01 MAY 17.doc
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MAY 17, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 7:35 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 May 17, 2001 at the regular meeting place of the
Council. Mayor Swaim delivered the invocation and Directors Glen
Lane and Donna House along with Our Club members led a standing
audience in the “Pledge of Allegiance” to the flag.
Director Glen Lane introduced Assistant Director LaTonja Glen, Our
Club members Tammy Creer, Alicia Greene, Shanita Johnson, Desmond
Butler, Joseph Everitt, Mark Gadsden, and Antonio Washington. He
related that there are 20 participants in the program and that some
of the many activities is focusing on homework after school, social
skills, and appropriate language. He stated that it has been
challenging but also rewarding.
ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson,
Stroud, Twitty and Howard answered roll call. Mayor Swaim also
answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. 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, CDBG
Director Teresa Watson, Public Works Director Jimmy Oakley, Police
Chief Hibbs, Fire Chief Vanderhoof, Parks and Recreation Director
George Biggs, Parks Assistant Administrator Patty Walker, Mrs. Judy
Swaim, Mrs. Deanna Carpenter and Baby Emma Carpenter, Mrs. Edith
Smith, Mrs. DeDe Hibbs, Mrs. Addie Gibson, and interested citizens.
PRESENTATION OF MINUTES:
Mayor Swaim presented the minutes of the Regular City Council
Meeting of May 3, 2001 for approval and/or correction at the next
Regular City Council Meeting.
APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES:
Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Ray that the minutes of
the Regular City Council Meeting of 19 April 2001 be APPROVED.
MOTION CARRIED.
CONSENT AGENDA:
REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/FIRE DEPARTMENT
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to approve the
Regular Monthly Report for April, which reflects a fire loss of
$12,500.00, and a Savings Total of $96,000.00.
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MAY 17, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 7:35 P.M.
ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Smith, Lewis, Sansing, Ray, Wilson,
Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. (0) voted NAY. MOTION
CARRIED.
WATER DEPARTMENT:
WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT:
FIRE DEPARTMENT:
POLICE DEPARTMENT:
STREET DEPARTMENT:
DEVIATION IN AGENDA:
GENERAL: a. DISCUSSION Adjustment to Budget/increased fuel
costs
Alderman Wilson related that effects regarding high fuel prices
should be addressed to assure the citizens that necessary public
services will not suffer as a result. He went on to say that he is
confident that the Mayor and Finance Director have addresses not
only this issue but also other costs regarding higher utilities.
Mayor Swaim related that when the 2001 budget was prepared
projections regarding increased fuel costs were taken into
consideration, adding that fuel cost have risen higher than could
have been predicted. He related that percentage predictions were
budgeted and as such the January through March period has been
excellent regarding projections. He commended the Department Heads
for monitoring fuel expenditures, but added that higher gas prices
are expected.
Finance Director Mushrush mentioned the higher fuel cost on the
West Coast, adding that it is hoped the central area will not see
those increases. He related that line items in the Interim
Financial Report were collapsed into a fund level basis to provide
a clearer picture of activity within each of the operating segments
of the General, Street, and Sanitation Funds. He pointed out that
the General Fund gas usage would normally be at 75%, but is
actually at 77.66%. He stated that the increase in fuel cost was
anticipated during the budgetary process, adding a 42% change from
the actual 2000 cost to the 2001 budget was estimated. He stated
that this should provide well for the anticipated cost increases.
He related that levels in the Street and Sanitation Funds are
higher because of the FHMA related activity. He stated that he
does not perceive a problem, pointing out that working through the
worse case scenario based fuel costs came over budget somewhere
between $15,100 to $18,700 for the line item vehicle, gas, and oil.
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He then noted that the aggregate budget for that line item is
$150,000 across all funds. He related two areas that may create
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MAY 17, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 7:35 P.M.
concern later are gas heating and electricity, adding that a fairly
strong deficit is perceived. He related that he has not calculated
the outcome because of unstable factors regarding changes in
temperature and seasons. He related that the aggregate budget
across all funds for gas heating (natural gas) is $86,000 with an
anticipated 30% increase. He stated that it will not be
significant but will probably be over budget. He then related
efforts to conserve electricity because factors are still uncertain
regarding prices.
Alderman Elliott related that Entergy is predicting an 8% increase
for the remaining year due to fuel adjustments.
Mr. Mushrush related that the General Fund expense for electricity
is approximately $195,000, adding that a $20,000 difference could
arise. He then stated that there is a total budget of
approximately 15 million across all funds. He stated that a plus
to the situation is that Department Heads are aware of
circumstances and have cut expenditures.
Mayor Swaim reiterated that police patrol, or firefighter training
and service has not been compromised. He stated that the City is
being conservative but not limiting service.
Alderman Wilson stated that it inspires confidence that the Mayor,
Finance Director, and Department Heads are addressing these issues.
He stated that it is important to communicate to the public that
the City is planning appropriately.
The consensus of the City Council was to continue with the
consolidated format for the monthly Financial Reports.
RESUME AGENDA:
PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT: Request to Accept bid for Playground
Safety Surface
Mayor Swaim related that three bids were received and that the
company used in the past was A&M Rubber Technology, adding that the
difference in that and the lowest bid from Kirkpatrick is $100.00.
He recognized Parks & Recreation Director George Biggs for
recommendation.
Mr. Biggs related that his recommendation is to award the bid to
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Kirkpatrick Rubber Company because A&M checked “no” under the
specification to certify that the surface meets the intent of the
Americans with Disabilities Act.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MAY 17, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 7:35 P.M.
Discussion ensued regarding the disparity of the third bid received
at $90,642 and Mr. Biggs related that he believed it was the
material fibar, which is connected and molded together. He stated
that hopefully fibar will be used at the Park in Northlake because
of the smaller square footage. He related that it was not feasible
for Johnson Park because of the large square footage.
Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Stroud to accept the
lowest bid from Kirkpatrick Rubber Company in the amount of
$26,656. MOTION CARRIED. Funds to be drawn from the Park Budget.
Mr. Biggs then recognized Donna & Donald Hassen who he said are not
only accompanying the children in the Our Club program but are also
teaching the children twice weekly about local government and
parliamentary procedure.
b. PRESENTATION of Draft Ordinance regarding Code Enforcement
Cleanup issues
City Attorney Bamburg related that the committee had met to gather
material and that the City Engineer’s Office has been very helpful
in putting the material in written format. He related that he has
been going through the material for the last few days and while he
was hoping to have it completed for presentation, there are some
areas that still need to be addressed regarding language. He
stated that he has requested further information from the City
Attorney’s office in Little Rock. He apologized, saying that when
a draft of the ordinance is completed he will be forwarding that to
the Council for consideration prior to the next regularly scheduled
meeting in June. He related that his understanding from previous
conversations with Alderman Stroud is to have the ordinance reading
for the first reading at the next meeting.
Mayor Swaim related that he had received letters from citizens in
strong support of the ordinance regarding efforts to get
residential areas clean.
Alderman Stroud agreed that there has been a lot of citizen support
generated with letters and telephone calls. He expressed
disappointment in not having the ordinance available, adding that
the committee took applicable considerations from the Sherwood and
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North Little Rock ordinances into the incorporation of
Jacksonville’s ordinance. He related that the committee has worked
very hard to bring forth an ordinance that will be good for
Jacksonville and hopefully reverse the present trend.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MAY 17, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 7:35 P.M.
ADDITION TO THE AGENDA:
Mayor Swaim explained that the City Council passed a Resolution in
February authorizing the preliminary engineering for the widening
of Graham Road to four-lanes. He stated that the Highway Department
has accepted the request and has now asked that the City forward
the first matching funds towards the engineering costs. He noted
that funds are set aside in Capital Improvement, adding that the
request for $35,000 will allow work to being on the project.
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to suspend the
rules and place the request for matching funds regarding the
widening of Graham Road on the agenda.
Mayor Swaim related that the item of business is Arkansas State
Highway and Transportation Department job # 061026, the widening of
Graham Road to four-lanes.
At this time, MOTION CARRIED.
Alderman Lewis moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson to authorized the
expenditure of $35,000 from the Capital Improvement Fund regarding
the widening of Graham Road.
Mayor Swaim related that the project will encompass Loop Road to
Oak Street and will complete the connection of widening to the
downtown area once the Overpass Project is completed.
At this time, MOTION CARRIED.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: NEW AREA CODE PROPOSAL
Mayor Swaim related that the Public Service Commission has
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scheduled a special meeting for 9:30 a.m., June 26 at 1000 Center
Street in Little Rock. He stated that they are hosting a public
hearing regarding a proposal to add another area code in the State
and that the proposal would require a ten-digit dial for all local
calls. He related that the Municipal League has not yet had an
opportunity to address the proposal.
VENDORS
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Mayor Swaim related an ongoing struggle with street vendors that
sell products available in local stores, citing a recent incident
regarding a vendor selling one-dozen roses for $4.95. He related
that local florist complained that they could not compete. He
pointed out efforts by the City regarding proper tax ID, businesses
licensing and posting of a bond. He mentioned last years vendors
committee and asked the City Council to consider resolution. He
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MAY 17, 2001
7:00 P.M. – 7:35 P.M.
pointed out that vendors make it difficult for local business to
compete regarding overhead expenses. He related the need for a
stern ordinance, adding that under the current ordinance the City
can require a bond, State tax ID, and City business license when
they obtain permission from the property owner to set up.
Alderman Wilson suggested that the committee along with local
business people from the community meet to discuss a solution in
fairness to all concerned.
Alderman Smith agreed saying he understands the reason for the
complaints, adding that the committee favored a farmers market. He
noted the unattractive setup appearance by some vendors.
Alderman Twitty pointed out that the vendors are not helping the
City of Jacksonville regarding captured revenue that would benefit
City operations. She supported reforming the committee.
Alderman Ray related that a main concern of the committee was the
senior citizen farmers market, so the committee focused on a
business license operating vendors.
Discussion ensued as to exceptions and guidance from Metroplan and
the consensus of the City Council was to reconvene the committee.
APPOINTMENTS: PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson to approve the
reappointment of Marcia Dornblaser and John Fortenbury for a term
to expire May 9, 2006.
Mayor Swaim announced that a new code enforcement officer has been
hired and is currently in training.
Alderman Wilson commended the Mayor, Director Biggs and the
Community Center staff for their assistance in a very successful
Business Expo, adding that it reflects well for the community.
ADJOURNMENT:
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Mayor Swaim without objection adjourned the meeting at
approximately 7:35 p.m.
Respectfully,
________________________ _________________________
Susan L. Davitt MAYOR TOMMY SWAIM
City Clerk-Treasurer
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