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01 JAN 18.docCITY 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. 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. 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 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 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. 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 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 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: 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. ORDINANCE APPROVED, ADOPTED AND NUMBERED 1148 THIS THE 18TH 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 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 is April 1st , adding that with only minor work remaining it will be 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. 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. 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 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. 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