03 DEC 04.doc
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 4, 2003
7:00 P.M. – 7:55 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 December 4, 2003 at the regular meeting place of the Council.
Alderman Howard delivered the invocation and Mayor Swaim led a standing
audience in the “Pledge of Allegiance” to the flag.
ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Twitty, and
Howard answered roll call. Mayor Swaim also answered ROLL CALL declaring a
quorum. PRESENT seven (7), ABSENT (3). Alderman Lewis, Fletcher and
Stroud were absent.
Others present for the meeting were: City Attorney Bobby Bamburg, Deputy
Clerk Heather Palermiti, Director of Administration Murice Green, Human
Resource Director Charlie Brown, Finance Director Paul Mushrush, Finance
Accountant Cheryl Erkel, City Engineer Jay Whisker, Public Works Director
Jimmy Oakley, CDBG Director Theresa Watson, Parks and Recreation Director
George Biggs, Police Captain Baker, Fire Chief Vanderhoof, Planning
Commission Chairman Art Brannen, Chamber of Commerce Director Bonita
Rownd, Justice of the Peace Dennis Sobba, Mrs. Judy Swaim, Mrs. Barbara
Green, Mrs. Edith Smith, Mr. Larry Smith, Mr. David McClanahan,
interested citizens and members of the press.
PRESENTATION OF MINUTES:
Mayor Swaim presented the minutes of the Regular City Council meeting of
November 20, 2003 for approval and/or correction at the next Regularly
Scheduled City Council Meeting.
APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES:
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Ray that the minutes of the
Regular City Council Meeting of 6 November 2003 be APPROVED. MOTION
CARRIED.
CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/ENGINEERING
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Howard to approve the
Regular Monthly Engineering Report for November 2003. Said report
reflects:
PERMITS/LICENSE ISSUED INSPECTIONS PREFORMED
Building Permits 16 Building Inspections 78
Business License 8 HVACR 61
Electrical 85
Plumbing 31
UNSIGHTLY & UNSANITARY VEHICLES
Grass Letters 16 Notice of Noncompliance 76
Property Mowed 26 Towed 9
Trash Letters 15
Trash Removal 2 CONDEMNATIONS
Cost for November $ 1,331.87 Structural Maint. Letters 5
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Structural Repairs Made 0
Demolitions 0
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 4, 2003
7:00 P.M. – 7:55 P.M.
ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Twitty and
Howard voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED.
WATER DEPARTMENT:
WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT:
FIRE DEPARTMENT:
POLICE DEPARTMENT:
SANITATION DEPARTMENT:
STREET DEPARTMENT:
PARKS & RECREATION:
PLANNING COMMISSION:
GENERAL: a. Request from property owner Mr. Yancy at 190 Pike Circle
Alderman Ray stated that he had been contacted by Mr. Yancy regarding the
residence at 190 Pike Circle. He stated that Mr. Yancy had requested
additional time for repairs. He then noted that he and Alderman Stroud
had investigated the progress at 190 Pike Circle and determined that they
would be in favor of granting Mr. Yancy additional time to bring the
house back to Code.
City Engineer Whisker added that Mr. Phillips of 162 Roosevelt is also
requesting additional time for repairs. He stated that both have jobs
and are working on the properties in the evenings.
Discussion ensued regarding a suitable amount of time for completion of
repairs and it was noted that any debris should be removed from those
residences. It was also suggested that a progress report be filed with
the City Council.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson to grant a 90-day
extension to Mr. Yancy regarding the residence at 190 Pike Circle and to
Mr. Phillips regarding the residence at 162 Roosevelt stipulating that
debris be removed within 30-days and progress reports be filed every 30
days. MOTION CARRIED.
City Engineer Whisker related that demolition has begun 307 South Oak,
but added that efforts to demolish 112 South Elm had not begun yet.
It was the consensus of the City Council to proceed with demolition at
112 South Elm.
b. Request to close LOPFI Fund
Finance Director Paul Mushrush stated that currently the LOPFI Fund is
not being used because the State Insurance Turnback Funds are required
under State Law to be established into a separate fund with a separate
checking account. He stated that distribution is now made directly to
the Fire and Police Pension funds and the other funds go to the State
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plan for active uniformed Police and Fire and is held at LOPFI regarding
monthly credits. He stated that there is no longer a statutory need to
maintain a local fund or checking account.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 4, 2003
7:00 P.M. – 7:55 P.M.
Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to close the LOPFI
checking account and fund. MOTION CARRIED.
c. ORDINANCE 1212 (#20-03)
AN ORDINANCE CONDEMNING STRUCTURES AND REAL PROPERTY AT VARIOUS
UNINHABITED LOCATIONS LISTED BELOW IN JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS, FOR
STRUCTURAL DEFECTS, DEFICIENCIES, AND PUBLIC HAZARD CONDITIONS; AND, FOR
OTHER PURPOSES.
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Smith that Ordinance 1212 be
placed on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Smith, Sansing,
Ray, Wilson, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED.
Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1212.
Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Ray that Ordinance 1212 be
APPROVED on FIRST READING.
In response to a question from Alderman Smith, City Engineer Whisker
responded that Mr. Davidson purchased building permits for three
properties but did not complete the repairs.
Mayor Swaim noted that communication with Mr. Davidson began regarding
one of the properties as early as 1996, adding that the property is still
not repaired.
City Engineer Whisker stated that the property at 117 Joiner was on the
list in 1996.
ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Twitty, and
Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing that Ordinance 1212 be
placed on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Smith, Sansing,
Ray, Wilson, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED.
Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1212.
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Ray that Ordinance 1212 be
placed on THIRD and FINAL READING.
Mr. Alex Guajardo owner of the property at 124 Galloway Circle addressed
the City Council, relating that he recently purchased the property in
August. He stated that he has completed many improvements and has
prepared a list of those improvements.
City Engineer Whisker stated that Mr. Guajardo started repairs to the
property and submitted a scheduled repair list but did not meet his
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timeline regarding those repairs.
In response to a question from Alderman Ray, Mr. Guajardo reviewed an
extensive list of demolition regarding the plumbing, electrical and
interior walls. He added that he has mowed the grass and removed debris.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 4, 2003
7:00 P.M. – 7:55 P.M.
He went on to state that the floor joist, floor and roof decking have
been replaced and that the house has new plumbing, shingles, fascia
boards and new interior walls. He went on to explain that he was sent to
school for three weeks regarding his employment and was unable to do any
work on the house during that time. He then answered that he plans to
finish the job, adding that the City inspector has pass the structural
soundness of the completed work. He requested a 60-day extension.
It was noted that the condemnation process provides a 90-day window for
compliance.
ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Twitty, and
Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney
Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1212.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing that Ordinance 1212 be
APPROVED AND ADOPTED. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Ray,
Wilson, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED.
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ORDINANCE APPROVED, ADOPTED AND NUMBER 1212 THIS 4 DAY OF DECEMBER 2003.
d. PRESENTATION Budget 2004
Mayor Swaim noted that a draft budget has been provided. He asked that
Council members review the budget and prepare questions for the next
regularly scheduled City Council meeting. He noted that the growth in
the budget is not as much as it appears given changes in property tax,
explaining that the property tax is reflected in the General Fund and
then into the Expenditure fund. He stated that prospects for funding the
budget five-years out have been projected and he and Mr. Mushrush feel
comfortable that the projections are on track. He noted that there were
additional cuts in the budget and that there will be some changes in
Departments, adding that all Department Heads have been very cooperative.
He stated that the draft budget being presented is a passable and
feasible budget for next year.
Alderman Wilson questioned why sales taxes are not included as general
revenues but are shown as transfers.
Mr. Mushrush related that the sales tax funds are maintained in a
separate Sales Tax fund. He stated that the funds are appropriated as a
general revenue, adding that a separate fund serves as a tracking
mechanism for revenue and distribution. He noted that the new one-cent
sales tax will be tracked so that each project is funded exactly as
planned. He then answered that within the Sales Tax Fund there are
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separate line items.
Mayor Swaim clarified that prior to his tenure, an ordinance was passed
that set up three separate funds regarding sales tax money, the Capital
Improvement Fund, Equipment, and Drainage fund. He noted that sales tax
funds were never allocated to those funds, but were instead put in the
General Fund. He related that when he became Mayor, he began allocating
sales tax funds into the separate funds for tracking and accountability
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 4, 2003
7:00 P.M. – 7:55 P.M.
purposes. He noted that the fund division would allow separate
accounting regarding monies collected to build the college, Police and
Fire training facility and the pool.
Mr. Mushrush added that there would be a schedule in the annual audit to
show the appropriations and expenditure for each of the years.
Mayor Swaim asked Mr. Mushrush to elaborate on the actual growth of the
budget.
Mr. Mushrush stated that page 8 shows the change in the expenditure
budget to be 6.84% because of involuntary non-exchange transactions being
required to be reported in the General Fund. He noted that the non-
inflated actual change to be 4.13% over last year’s budget. He then
stated that the other significant issue is the change in the LOPFI
subsidy (State Insurance Turnback funds), which inflated the expenditure
budget but did not impact the revenue side of the budget. He noted that
the City was previously funded at a rate of 71% regarding uniformed LOPFI
but is now funded at 41%, representing a true expenditure change. He
stated that without consideration to those two items impacting operations
regarding the General Fund operating budget is 2.57% which is the figure
he considers when calculating long-term funding impacts regarding 2008
and 2009.
Mayor Swaim stated that in essence that is the only real growth in the
budget, adding that the rest is forced or unfunded mandates. He stated
the budget would be before the City Council at the next regularly
scheduled meeting for consideration.
ORDINANCE 1213 (#21-03)
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE DOCUMENTS TO
COMPLETE THE TRANSFER OF PROPERTY AND FINALIZE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NORTH
PULASKI WATERWORKS FACILITIES BOARD; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND, FOR
OTHER PURPOSES.
Mayor Swaim stated that an ordinance is required to help the new City
Facilities Board, formally the North Pulaski Water Users Association,
regarding the transferring of assets back and forth. He asked that the
City Council suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1213 on First Reading.
Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to suspend the Rules and
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place Ordinance 1213 on the Agenda. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Smith,
Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION
CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance
1213.
Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to place Ordinance 1213
on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Ray,
Wilson, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED.
Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1213.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 4, 2003
7:00 P.M. – 7:55 P.M.
Mayor Swaim explained that the assets would be transferred from the North
Pulaski Water Users Association to the City of Jacksonville and then to
the New Facilities Board. He added that the Ordinance addresses any
legal questions.
Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing that Ordinance 1213
be APPROVED on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Smith,
Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION
CARRIED.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Howard that Ordinance 1213 be
placed on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Smith, Sansing,
Ray, Wilson, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED.
Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1213.
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing that Ordinance 1213 be
placed on THIRD and FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Smith,
Sansing, Ray, Wilson, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION
CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance
1213.
Alderman Wilson moved, seconded by Alderman Ray that Ordinance 1213 be
APPROVED AND ADOPTED. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Ray,
Wilson, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED.
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Wilson that the EMERGENCY
CLAUSE be APPROVED AND ADOPTED. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Smith,
Sansing, Ray, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION
CARRIED.
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ORDINANCE APPROVED, ADOPTED AND NUMBER 1213 THIS 4 DAY OF DECEMBER 2003.
DRAFT SIGN ORDINANCE: Mayor Swaim noted that the draft Sign Ordinance
has been provided, adding that the Planning Commission will review the
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Ordinance at their regularly scheduled meeting Monday December 8 at 7:00
p.m. for Council members wishing to attend.
ANNOUNCEMENT(S): Mayor Swaim invited the public to attend the annual
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Christmas Open House Friday, December 19 at City Hall 12:00 p.m. to 3:00
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p.m.
ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Swaim without objection adjourned the meeting at
approximately 7:55 p.m.
Respectfully,
________________________ _________________________
Susan L. Davitt MAYOR TOMMY SWAIM
City Clerk-Treasurer
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