01 JUL 05.doc
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 5, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 7:33 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 July 5, 2001 at the regular meeting place of the
Council. Alderman Ray 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, Twitty and Howard answered roll call. Mayor Swaim also
answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. Alderman Sansing was absent.
PRESENT nine (9), ABSENT (1).
Others present for the meeting were: Deputy City Clerk Melanie
Green, Director of Administration Murice Green, Director of Public
Works Jimmy Oakley, Finance Accountant Cheryl Erkel, Purchasing
Agent June Brown, CDBG Director Theresa Watson, Police Chief Hibbs,
Fire Chief Vanderhoof, Parks and Recreation Director George Biggs,
Parks Assistant Administrator Patty Walker, Athletic/Fitness
Manager Paul Rector, Mr. Mac McAllister, Mrs. Pat Bond, Mrs. Judy
Swaim, Mrs. Helen Stroud, Mrs. DeDe Hibbs, Mrs. Lendy Lewis, Mrs.
Addie Gibson, and interested citizens.
One-Cent Sales Tax:
Mayor Swaim stated that he is pleased to announce that the one-cent
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sales tax ended July 1 as promised and should no longer be charged
by local merchants.
PRESENTATION OF MINUTES:
Mayor Swaim presented the minutes of the Regular City Council
Meeting of June 21, 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 Lewis that the minutes
of the Regular City Council Meeting of 7 June 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 June 2001. Report reflects the
following:
CONTRIBUTIONS…………………………… $ 0.00
ADOPTIONS/FINES……………………… $ 248.50
TOTAL………………………………………………… $ 248.50
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 5, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 7:33 P.M.
ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Smith, Lewis, Ray, Wilson, Fletcher,
Stroud, Twitty and Howard voted AYE. (0) voted NAY. MOTION
CARRIED.
Mayor Swaim related that a regular monthly report from Code
Enforcement will be submitted as part of the Consent Agenda.
WATER DEPARTMENT:
WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT:
FIRE DEPARTMENT:
POLICE DEPARTMENT:
STREET DEPARTMENT:
PARKS & RECREATION:
PLANNING COMMISSION: FINAL PLAT Fair Oaks Subdivision PH II
Mayor Swaim related that the property is a five-lot culdesac
adjacent to Phase I off West Main Street.
Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Elliott to approve the
Final Plat of Fair Oaks Subdivision PH II.
It was noted that the bill of assurance supports the same square
footage requirement of Fair Oaks Phase I.
Alderman Stroud expressed “lack of planning” concerns regarding the
subdivision. He stated that while it is platted legally, it is in
the flood plain but technically fits the subdivision requirements.
He related that it is an example of why the City needs better
planning by the Planning Commission and more forward minded
planning for the City as a whole.
In response to a question posed by Alderman Howard, Mr. Tommy Bond
related that the street proposed as Anna Cove has been changed to
Jessica Court.
At this time, MOTION CARRIED.
GENERAL: a. 2000 AUDIT PRESENTATION (CAFR)
Mayor Swaim complimented the Finance Department for the quality
presentation of the Audit regarding layout and graphics. He
related that it was prepared on a new printer purchased for City
Hall.
Mr. Mac McAllister of McAllister and Associates stated that he is
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pleased to present the year 2000 Comprehensive Annual Financial
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Report. He stated that this is the 4 year that the City of
Jacksonville has published the report. He pointed out that the
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 5, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 7:33 P.M.
Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and
Canada has awarded its certificate of achievement in excellence in
Financial Reporting to the City of Jacksonville for its
comprehensive report for the year ending December 31, 1999. He
said that the certificate of achievement is the highest form of
recognition for excellence in local government financial reporting
and that this was the third consecutive year that the City of
Jacksonville has received such a prestigious award. He stated that
the City of Jacksonville is to be recognized and commended for that
accomplishment.
He then stated that the report is divided into four major sections.
He pointed out that the introduction describes the City, its
organization, its principal officials and the scope of the services
provided. He added that the most important part of the
introduction section is the transmittal letter from the Mayor and
Finance Director, saying that in the transmittal letter you will
find a discussion of the local economy and its impact on the City,
major initiatives, service efforts and accomplishments during the
last physical year. He stated that the financial overview
discusses and summarizes the physical affairs of the City in clear
and understandable terms. He then stated that secondly is the
Financial Section that contains the auditors report, opinion and
general purpose combining individual fund balance statements. He
stated that the third section of the CAFR is the statistical
section, which provides the reader with supplementary data and
trends over an extended period of time usually ten-years and
finally the report contains a single audit section that includes a
schedule of federal and state financial assistance and the auditors
opinion on internal control and compliance.
He pointed out that operating revenue in the year 2000 was 17.3
million, which is an increase of approximately 4.6% over the 1999
revenues. He said that revenues from the City share of the Pulaski
County One-Cent Sales Tax was 5.1 million and from the City’s 2%
Sales Tax slightly over 5.4 million dollars, adding that together
these Sales Taxes constitute approximately 61% of total revenues.
He related the State Tax Turnback and utility franchise fees
contributed 12% and 6% respectively. Pointing out that total
operating capital expenditures in 2000 were 13.5 million an
increase from 12.3 million in 1999. He stated that personnel costs
are the City’s largest expense at approximately 8 million or 60% of
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the total expenditures, adding that the Police and Fire Departments
expenditures were 25% and 21% respectively of total general fund
expenditures. He stated that revenues exceeded expenditures in the
City’s operating capital project fund by approximately 3.8 million
dollars, thereby increasing the fund balances to 13.3 million
dollars at the end of 2000. He stated that it should be noted
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 5, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 7:33 P.M.
of that amount approximately 10 million dollars was reserved/or
designated for future projects or the year 2001 budget. He stated
that the fund balance of the General Fund at December 31, 2000 was
approximately 1.7 million, which represents approximately 61 days
of current operating expenditures.
He then related that the auditors report expresses an unqualified
opinion on the General Purpose Financial Statements of the City,
adding that there were no reportable conditions on internal control
or material instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations
relating to the audit of the financial statements. He pointed out
that there is one audit finding and questioned cost relative to a
federal grant award program for the year 2000, adding that a
management letter was issued. He stated that overall the year 2000
was another exceptionally good and successful year for the City.
He pointed out that good budgetary controls contributed to
effective costs containment and that the City continues to fulfill
its financial responsibility in a conservative “pay as you go”
manner, making the most of resources available. He stated that the
City’s administration has long been recognized for its leadership
in financial management and continues to do so.
He stated that the City’s Annual Report has been submitted to the
Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and
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will be in consideration for a 4 certificate of excellence award.
He related that currently only seven cities in Arkansas are
recipients of the award and it is believed that Jacksonville’s 2000
CAFR meets all requirements for the award. He stated that special
recognition should go to the Finance Department and Director for
publishing a quality annual financial report. He expressed his
appreciation for the opportunity to conduct the audit.
He then reviewed the letter of recommendations stating that all
recommendations have been completed with the exception of opening a
new checking account for separation, which will need approval from
the Council.
b. FUNDING REQUEST FOR SCHOOL STUDY
Mayor Swaim related that after many attempts the Bill Mrs. Pat Bond
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proposed in the legislature was passed, which would allow for the
opportunity to start a separate school district if it met
regulations. He related that one regulation was a feasibility
study, adding that there have been efforts to obtain donations and
the item was placed on the agenda to approve funding if needed. He
then related that he is pleased to announce that because of the
interest in the feasibility study, there are pledges for enough
money to cover the study, so at this time there will not be a
request for additional funding.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 5, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 7:33 P.M.
He added there will be other expenses through the process, and
encouraged those that wish to get involved to make a contribution
that would help toward the completion of the project. He stressed
that there is no guarantee regarding a separate school district but
this is an opportunity to explore the possibilities for the
Jacksonville area not just the Jacksonville City limits. He stated
that the donations have been encouraging and that most donors have
asked to remain anonymous.
APPOINTMENTS: JACKSONVILLE PLANNING COMMISSION
Mayor Swaim related that Susan Dollar is a Jacksonville resident
who also works for Metroplan, saying that she has a definite
knowledge of planning and feels she will be a good addition to the
Commission.
Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Stroud to appoint Susan
Dollar to fill the unexpired term of Dean Wilborn to expire
01/01/2003. MOTION CARRIED.
DEVIATION IN AGENDA:
Request to accept Electronic Sign Bid
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to suspend the
rules and place the Electronic Sign Bid on the Agenda. MOTION
CARRIED.
Director of Administration Murice Green stated that the low bid for
the Wedge Base sign met with specifications, adding that the
specifications for LED Base did not meet with specification. He
stated that location has been a factor regarding the decision to
purchase a one or two-sided sign. He stated that the improvement
was budgeted for $30,000.
Mayor Swaim stated that location is the deciding factor regarding
the need for a two-side sign. He related an option regarding
maximum visibility from the freeway being the reason the request is
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for approval of a two-sided sign.
Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Lewis to accept the bid
of 29,775.00 for a two-sided sign funded from Capital Improvements.
In response to a question posed by Alderman Smith, Mayor Swaim
related that the primary purpose of the sign will be to expose the
public to events regarding the Parks and Recreation Department, but
that it will also be used to gain exposure for other City
activities and announcements. He stated that the bid does not
include the wiring aspects of the project.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 5, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 7:33 P.M.
Mr. Green related that the bid includes 300-feet of fiber optic
cable but not the installation, labor or pedestal. He then pointed
out that it would require a computer setup possibly located at City
Hall and is included in the bid.
At this time, MOTION CARRIED.
RESUME AGENDA:
ANNOUNCEMENTS: DALE CARNEGIE REPORTING AWARD
Mayor Swaim related that the City takes advantage of the Dale
Carnegie courses offered, adding that Mr. Biggs recently attended
and won a reporting award. He presented the award and pointed out
that students in the class nominate and vote the award recipient.
REALIGNMENT OF HOUSING AND SENATE DISTRICTS
Alderman Wilson stated that preliminary district realignment
information has caused a great deal of concern regarding the
proposal to have Jacksonville in a senate district with Searcy. He
stated that the criterion used to realign the districts was to
avoid having two incumbent senators in the same district. He
related that it was not a consideration present when the founding
fathers created the democracy and that he felt it would be
appropriate to have a Resolution for the next City Council meeting
to forward to the Governor, Secretary of State and Attorney General
who are charged with creating the new districts. He then reported
that there are proposed changes in the House of Representatives
that are not in the best interest of the Jacksonville Community.
He asked that the City Attorney prepare a Resolution conveying the
feelings of the Council regarding the realignment.
Mayor Swaim related that he, Mrs. Bond, and the Mayor of Sherwood
would be meeting with the Attorney General tomorrow to discuss the
realignment. He pointed out that the present proposal would split
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Jacksonville into two separate areas, one would be attached to
North Little Rock and the other would go around Lonoke County and
attach to White County. He stated that this would put Jacksonville
in not only White County but also other adjoining Counties as the
senatorial district. He stated that it is a matter of cities of
like need, like interest and location; adding that it is not a
comfortable proposition to have Jacksonville put in a position of
almost always having a senator from White County and North Little
Rock but not one from Jacksonville. He stated that it is unfair to
the citizens of Jacksonville regarding local representation. He
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stated that there will also be a meeting at 10:00 a.m. on July 24
at ASU Beebe and encouraged the Council members and citizens
available to attend.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 5, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 7:33 P.M.
In response to a question from Mayor Swaim, Mrs. Pat Bond related
that the House District for the City of Jacksonville does include
the Air Base and Vertac but stops short of Pennpointe. She stated
that it continues across Marshall Road when before it did not, but
does not go as far north in the County as it did.
In response to a question posed by Alderman Ray, Mrs. Bond related
that the House District stops at the County line and that it may
not go to Valentine Road. She stated that the District is more
compact than before.
Mayor Swaim related that he has contacted the offices charged with
the realignment of the districts and registered concerns along with
many others. He encouraged others to contact the Governors Office,
Secretary of State, and Attorney General to register strong
feelings regarding the realignment.
Concerns were raised regarding implementation of the clean-up
ordinance and the awareness of possible violators that the
legislation has passed.
Mr. Green related that the new Code Enforcement Officer has already
begun issuing letters for compliance.
Mayor Swaim pointed out that many citizens who have received
letters have begun to complain to his office. Explaining that it
will take time for the citizens to become accustom to the new
process.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Swaim without objection adjourned the meeting at
approximately 7:33 p.m.
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Respectfully,
________________________ _________________________
Susan L. Davitt MAYOR TOMMY SWAIM
City Clerk-Treasurer
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