Loading...
03 MAR 20.doc CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 20, 2003 7:00 P.M. – 7:21 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 March 20, 2003 at the regular meeting place of the Council. Alderman Howard delivered the invocation and Mayor Swaim and a group of children led a standing audience in the “Pledge of Allegiance” to the flag. ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Ray, Fletcher, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard answered roll call. Mayor Swaim also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. Alderman Lewis arrived at approximately 7:05 p.m. It was announced that Alderman Wilson was attending the Community Council Meeting in San Antonio representing LRAFB Community Council. PRESENT nine (9), ABSENT (1). Others present for the meeting were: City Attorney Bobby Bamburg, Deputy Clerk Heather Palermiti, Director of Administration Murice Green, Human Resource Director Charlie Brown, City Engineer Jay Whisker, Public Works Director Jimmy Oakley, Finance Director Paul Mushrush, CDBG Director Theresa Watson, Police Chief Ruthven, Fire Chief Vanderhoof, Parks and Recreation Director George Biggs, Planning Commission Chairman Art Brannen, Parks and Recreation Commissioners Greg Bollen, Marsha Dornblaser and Curtis Green, Mrs. Judy Swaim, Mrs. Lindy Lewis, Mr. Ben Rice, Mrs. Martha Boyd, Mr. Leroy Akridge, Mr. Larry Smith, interested citizens and members of the press. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Swaim presented the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of March 6, 2003 for approval and/or correction at the next Regularly Scheduled City Council Meeting. APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES: Alderman Howard moved, seconded by Alderman Smith that the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of 20 February 2003 and the Special City Council Meeting of 11 February 2003 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/FIRE DEPARTMENT Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Elliott to approve the Regular Monthly Report for February 2003 from the Jacksonville Fire Department, which reflects a fire loss of $32,500 and a savings total of $230,500. REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/POLICE DEPARTMENT Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Elliott to approve the Regular Monthly Report for February 2003. Said report reflects the Total Value of Reported Stolen Property $46,273. Total Value of Recovered Stolen Property $15,385 and Total Report Sales $356.00 REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/ANIMAL CONTROL Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Elliott to approve the Regular 1 Monthly Report for February 2003. Said report reflects: CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 20, 2003 7:00 P.M. – 7:21 P.M. ADOPTION/FINES: $ 416.00 CONTRIBUTIONS: $ 0.00 TOTAL: $ 416.00 ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Ray, Fletcher, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. WATER DEPARTMENT: WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT: FIRE DEPARTMENT: POLICE DEPARTMENT: SANITATION DEPARTMENT: PARKS & RECREATION: PRESENTATION 2002 Coach of the Year Awards Park & Recreation Director George Biggs related that the various Jacksonville sports associations submit annual nominations for Coach of the Year. He presented the following Coach of the Year Awards. 2002 Jacksonville Softball Association Greg Hart 2002 Jacksonville Soccer Association Bobby Castile 2002 Jacksonville Youth Baseball Association Michael Payer 2002 Jacksonville Football Association Mike Garcia Mayor Swaim expressed appreciation to the volunteers. He then pointed out that the Commission members are volunteers who give freely of their time, adding that the sports programs would not be possible without their efforts and volunteerism along with the parents who are instrumental in keeping the programs going. He noted that many volunteers remain even after their own children have outgrown the programs. PLANNING COMMISSION: a. FINAL PLAT Wayne Rogers Subdivision Mayor Swaim noted that the subdivision is located in the County. City Engineer Whisker stated that the Final Plat was approved by the Planning Commission with a recommended waiver regarding sidewalk requirements because the subdivision is located in the County and does not presently have sidewalks in the area. Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to approve the Final Plat of the Wayne Rogers Subdivision and grant a waiver of sidewalk requirements. MOTION CARRIED. b. FINAL PLAT Heard Addition City Engineer Whisker related that the Heard Addition is a family tract of land located on Toneyville Road, south of Quince Hill Drive. He related that the property is being divided among family members, but still requires final platting for the six-lot subdivision. He added that the family has requested a sidewalk waiver because the property is being 2 divided among family and not for resale profit. He noted that the Planning Commission approved the final plat with a recommendation to waive the sidewalk requirement. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 20, 2003 7:00 P.M. – 7:21 P.M. Discussion ensued regarding clarification of the property’s location on North First Street, noting that approximately in the area of lots 2 and 3 there is currently an old home located on the property. Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Howard to approve the Final Plat of the Heard Addition as presented. MOTION CARRIED. GENERAL: Appointments for the Advertising and Promotion Commission Mayor Swaim reviewed the previous actions by City Council to establish an Advertising and Promotion Commission regarding the passage of a two-cent hotel/motel tax. He stated that the Commission is to consist of two City Council members, one member at large, and four members of the hotel/motel and tourist related industry. He related that the terms would be staggered by a name draw. Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Stroud to nominate Bart Gray, Jr. of Jacksonville Inn, Ray Patel of the Days Inn and Gene Ray, manager of the Southern Comfort Inn. MOTION CARRIED. UPDATES: Chief Vanderhoof reported that the Fire Department responded to an explosion and fire regarding a house on James Street, which totally involved the entire home. He stated that the occupant had fled, adding that there is concern that it was possibly a meth lab explosion. He stated that the firemen did an excellent job protecting adjacent properties and extinguishing the fire. Chief Ruthven reported that the driver of an 18-wheel vehicle had fallen asleep and overturned his truck off the Main Street overpass at approximately 1:00 a.m. He stated that the vehicle suffered extensive damage and both the driver and a passenger were injured, but not seriously. He stated that the accident took out the guardrail on the east side of the freeway going southbound, adding that the incident impacted traffic until approximately 7:00 a.m. He related that the southbound traffic was rerouted and Main Street had to be temporary closed for an extended period. He stated that the State Highway Department will begin repairs as soon as possible. Mayor Swaim related heightened citizen concern regarding homeland security resulting from the war in Iraq, adding that he feels very confident regarding the level of emergency service available to Jacksonville and the ability to handle circumstances should they arise. He related that he has spoken with the Chief of the Fire Department on the Air Base, relating the he and the Chief are very comfortable with the interaction regarding the Jacksonville Police and Fire Department. He related that all emergency divisions have been trained and stand ready 3 and prepared. He mentioned the shared relationship with adjoining Police and Fire Departments offering the ability to obtain reciprocal help should it be necessary. He concluded saying that it is hoped that nothing ever happens, but the City of Jacksonville is prepared. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 20, 2003 7:00 P.M. – 7:21 P.M. APPOINTMENT(S): ANNOUNCEMENT(S): Alderman Smith encouraged participation regarding the election for a separate school district, identifying its future value to the City of Jacksonville. Mayor Swaim stated that separate school district efforts are not anti- Pulaski County School District, but an opportunity to better educate the children of the Community because it is felt that stronger involvement from the Community will make a difference in the quality of the education. th Mayor Swaim announced that April 5 at 9:00 a.m. Chamber of Commerce is hosting a City-wide Cleanup campaign followed by a Hot Dog lunch. He asked that volunteers contact Public Works Director Jimmy Oakley or Director of Administration Murice Green to be assigned an area of cleanup. It was noted that a firm date has not been set regarding the annual household chemical drop off at the recycling center. UPDATE RAILROAD OVERPASS City Engineer Whisker related that crews were asphalting yesterday and today, adding that progress is being made. Mayor Swaim related that temperature and weather are critical issues. ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Swaim without objection adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:21 p.m. Respectfully, ________________________ _________________________ Susan L. Davitt MAYOR TOMMY SWAIM City Clerk-Treasurer 4