a subscribers home on a pair of cables. She went on to say
that in Jacksonville all of the cable pairs out of the office were loaded, in other words they had a device on them that amplified the electrical signal that goes to your home immediately
out of the office. She related that as an engineer she previously used what were called RUS standards, also referred to as REA, adding that they did not load for eighteen thousand feet.
She stated that a loaded pair cannot have DSL, pointing out that some electronic equipment in the field is not DSL capable which is where they use a high frequency pair of wires to
feed a concentrator which in turn feeds a group of customers. She related that it extends the life of the pipe and then it multiplexes the signal out, sending a broken down signal to
each person. She related that Phase I of the DSL rollout in Jacksonville was to de-load that physical cable out of the office, which has been achieved. She then related that the cable
that comes from the CenturyTel office is in manhole systems, which are
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 5, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 8:07 P.M.
flooded most of the time. She stated that the loaded cables are in lead encapsulated sleeves, meaning that molten lead was poured around the cable and it became a solid mass that is
not penetrable without tearing open the entire casing. She said that to de-load pairs they first considered who was not on other electronics out of the switch and those pairs were de-loaded
in the manholes. She stated that while it may not sound like much, it is extensive and took many man-hours to accomplish. She related that it begins with pumping water out of the manhole
and that blowing devices have to be used to keep the gases out of the manhole as they work. She then related that at the end of the workday they can not just shut the manhole and leave
because the paper sheathed cable has to be protected from moisture that could accumulate during the night. She related that CenturyTel is now able to service a certain group on the non-loaded
cable. She pointed out that Phase II is going to upgrade selected electronics in the field to also be DSL capable, adding that CenturyTel can get the signal out that far for DSL but
once you go through the electronics they have to be fitted to allow DSL to pass through. She said that not all vendors have that option yet, but CenturyTel is able to provide that option
with a vendor called Marconi or Lightspan, and is currently conducting a field trial with AFC, which is another vendor. She added however, that the field trial has not yet been approved.
She stated that during Phase II, more of the population will be able to get DSL and CenturyTel will market to those who become DSL capable. She mentioned some unfortunate exuberance
from the corporate office regarding mailers to customers who are not DSL capable yet. She related that having 60% of all lines in the State DSL capable by the end of the year is real
ambitious and significant for any company their size.
In response to a question from Alderman Wilson, she stated that CenturyTel does try to consider the commercial areas first if they are fed with electronics that are DSL capable, which
is why they de-loaded the core around the CenturyTel office.
Mayor Swaim expressed that he was confused regarding re-addressing for 911, stated that the City spent a great deal of time on 911 addressing in the late 1980’s and that Jacksonville
was the first city in the State to have 911 addressing. He pointed out that 911 addressing has been in place and working for many years.
She stated that it might not be in the City of Jacksonville, saying that the 911 verification is going on throughout all areas that CenturyTel serves. She further stated that she may
have misspoken in that they are doing verification not re-addressing.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 5, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 8:07 P.M.
Chief Vanderhoof related that Valentine Road and Southeastern experience a few miscodes but has been corrected for some time.
Mayor Swaim stated that he appreciates Ms. Scott’s willingness to update Council, adding that there was disappointment in the contact and relationship over the last few months, but are
now glad that CenturyTel is here and interested in communicating with the City. He mentioned difficulty with her predecessor, saying that he feels more confident regarding the public
relations end. He expressed the importance for telephone customers to be able to get answers regarding their bills and that the City feels very strongly that there needs to be some
point of contact, some public relation situation where particularly especially the elderly can call and have someone will help them with their problems.
Ms. Scott apologized, saying that during the transition they did a horrible job in their call center, but that answer times have improved significantly regarding daily readings. She
stated that the company’s goal is to answer all calls within 20 seconds with no more than a 2% abandon rate with a stable workforce in place training is now being conducted for the two
calling centers in Arkansas.
Mayor Swaim questioned any advantage for CenturyTel to have a 1-800 number for local calls, adding that it is somewhat confusing because people think they are calling out of the area.
Ms. Scott stated that the 1-800 number is a traffic issue because of the way the line is broken out and shared among different entities. She stated that there is a local repair center
in Jacksonville, which operates as a call center as well.
In response to a comment from Alderman Ray, Ms. Scott related that problems with crossover talk is a result of moisture on paper sheathed cables which they hope to eventually replace.
In response to a question from Alderman Wilson regarding 911 calls, Ms. Scott related that it is identified to the nearest tower, it does not identify back to an address.
Mayor Swaim stated that there was a mandated time to have the triangular fixed so that you can triangle off of three towers for location but because of technical problems that has not
come to pass yet.
Ms. Scott stated there are 20,000 wireless exchange access lines in the north Arkansas, but the majority of her market is wire lines of approximately 270,000.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 5, 2001
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The Council thanked Ms. Scott for appearing and providing information.
Alderman Sansing questioned the reimbursement regarding over collection by GTE.
Mayor Swaim related that tentatively CenturyTel may be providing the reimbursements since they have the records and it would offer a greater opportunity for customers to be reimburse
who did not keep their bills. He stated that the reimbursements may be handled through a credit or deduction on the upcoming bills.
Discussion ensued as to having other utilities bring updates to Council.
Mayor Swaim related that the Gas Company reopened their office as a direct result of concerns form citizens not having local representation.
DEVIATION IN AGENDA: RESOLUTION 548 (#8-2001)
A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE CONDEMNATION FOR PERMANENT EASEMENT/PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY FOR CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY REQUIRED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION, DEVELOPMENT, AND USE OF THE PROPOSED MAIN
STREET OVERPASS; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to suspend the rules and place Resolution 548 on the agenda. MOTION CARRIED.
Mayor Swaim related that in efforts to progress with the overpass, a problem developed with the railroad right-of-way crossing. He stated that the railroad feels that the City is crossing
their right-of-way although we already have a road across the tracks and the railroad has estimated the value to be almost $18,000. He then related that the Highway Department appraised
the value at zero, so as opposed to paying $17,891, the City has condemned the property with the blessing of the Highway Department. He related that this is the last piece of right-of-way
that he is aware of and Resolution 548 condemns that right-of-way.
Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Elliott to Read Resolution 548. MOTION CARRIED.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Stroud to suspend with the reading of Resolution 548 in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED.
Alderman Fletcher moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson to approve Resolution 548. MOTION CARRIED.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 5, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 8:07 P.M.
Alderman Wilson expressed displeasure with the actions of Union Pacific Railroad and suggested that a letter be forwarded outlining efforts and funds expended in this project to avoid
future problems regarding the intersection.
RESUME AGENDA:
APPOINTMENTS:
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to approve the reappointment of Ferrel Gray to the Jacksonville Housing Authority for a term to expire March 17, 2006. MOTION CARRIED.
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson to approve the reappointment of Gordon Koops to the Jacksonville Water Commission for a term to expire April 20, 2008. MOTION CARRIED.
Alderman Fletcher moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson to approve the reappointment of Ron McDaniel to the Jacksonville Civil Service Commission for a term to expire April 1, 2006. MOTION
CARRIED.
PACKET ITEM:
Alderman Stroud stated that aside from the possibility of Jacksonville having its own school district, there are other things that need to be addressed in the best interest of Jacksonville.
He referred to the efforts to correct unsightly problems in Jacksonville and stated that it will require more than just an ordinance regarding trash pick-up. He expressed concerns
for the lack of planning regarding items outside the preview of the Master Plan, which guides the Planning Commission. He then related a need for the City Council to meet with the Planning
Commission and Department Heads in what he termed as a “Planning Seminar”, to work on future plans regarding the City’s appearance. He related that efforts to make improvements may
cause hostility for those involved, but added that it is unfair to the citizens who take care of their property. He asked that the Council review his letter for consideration and solutions.
He related that with the possibility of new school system, Vertac being a completed issue and the new overpass it is time to consider Jacksonville’s future direction.
Alderman Smith stated that he has been aware of unsightly problems and concurred in support that action needs to be undertaken to keep Jacksonville a beautiful city.
Alderman Sansing stated that the City in the past has taken a reactive stance and voiced support for a pro-active stance including enforcement of the existing ordinances. He related
that
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REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
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one Code Enforcement Officer is currently on vacation for three weeks so the City has one officer left. He related the need to enforce stricter ordinances and urged a pro-active stance.
Alderman Howard stated that many violators are repeat offenders, requiring two letters from the City before acting to correct the problem. He related that as he has stated in the past,
if it takes more money in this particular area he is in support of that. He related that he is approached almost everyday regarding these types of issues. He stated that while the
Citywide clean up is a good place to start, this is not just a one time fix. He pointed out the need for area business in town to clean their property also. He stated that items of
concern need to be addressed and the Council can do that.
Alderman Fletcher stated that he felt the solution would require more funding and cited problem areas such as Redmond Road by Dupree Park regarding tree limbs that are broken off and
have not fallen to the ground. He stated that the sad thing is that while the City has ordinances, it cannot legislate pride, and that is what it will take to completely handle this
situation. He stated that it seems landlords are more concerned about the monthly rent than the upkeep of their rental property. He suggests that ordinances from other cities regarding
landlords be reviewed. He asked that the City Attorney researches and return with those ordinances.
Alderman Sansing pointed out that current ordinances direct occupants and owners to be responsible for property upkeep.
Mayor Swaim related that the City does need to strengthen the ordinances regarding some areas and that it has been discussed that there is some subjective material that may need to specify
what is considered unsightly. He related on-going efforts involving himself, Mr. Green, Engineering, and Code Enforcement to bring recommendations to the Council including that when
summer personnel is hired for Code Enforcement that position be retained full time.
He then related that the City received a grant through the Central Arkansas Planning Development District, which provides staff to work on City cleaning right-of-ways regarding trees
and limbs. He stated that they have been doing so for approximately 1½ weeks, pointing out that their salaries are funded while the City provides a supervisor. He stated that while
efforts are being made it will take a long time before our City looks like it should. He pointed out clean up efforts in three trailer parks recently purchased. He stated that the
City can keep the extra personnel as long as the funds last, which he hopes will be at least six to eight months.
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REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
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Alderman Fletcher suggested Aldermen concentrate on their wards for a more workable situation.
Mayor Swaim related that the Citywide clean up is Saturday at Dupree Park beginning at 9:00 a.m.
He then stated that Mrs. Bond has been working very diligently regarding efforts to create a mechanism by where sometime in the future Jacksonville would have an avenue to form its own
school district. He related that the last amendment was adopted in the Senate and will be considered by vote on Monday. He suggested that those interested call their Senator and encourage
them to vote for passage. He pointed out that it does not automatically create a new school district and it does not eliminate the need for improvements in our current school system.
Therefore, even if it does come to fruition we still need to be working hard to bring Jacksonville schools into proper condition. He stated that it is very difficult to show our City
with pride, when school buildings are in a dilapidated condition. He stated that improvements need to be completed not just for the appearance of the City, but for the pride of the
students and the quality of education. He related the mental connection to having an atmosphere conducive to learning as well as having good programs with good teachers.
Alderman Wilson related that there will be a meeting Monday night at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center regarding the May 8th millage election. He stated that this is an opportunity
to be pro-active and accomplish what needs to be done regarding improvements to Jacksonville schools. He spoke about its meaning regarding the children’s education and having adequate
facilities in which to learn. He encouraged attendance for what he termed a matter “huge in the future of Jacksonville”.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Swaim without objection adjourned the meeting at approximately 8:07 p.m.
Respectfully,
________________________ _________________________
Susan L. Davitt MAYOR TOMMY SWAIM
City Clerk-Treasurer