01 APR 05.doc
CITY 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.
1
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.
2
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.
th
ORDINANCE APPROVED, ADOPTED AND NUMBERED 1153 THIS THE 5 DAY OF
APRIL 2001.
3
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
4
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
5
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
6
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
7
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
8
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.
9
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
10
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
7:00 P.M. – 8:07 P.M.
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.
11
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
12
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
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 5, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 8:07 P.M.
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
13
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.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 5, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 8:07 P.M.
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
14
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
th
at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center regarding the May 8 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
15