01 JAN 18.doc
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 18, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 7:57 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 January 18, 2001 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, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson,
Fletcher, Stroud, Twitty and Howard answered. Mayor Swaim also
answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT ten (10), ABSENT (0).
Others present for the meeting were: City Attorney Robert E.
Bamburg, Deputy City Clerk Melanie Green, Director of
Administration Murice Green, City Engineer Jay Whisker, Finance
Director Paul Mushrush, Purchasing Agent C.J. Brown, Police Chief
Hibbs, Fire Chief Vanderhoof, Deputy of Public Works Jimmy Oakley,
Parks and Recreation Director George Biggs, Parks Assistant
Administrator Patty Walker, Jacksonville Water Superintendent Ken
Anderson, Wastewater Manager Thea Hughes, CDBG Director Theresa
Watson, Mrs. Judy Swaim, Mrs. Edith Smith, Mrs. Helen Stroud, Mrs.
DeDe Hibbs, Mrs. Addie Gibson, Mr. Tommy Dupree, Mrs. Sandra
Sansing, Mrs. Lendy Lewis, Mr. Rocky Mantooth, Jacksonville Patriot
Reporter Peggy Koury, Leader Newspaper Reporter Rick Kron, and
interested citizens.
PRESENTATION OF MINUTES:
Mayor Swaim presented the minutes of the Regular City Council
Meeting of January 4, 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 Howard that the minutes
of the Regular City Council Meeting of 21 December 2000 be
APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED.
CONSENT AGENDA:
REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/POLICE DEPARTMENT
Mayor Swaim noted that the monthly Police Department report would
be resubmitted with complete totals at the next regularly scheduled
City Council meeting.
REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/FIRE DEPARTMENT
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to approve the
Regular Monthly Report for December, which reflects a fire loss of
$222,100.00, and a Savings Total of $400,500.00.
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 18, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 7:57 P.M.
ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson,
Fletcher, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. Motion received
(10) AYE. (0) NAY. MOTION CARRIED.
WATER DEPARTMENT:
WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT:
FIRE DEPARTMENT:
POLICE DEPARTMENT:
STREET DEPARTMENT:
PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT:
PLANNING COMMISSION: a. ORDINANCE 1147 (#1-01)
AN ORDINANCE RECLASSIFYING PROPERTY IN THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE,
ARKANSAS (GENERAL LOCATION: SOUTHEAST CORNER OF T.P. WHITE AND
NORTH JAMES, 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 provided a general description of the location of the
property and related that a small building is located on the
property.
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Lewis that Ordinance
1147 be placed on FIRST READING.
In response to the request for discussion, Alderman Stroud related
that he had attended the Planning Commission meeting which
originally dealt with the item, he further related decent among its
members regarding unanimous approval. He related that the rezoning
is in direct conflict of the Bill of Assurance regarding the
neighborhood. He went on to say that the issue has been before the
court system and that the desire of the neighborhood residents was
upheld. He stated that he is opposed to the passage of Ordinance
1147.
Alderman Wilson stated that he was made aware of a second Bill of
Assurance that allows rezoning of the property to commercial. He
concurred that it is not good business to override a Bill of
Assurance, but added that apparently a second Bill of Assurance
addresses that issue and before proceeding the Council and
neighborhood residents need to be aware of those provisions.
City Attorney Bamburg stated that in the 1983 court ruling, the
Judge struck the second Bill of Assurance and reverted to the
original Bill of Assurance.
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 18, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 7:57 P.M.
Alderman Fletcher voiced concerns regarding increased traffic
problems at the James Street bridge, adding that he could not see
the benefit of additional commercial property given present traffic
considerations.
Discussion ensued and it was noted that the rezoning request has
been before the Planning Commission and the City Council on several
occasions and that the recommendation passed with a majority vote
but not a unanimous vote by the Planning Commission.
Alderman Stroud noted decent from neighborhood residents.
Alderman Wilson questioned if the State Attorney General has been
consulted regarding a legal opinion as to whether cities should be
involved in a rezoning prohibited by a Bill of Assurance.
City Attorney Bamburg stated that in the last round that addressed
this particular property, the Attorney General’s office was asked
to address the issue of what the Planning Commission or the City
Council had to do when matters were against a Bill of Assurance,
adding that his recollection of that opinion was that the Bill of
Assurance was a factor for the Commission or Council to consider in
making a decision on that circumstance. He then stated that it is
not the Planning Commission or City Council’s position to enforce
the terms of the Bill of Assurance which is the responsibility of
the individual property owners of that neighborhood.
Alderman Wilson pointed out that if the property is rezoned and the
Bill of Assurance prohibits rezoning, then it forces the residents
through the court system to resolve what was not permissible in the
first place. He added however that in 1954, at the time the Bill
of Assurance was filed, there would have been no way to have known
that US Hwy 67/167 was going through the area. He stated that in
looking at the property it could be considered ideal for commercial
because it is at an intersection of a four lane street and a
freeway, but presents a quandary if rezoning overrides the Bill of
Assurance.
Alderman Twitty stated that aside from the Bill of Assurance, she
had received telephone calls from residents on Hospital Drive who
definitely do not want the rezoning.
Mr. Lloyd Friedman stated that consideration regarding the property
has been on going for approximately 35-years and that the Bill of
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Assurance from 1954 expired January 2000. He then explained that
lot 2 was rezoned C-2 by the court at that time. He related that
he felt the nature of the property is commercial, adding that
Metroplan recommended that the City Use Map reflect commercial. He
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 18, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 7:57 P.M.
further stated that he felt no one would buy the property for
residential development. He related efforts to clean up the
property regarding the view as traffic passes on the highway,
adding that the appearance of a 1960 mobile home there does not do
the City much good. He related that he believes over the years
there has been property rezoned over the Bill of Assurance,
pointing out that Mr. Bamburg’s office and Dr. Coopers office was a
rezoning with a Bill of Assurance. He stated that he felt James
Street all the way to the highway is going to be commercial in the
next 20 years. He stated that in the original plat of Edgewood
Subdivision there was a lot 1 that was taken in by the Highway
Department. He stated he understood some people being upset about
rezoning and changes, but in looking at the property with the
proper greenery and division it is not going to hurt anybody. He
then related that the Planning Commission did stipulate that any
plans had to be submitted to them for approval, to make sure there
were green areas and separation. He concluded saying that the
property needs to be cleaned up regarding highway 67 north and that
the Planning Commission will review all plans regarding approval.
Discussion ensued regarding expiration of the original Bill of
Assurance, City Attorney Bamburg related that the Bill of Assurance
had an expiration date of January 1, 2000, however, it has an
automatic renewal provision unless there are changes made. He
stated that there were no changes, so it had an automatic renewal
that took affect on that same day.
Mr. Friedman offered that only two residents from the entire
neighborhood were present at the Planning Commission meeting,
adding that he did not feel that with a neighborhood as large as
Edgewood Subdivision that the majority of the people are opposed to
it.
Alderman Ray mentioned consideration years ago regarding the
cleanup of the frontage property, adding that it was also his
understanding to possibly construct a wall in the rear to separate
the neighborhood.
Mr. Friedman related that presently there is a privacy fence east
and west separating it, adding that greenery needs to be used on
North Hospital. He then related that he did tell the Planning
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Commission that there would not be any access from North Hospital
Street, the access will be from T.P. White and James Street.
Ms. Joyce Ward of 708 North James Street stated that she had
attended the Planning Commission meeting when they decided to
rezone lots 2, 3 and 4 as commercial. She related that it is her
understanding that lot 2 was zoned sometime in the past, but she
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 18, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 7:57 P.M.
does not know why that ever took place when it was under a Bill of
Assurance. She stated that she does not know what good a Bill of
Assurance is, if someone decides they want that piece of property
and they take it away from us and the Bill of Assurance is no good.
She stated that she has owned her property approximately 3 or 4
years, adding that when she purchased her property she bought it
under a Bill of Assurance that states there is not going to be a
business across the street from her residence. She related that it
has been said there will not be an opening on Hospital Drive, but
she thought there was not going to be a business in the first
place. She stated that she will almost guarantee the developer is
going to come back and want a driveway on Hospital Drive. She
stated that there were three residents at the Planning Commission
meeting and more here tonight, adding that she does not feel Mr.
Friedman can speak for the majority of the residents in the
subdivision, adding that to override a Bill of Assurance you need a
majority of the residents to agree. She stated that if a petition
was circulated she did not feel there would be a problem getting
enough signatures to disagree with overriding the Bill of
Assurance. She asked the Council if a proposed building across the
street from their homes was proposed would they feel it is going to
devalue their property. She related that she is not of an age
where she can just pick up, leave and go somewhere else. She
stated that regarding cleanup of the property, all it needs is to
tear the old building down, adding that it does not mean there
needs to be a building there. She stated that she couldn’t see
looking out her garage door at the back end of a building. She
related that she had looked at the building where Merle Norman is
located and related that one of the gentleman on the Planning
Commission last week had said that if he lived in that little house
next door he would not like that view either. She stated that she
is urging the Council not to approve the rezoning, saying that it
is not for the benefit of the neighborhood, it is not for the
benefit of anybody here unless it is for revenue for the City of
Jacksonville. She stated that she doubted very seriously that it
is going to give enough business to warrant the need to take away
our Bill of Assurance. She asked what is a Bill of Assurance in
the first place.
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Mayor Swaim related that the Bill of Assurance is an agreement
among the individuals in a subdivision and the City does not have
enforcement authority. He clarified that the enforcement belongs
to the residents and is not an authority given to City government.
In response to another question from Ms. Ward, Mayor Swaim related
that enforcement means if the City Council were to override the
Bill of Assurance, the residents have the right to contest that
action in a court of law.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 18, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 7:57 P.M.
Ms. Ward stated that it probably would come to that, adding that
the residents like their property just like it is and does not need
a building stuck on it.
In response to a question from Mr. Friedman regarding the permitted
uses for C-2, City Attorney Bamburg clarified that permitted uses
are churches and accessory building, beauty and barber shop,
daycare facilities, public building, public utility offices and
rights-of-way, private clubs and lodges, professional and general
offices, financial institutions, convenience goods and services,
retail consumer goods stores, restaurants, indoor theaters, bowling
alleys, parking lots. He went on to say that conditional uses
include any use permitted in R-2, R-3, R-4, C-1, mini warehouses,
schools public private or nursery, commercial recreation, services
stations, auto repair, drive in restaurant, public utility
facilities, taverns, automatic car wash and motor vehicle parts
repair sales and or towing.
Mr. Friedman said that everyone agrees that the corner of the
property is zoned C-2 now and then questioned the permitted uses in
a C-1 zone.
City Attorney Bamburg clarified that C-1 permitted uses include
churches and accessory buildings, schools public private and
nursery, community facilities, public buildings, public utility
offices and rights-of-way, professional and general offices,
hospitals and clinics, funeral homes, financial institutions,
beauty and barber shops, laundry pick up stations, coin operated
laundries and pharmacies and day care facilities. Conditional uses
under that category include all permitted in R-0, R-1, R-1A, R-2,
R-3, R-4 or R-5, commercial recreations, parking lot, storage
facilities, retail consumer goods stores, and restaurants.
Mr. Friedman stated that he is not trying to challenge, but wanted
to bring everyone’s attention to the fact that the corner is zoned
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C-2 and presently that lot can have a private club. Further
illustrating that peppers could be moved to that lot or a
convenience store. He related that he is asking for the rezoning
of lot 3 and lot 4 to C-1, which assures the neighborhood that
there could not be a “honky tonk” there but offices, professional
building, a quiet business. He stated that he thought the
neighborhood would have greater concern because the corner lot is
C-2, adding that if the residents do not allow development for
office use, then the corner could go some other way as provided by
the law. He stated that really the neighborhood would have
protection and he assured Council that it could be included in an
ordinance that there would be not access from Hospital Drive.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 18, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 7:57 P.M.
Alderman Elliott mentioned consideration for the enforcement factor
regarding the Attorney General’s opinion and noted that the while
it is helpful regarding good zoning practice that the City Land Use
Map does recommend the area as commercial, there is still some
question to rezoning if it contests the Bill of Assurance.
Alderman Sansing stated that rezoning with a contested Bill of
Assurance would essentially be forcing the residents to spend money
in court to do what they have done once already. He voiced concern
regarding the opinion of the neighborhood residents affected.
Alderman Stroud sympathized with Mr. Friedman’s position, but
stated that if the City fathers make a habit of overriding Bill of
Assurances it sets bad precedent. He expressed concern for
citizens who would want to move to Jacksonville, adding that it is
his recommendation to return the item to the Planning Commission.
He suggested possibly it could be worked out with the majority of
the citizens by petition.
In response to a question from Alderman Wilson, City Attorney
Bamburg stated that in essence with what the Attorney General’s
office has rendered as the opinion they have said from the city
standpoint, that it is not a city obligation, now as to whether
they have ruled in favor or against Bills of Assurance depends on
the circumstances for each because Bills of Assurance are drafted
differently. He stated that he feels given the general nature of
the law the Bill of Assurance is going to be upheld.
City Attorney Bamburg then related that this particular Bill of
Assurance has been upheld once by the court with the exception of
lot 2 where the C-2 zoning had already been applied and that was
done because the building had been up and in use in that capacity
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for a number of years before the lawsuit was filed.
In response to the consensus to return the item to the Planning
Commission, Mayor Swaim clarified that currently the motion on the
floor is to place Ordinance 1147 on first reading, he asked if
there is a substitute motion.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to substitute the
original motion and move to return Ordinance 1147 to the Planning
Commission for reconsideration.
Mayor Swaim explained that the substitute motion takes precedent
over the main motion.
At this time, the motion passed unanimously by a roll call vote.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 18, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 7:57 P.M.
b. ORDINANCE 1148 (#2-01)
AN ORDINANCE RECLASSIFYING PROPERTY IN THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE,
ARKANSAS (GENERAL LOCATION: INTERSECTION OF ELLIS, TRICKEY LANE,
AND REDMOND ROAD, JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS); AMENDING ORDINANCE
NUMBERS 213 AND 238 AND THE LAND USE MAP OF THE CITY OF
JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Ray that Ordinance 1148
be placed on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith,
Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard
voted AYE. NAY (0). Motion received ten (10) affirmative votes, (0)
negative votes. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon, City Attorney Bamburg
read the Ordinance.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson to dispense with
the reading of Ordinance 1148 in its entirety. ROLL CALL: Aldermen
Elliott, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Stroud,
Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). Motion received ten (10)
affirmative votes, (0) negative votes. MOTION CARRIED. City
Attorney Bamburg read Ordinance 1148 heading only.
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to approve
Ordinance 1148 on FIRST READING. With no one to speak in
opposition, ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Lewis, Sansing,
Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY
(0). Motion received ten (10) affirmative votes, (0) negative
votes. MOTION CARRIED.
Alderman Lewis moved, seconded by Alderman Howard to suspend the
rules and place Ordinance 1148 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL:
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Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher,
Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). Motion received
ten (10) affirmative votes, (0) negative votes. MOTION CARRIED.
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Lewis to further
suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1148 on THIRD AND FINAL
READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray,
Wilson, Fletcher, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0).
Motion received ten (10) affirmative votes, (0) negative votes.
MOTION CARRIED.
Alderman Lewis moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to APPROVE AND ADOPT
Ordinance 1148. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Lewis,
Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted
AYE. NAY (0). Motion received ten (10) affirmative votes, (0)
negative votes. MOTION CARRIED.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 18, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 7:57 P.M.
TH
ORDINANCE APPROVED, ADOPTED AND NUMBERED 1148 THIS THE 18 DAY OF
JANUARY 2001.
c. FINAL PLAT/JORDAN ACRES SUBDIVISION
Mayor Swaim noted that the item has been recommended for passage
from the Planning Commission.
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson to approve the
Final Plat of Jordan Acres Subdivision. MOTION CARRIED.
Alderman Ray noted that the subdivision has only one access for
ingress and egress on Hwy 294.
GENERAL: a. Water Department Annual Report
Mr. Ken Anderson stated that the Waterworks is in good shape for
the 2000 year. He summarized the Water Works accomplishments for
2000, pointing out that under the guidance of the Jacksonville
Water Commission chaired by Thad Gray, it is reported that they
completed another year under budget while making many improvements
to the water system.
He stated that due to the dry summer in 2000, Water Works hit an
all time high for production of water On August 30, it reached a
year high of 10.4 million gallons, which was over the previous
record of 9.5 million on July 6, 1998. The total production for
the year was 2.2 billion gallons, which was an 8.4% increase from
the previous year. The average daily flow was 5.9 million gallons.
One of the major projects completed was the installation of a SCADA
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system (Supervisory Control Data Acquisition System), which
operates the wells, high service pumps at the East Plant, and the
water tank levels. This project has greatly improved the
capability to monitor the system from a computer at the plan or
main office. During the recent ice storm, the SCADA system that
operates with radio signals helped our staff get water to our
customers while connected to a power generator.
Water Works forces and contractors installed 8,660 linear feet of
pipe, 9 new fire hydrants, and 37 valves. Also, the meter
department completed a 3-year project of replacing the water meters
throughout the water system with 6,749 new meters.
In response to a question from Alderman Fletcher, Mr. Anderson
related that the 40% increase in bad debt from 1999 to 2000
included an extra 3-months write-off, explaining that it reflects a
fifteen month write-off instead of the normal twelve month write-
off in order to move the amount closer to a more current write-off.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 18, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 7:57 P.M.
Mr. Anderson then related that Cabot is still purchasing the normal
quantities of water, but have indicated that by early summer, they
will have their well system on line and should begin to decrease
water purchases from Jacksonville.
It was noted that the Water Department currently has seven (7)
licensed operators.
A copy of the Water Department’s Annual Report is on file in the
Office of City Clerk.
b. Wastewater Department Annual Report
Mrs. Thea Hughes stated that she is excited to report that they had
a tremendous year and related that since 1995 the main focus has
been the administrative order issued by EPA. She reminded Council
that the order had four steps which included 1) significant repairs
to the collection system to eliminate all the inflow and
infiltration, 2) conduct flow monitoring to determine the success
of the rehab and then if necessary construct relief sewers in the
those areas, 3) complete the expansion of the Johnson Plant and 4)
close the West Plan. She stated that the expansion of the Johnson
Plant was scheduled for completion in November but contractor
difficulties caused a delay, adding that it is very close. She
stated that the official deadline with EPA to close the West Plant
st
is April 1 , adding that with only minor work remaining it will be
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closed by mid March permanently. She said at that point, all that
will be lacking on the expansion of the treatment plant is the
streets, curbs, guttering, and some dress-up work. She stated that
there will be a meeting next week with the contractor to set
priorities regarding pumps and hydraulics to make sure those items
are complete so that the West Plant flow can come over. She stated
that since 1998 all the flow has been diverted to the Johnson Plant
except during heavy rainfall. She related that since 1998 compared
to 2000 the West Plan flow has been reduced by 81%, so it is barely
used for operation. She stated that rehab of the collection system
was broken down into sub-basins, covered on pages 3 and 4 of the
report showing the exact breakdown of the administrative order
providing deadlines for each basin. She related that basins one
and five were completed in 1999, followed with flow monitoring in
the year 2000. She reported that in like rainfall flow comparison
inflow and infiltration has been reduced in those two basins by
from 16 to 40 percent. She stated that because the report came
back so well, relief sewers in those two basins are not required.
She related that in 2000 rehab of basin two, three and four were
completed, which was the next on the schedule from EPA and are now
being flow monitored. She pointed out that in the original 1995
sewer system evaluation study it showed 873 faulty private service
lines in the City and part of the EPA order is to correct that,
adding that only three remain on the list. She stated that private
lines will continue to be checked because they are a source of I &
I into the system. She related that in 2000 TV equipment was
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 18, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 7:57 P.M.
purchased for the televising van, adding that the equipment will
actually tilt and look up into a private service line and take a
still picture so a photograph can be provided to the residents. She
related that page 14 of the report provides some details regarding
the service lines themselves and a breakdown of those problems. She
stated that Wastewater Utility accepted 6,661 feet of new line and
32 new manholes for operation and maintenance, which came from the
Wal-Mart Supercenter, General Samuels extension, Timberwood
Apartments, Churches Fried Chicken, Jordan Acres, and Collenwood II
Subdivision. She said that all restaurants were inspected for
proper grease trap maintenance, adding that all non-permitted
industries and industrial users complied with their permits in 2000
with no violations. She related that the pre-treatment program was
revised regarding local limits and all industries were contacted.
She then related that the industries had no problem with the new
local limits, adding that most are very pleased. She related that
the Wastewater laboratory received an excellent rating from the EPA
with no permit violations at the treatment plant, adding that this
is the fifth straight year without violations at the Johnson Plant.
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She concluded by saying that Wastewater has fifteen employees who
have licenses and this year many of those were upgraded from a two
to a three and some employees received CDL licenses.
In response to a question posed by Alderman Fletcher regarding
annexation to west Jacksonville and north areas regarding possible
development of a subdivision, Mrs. Hughes stated that when a
subdivision is developed it is up to the developer to put the sewer
system in and then the Wastewater Utility takes over the O & M. She
related that as a subdivision is developed they make sure there is
a tie on point for any future subdivision that might develop past
that point. She then stated that some of those areas in question
may require an interceptor, relating that many years ago there were
designs for an interceptor and at the time it was not necessary.
She stated that if areas are annexed Wastewater will have to
consider a interceptor.
A copy of the Wastewater Department Annual Report is on file at the
Wastewater Department.
c. STATE OF THE CITY
Mayor Swaim related that the year started with a sigh of relief
when Y2K was not the disaster many had predicted, but ended with a
natural disaster for our City and State. He stated that the ice
storm of December 2000 will long be remembered as the worst in City
history. He acknowledged City personnel in their outstanding
handling of the emergency.
He then stated that each year the City diligently prepares the
budget attempting to plan for all the needs of each department,
however, natural disasters are unpredictable and stretch employee
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 18, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 7:57 P.M.
capabilities while stressing City finances. He reiterated that he
is proud of City employees’ responsiveness to the emergencies
created by the ice storm. He stated that while the storm cleanup
continues, Jacksonville is far ahead of many cities and counties
less prepared and without adequate financial resources. He stated
that cost estimates are not complete but is expected to run into
the hundreds of thousands of dollars. He related that the complete
State Of The City report is very comprehensive and highlighted some
points of interest.
The City continues to manage tax dollars carefully completing
another year of operation within the budget approved by the City
Council in spite of rising gas prices, which affected individual
departments drastically, especially Police, Fire, and Street.
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The Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the City of
Jacksonville, again received national recognition. The
Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and
Canada awarded the City of Jacksonville their “Certificate of
Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting” for the
second year in a row. Only seven other cities in the State of
Arkansas have achieved this distinction.
69 single-family homes and 166 apartments were issued
construction permits during the year, signaling continued
expansion of housing availability in the City.
The Main Street Railroad Overpass continues to move forward with
right-of-way acquisition nearing completion. The pace is slower
than we would like, but continues none the less.
A comprehensive mapping of all drainage systems was begun this
year, because of increased federal regulations. This will be
very costly and time consuming.
An additional 120 acres was added to Dupree Park through two
land purchases and efforts were continued to complete a
neighborhood park in the west part of the City.
An approximately one-mile walking/nature trail was constructed
in Dupree Park, funded by a Highway trails grant.
Two major sidewalk projects received grant funding. Highway 161
and Redmond Road from the Park to the Community Center. An
additional sidewalk construction contract was signed toward
completing our Comprehensive Master Sidewalk Plan.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 18, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 7:57 P.M.
6.5 miles of streets were overlaid with asphalt, almost double
our normal program. A new, more reflective, street striping
material was used as a test to create better visibility at
night.
The Community Development Department’s service to low and
moderate income households continues to improve neighborhood
revitalization, business development, and job creation.
The Jacksonville Business Incubator Program continues to be
successful with 32 graduates in 2000. Six new businesses were
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opened by students and six existing business owners honed their
skills in an effort to better serve their customers and improve
profits.
Our Public Safety Departments Police, Fire, 911, and Ambulance
continues to provide outstanding service to the Citizens of
Jacksonville.
With the help of a volunteer organization, major improvements
have been made in the Animal Control Department.
A long anticipated project and desire of many Citizens of
Jacksonville was fulfilled when a local individual donated land
and finances to construct a memorial to all veterans. This
beautiful, stately monument stands in a circle on Hospital
Street acknowledging the pride and respect the Citizens of
Jacksonville have for Veterans and their many sacrifices to keep
our great nation safe and free.
Many other entities have again played a major roll in a very
positive way for the Citizens of Jacksonville; they are
churches, Jacksonville Senior Center, Chamber of Commerce,
Rebsamen Hospital, Little Rock Air Force Base, and Jacksonville
Public Library.
Each new year brings challenges and ends with a feeling of
accomplishment, pride, and relief, knowing that the employees
and elected officials have fulfilled their obligations to the
Citizens of Jacksonville. Thank you again for allowing me to
serve you.
APPOINTMENTS:
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 18, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 7:57 P.M.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
City Engineer Whisker related that the amount of concrete
surrounding the bridge is a contributing time factor, adding that
it will be closing for two weeks starting Monday.
Alderman Stroud stated that he is aware that Jacksonville has
enjoyed excellent City government over the years and he considers
it a privilege and honor to now serve on the City Council. He
related that responsibility brings on a different perspective and
he is looking forward to serving.
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Alderman Wilson speaking on behalf of the Council members expressed
appreciation for Mayor Swaim’s leadership. He commended the State
of the City report and the annual Wastewater and Water Department
reports. He stated that the Commissions do a great job and
Jacksonville is doing very good. He also commended the City staff,
saying that it makes their job as Council members much easier. He
stated that he personally appreciates Mayor Swaim, the staff, and
Commissions because of the great situation, of which he is proud to
be a part.
Alderman Stroud stated that while it is not official yet, the Parks
and Recreation Department has won an award regarding the “Governors
Committee on Fitness”, he then commended the good job of Parks and
Recreation.
In response to a comment from Alderman Howard regarding City
streets, Mayor Swaim related that after the ice storms the streets
were surveyed regarding damage, adding that FHMA has offered no
relief unless the equipment used in the debris clean up damages the
streets. He stated that there will be some extra repair cost,
adding that a more clear picture will develop in a few months when
the roads begin to break. He stated that those repairs will be
identified before the paving program begins.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Swaim without objection adjourned the meeting at
approximately 7:57 p.m.
Respectfully,
________________________ _________________________
Susan L. Davitt MAYOR TOMMY SWAIM
City Clerk-Treasurer
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