Loading...
05 OCT 20.docCITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 20, 2005 7:00 P.M. – 8:29 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 October 20, 2005 at the regular meeting place of the City 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, Rinker, Fletcher, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard answered roll call. Mayor Swaim also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT eight (8), ABSENT (2). Aldermen Lewis, and Ray were absent. Others present for the meeting were: City Attorney Robert Bamburg, Deputy Clerk Kary Jezwinski, Finance Director Paul Mushrush, City Engineer Jay Whisker, Public Works Director Jim Oakley, Fire Chief John Vanderhoof, Fire Battalion Chief Joe Bratton, Police Chief Robert Baker, Parks and Recreation Director George Biggs, CDBG Director Theresa Watson, Mrs. Judy Swaim, Mrs. Edith Smith, Reverend Bishop Bolden, Mr. Larry Dupree, 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 October 6, 2005 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 Howard that the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of 15 September 2005 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/ANIMAL CONTROL Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to approve the Regular Monthly Animal Control Report for September 2005. Said report reflects: ADOPTION/FINES: 640.00 CONTRIBUTIONS: 0.00 TOTAL: $640.00 REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/FIRE DEPARTMENT Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to approve the Regular Monthly Report for September 2005 from the Jacksonville Fire Department, which reflects a fire loss of $43,100 and a savings total of $80,000. REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/POLICE DEPARTMENT Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to approve the Regular Monthly Report for September 2005. Said report reflects the Total Value of Reported Stolen Property $103,906. Total Value of Recovered Stolen Property $60,156 and Total Report Sales $408.00. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 20, 2005 7:00 P.M. – 8:29 P.M. Alderman Stroud noted total complaint calls of 2438, which Chief Baker agreed would include domestic disturbance calls, suspicious activity calls, calls to unlock vehicles, property checks and house watches. He then answered that some of the calls are repeat calls, offering that reports are generated regarding the nuisance abatement process, which mostly deals with rental property. He then answered that the previous year there were approximately 15 properties, which is represented by the category of Search Warrants Served. He then noted that those houses busted for drug activity have been closed. He related that if the drug bust involves rental property paperwork for the abatement process is filed. He related that the process is patterned from other cities, the County and what other agencies are performing. He explained that some offenders relocate to other areas within the City, and the process begins to discover their new location. He stated that if the new location is identified proper notification is forwarded to that agency, which he hopes is reciprocal in nature. Alderman Stroud noted problems regarding the Pulaski County Jail and the early release of offenders. Chief Baker related on going efforts with Mayor Swaim to address those concerns. He reviewed statistics regarding the national burglary rate and the clearance rate. He then noted that the 2004 clearance rate for the south is 13.1%, and the clearance rate for Jacksonville is 15.3%. He stated that a lack of evidence at the scene hinders a higher clearance rate, explaining the process regarding latent prints. Alderman Stroud noted the ability to trace items that have been pawned but added that stolen items offered at a flea market are not traceable. Chief Baker concurred that there are no regulations requiring flea markets to document where merchandise is received, while pawnshops and jewelry exchanges are mandated to document all information. He noted that the information is run through the ACIC/NCIC, which tracks stolen merchandise and allows for a comparison check. He stressed the need for citizens to document serial numbers regarding merchandise in their homes. Alderman Stroud expressed the need to formulate an ordinance that would regulate identifying documentation for flea markets. Discussion ensued regarding an abatement list for renters. Chief Baker related problems with having prisoners released by the Arkansas Department of Corrections. He stated that non-violent offenders are not being accepted by the Pulaski County Jail. He expressed the Police Department’s frustration at catching the same felons over again and having them quickly released. Mayor Swaim asked that discussion be continued under the item for considerations for the Pulaski County Jail. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 20, 2005 7:00 P.M. – 8:29 P.M. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Rinker, Fletcher, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. WATER DEPARTMENT: WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT: FIRE DEPARTMENT: POLICE DEPARTMENT: STREET DEPARTMENT: SANITATION DEPARTMENT: PARKS & RECREATION: PLANNING COMMISSION: GENERAL: a. DISCUSSION of Jacksonville Middle School Mayor Swaim stated that the discussion item is in direct response to meetings, calls, and visits with administrators and teachers in the School District. He related that concerns stem from the administration's determination to have only one principal for both the girls and boys school, adding that once complaints were lodged, the School administrators agreed to keep two principals. He related that the School administration views the two schools as one, adding that their goal is to have one principal for both schools with one or two assistant principals. He added that it was then rumored that the School administration was planning to remove the assistant principal. He stated that as a result a meeting was held with Dr. Jeter, Mr. Carl Brown, and Mr. Glen Williams at the Chamber of Commerce. He stated that the School administrators agreed not to move the assistant principal from the middle school, but added that within a few days following the meeting, the assistant principal was moved from the middle school. He went on to say that the majority feels the concept of gender specific schools can work, but noted an increase in disciplinary problems at the Boys School following the split. He stated that a site base committee for both schools was formed to make decisions regarding the running of both schools. He noted that the committee does not include any of the administrators who are running the schools. He noted that the principal of the Boys school feels that the long noon hour lunch is presenting a disciplinary problem, but was informed that the site base committee makes those decisions, leaving no authority for adjustments with the administrators of the schools. He related that in addition to the problems at the middle school a proposal that any elementary school with 300 students or less be considered for closing. He stated that Jacksonville has seven elementary schools and four are under 300 students. He related that he has been told that not all four of the schools would be closed but some may. He stated that because of the geographic location of the schools, any school closure would be a problem regarding the implication for additional busing. He stated that tonight’s discussion was to inform the City Council of current events, pointing out that the City Council has no authoritative powers. He added that Bishop Bolden as a CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 20, 2005 7:00 P.M. – 8:29 P.M. School Board representative has the authority and has voiced his concerns. He noted that Bishop Bolden was present regarding the promises of monies and grants to fund the formation of specific gender schools. He noted that only one study grant for $250,000.00 was given, adding that it did not provide any substance for the students. He clarified that the study grant only studied the gender specific concept. He noted that Jacksonville was the first to do a test program for school uniforms, which has proven to be successful in the elementary schools. He then noted that Jacksonville was also the first school in the Pulaski County School District to test the middle school concept. He explained that when Jacksonville was approached with the gender specific concept with the promise of ample funding, Jacksonville was willing to try the concept. He added that the program has not been funded as promised nor staffed properly. He stated that while other schools in the District may also be having problems, his concern is the City of Jacksonville schools, adding that he is very concerned about the quality of education for the students in the City of Jacksonville. He stated that the District is making cuts due to fiscal distress, explaining that three unsuccessful attempts have been made to present a plan to the State to remove that designation. He stated that if the District is unable to present a workable plan to the State, the State has the authority to take over the School District. He related that the purpose of the discussion is to have Jacksonville’s desires be known and forwarded to the elected officials who run the School District. He stated that Jacksonville only wants its fair share of funding, and maintenance for the facilities, noting Jacksonville’s need for school improvements. He added that it would take citizenry involvement, pointing out that efforts by a committee to get a separate school district were denied by a Federal Judge. He related that in the interim everyone needs to help the current system work. Alderman Rinker related that as a former elementary principal in Pulaski County she still considers Pulaski County to be a good school district, adding that she is aware that the Jacksonville school personnel work as hard as they can to make things good for the students. She stated that she was always frustrated as an administrator, teacher and parent that the facilities were not as they should be. She related that she and her husband work as business partners for the schools. She explained that as a principal she had to rely on the school’s business partners to purchase chairs and other items for the school. She commended the teachers and the local school administrators in their efforts for the children. She stated that the perception is that the situation is getting worse, noting the frustration of her former colleagues who are unable to obtain the materials needed to do their jobs. Alderman Smith related his frustration regarding the Judge’s ruling for not allowing Jacksonville to establish a separate school district, adding that if the State has to assume the school district it may not be a bad CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 20, 2005 7:00 P.M. – 8:29 P.M. idea. He related that he was present at the meetings last year when grants and funding for the schools were promised, adding that when he spoke to Bishop Bolden he was informed that the grants had been denied. He stated that it would seem administrators at Dixon Road are not communicating with one another. He stated that the Jacksonville school structures are “falling down”, adding that the last new school built in Jacksonville was in 1981. He acknowledged Bishop Bolden’s frustration of serving on the Board and not being able to obtain more for Jacksonville. Discussion ensued and it was noted that some of the grant funding might not have been applied for. Alderman Twitty acknowledged the long-term continuing deterioration of the local schools, adding that she has learned that remedial classes were not suppose to be implemented until next year. She explained that the teachers of the remedial classes currently have no curriculum materials by which to teach the classes. Alderman Stroud questioned Bishop Bolden regarding the amount of money set aside for each student. Bishop Bolden stated that Jacksonville does get the same amount of money as every other school. He explained that he has been on the School Board for approximately two years, adding that he does not feel as a Board member that Pulaski County Special School District does all it can for Jacksonville. He acknowledged circumstances that lead to the District’s fiscal problems. He related efforts to keep Mr. Calhoun at the middle school and the misunderstanding regarding Mrs. Johnson’s position. He asked the parents to call Pulaski County administrators and attend the meetings; he added that there is money available. He clarified that funds are available through the State, adding that the administrators at Dixon Road want to use the money for their own agenda. He related that some classes do not have books, adding that the children have to go onto the Internet to do their homework. He noted that the problem with that is that not all the children have home computers. He stated that there are many things the City Council should be informed of, adding that he is doing his best to combat the situation. He asked Mr. Nellums, principal of the Boys School, to inform the City Council regarding additional funds that could be brought to Jacksonville. He then reported unfavorable response from an administrator at Dixon Road because he works with the Jacksonville principals, Mr. Nellums and Mr. Brown. Alderman Stroud questioned if the problems regarding busing in the Pulaski County School District are unique. Bishop Bolden agreed that it is a unique problem because of the way the District surrounds, clarifying that it is geographically shaped like a donut. He then announced that he is still in favor of Jacksonville having its own school district, but added that while he is a member of the Board he intends to do his job to keep things in tact. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 20, 2005 7:00 P.M. – 8:29 P.M. Mr. Nellums stated that he is willing to answer questions, adding that he would like to express his appreciation to the City Council for their involvement in the school community and for providing an excellent school resource officer. He stated that as with all endeavors there are challenges, adding that there are resource concerns that the community should be aware of. He then thanked the staff members and parents who volunteer their time to the school system, adding that Bishop Bolden has been especially supportive. He stated his concerns regarding staff matters, noting that Mrs. Johnson is an exceptional middle school administrator. He reported that Jacksonville schools had the lowest scores in math and literacy in Pulaski County, but pointed out that Jacksonville is no longer at the bottom. He stated for the first time last year the students tested proficient regarding literacy, adding that in two years the students went from 21% to 40%. He stated that 72% of the students receive free and reduced lunch, which is the highest secondary percentage in Pulaski County. He stated that he was recently apprised of funding that is part of the national secondary lunch act, which produces additional income for the District that amounts to an additional $480.00 per student for the children on free and reduced lunch, which equates to approximately $156,000.00 annually. He added that there are specific needs if they can obtain access to those funds, adding that he is hopeful his request will be serviced. He cited statistics regarding student scoring, adding that he needs the tools to obtain higher goals. He expressed his concerns regarding the transfer of Mrs. Johnson to the High School. He stated that he would like to have access to the national secondary lunch act monies to fund the need for literacy and math coaches. He added that he would like to see Mrs. Johnson’s position funded, affording her an opportunity to remain at the School. He asked that the City Council consider funding Mrs. Johnson’s salary for one year in order to keep qualified personnel at the School. He added that he does believe the District will produce for the Jacksonville community. In response to a question from Alderman Stroud, Mr. Nellums stated that regarding testing scores the Schools need additional resources. He noted the possibility of Title One money regarding supplemental resources or personnel to ready students for testing. Discussion ensued regarding whether Jacksonville is receiving its share of the national secondary lunch fund act monies, Bishop Bolden stated that Jacksonville is not receiving all of the entitled monies. It was noted that it is the Pulaski County Special School District’s policy to apply the Title One funds to the elementary schools. Bishop Bolden stated that he has requested a committee to ensure that Jacksonville receives the proper amount of funding. He stated for the record that he believes the Boys School can be very successful. He stated that it is not a failing program. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 20, 2005 7:00 P.M. – 8:29 P.M. Mr. Carl Brown agreed that the School can be successful, adding that he believes that there are some resources that can be used to promote that success. He stated that he does not want to address issues regarding funding, but added that the School does receive approximately 3 million dollars to assist not only the middle schools but other schools utilizing free and reduced lunch. He supported Bishop Bolden’s formation of a steering committee, adding that his concern is for all the students in Pulaski County. He noted the available use of Title One money, adding that the guidelines for next year could be written to include that as an option. He then stated to his understanding Title Five monies could be transferred to Title One monies. He noted proven successful programs. In response to a question posed by Alderman Stroud, Bishop Bolden stated that desegregation plays a large part in the funding from PCSSD. Alderman Fletcher stated that disciplinary problems that affect the Schools also affect the Community. Bishop Bolden stated that one of the goals of the Education Committee for the Chamber of Commerce was to have an alternative school here and in-school suspension, which is still in the works. He asked that everyone get involved and support the efforts to keep proper personnel staffing at the Schools. He noted that because of the LEA numbers assigned by the District to the Schools, it appears to be one school instead of two, which supports the reduction of staffing. He stated that he has made a request for separate LEA numbers. It was the City Council’s consensus request that the School District consider changes regarding some of the decisions affecting the Jacksonville schools. b. DISCUSSION of possible appropriation to prevent jail closure Mayor Swaim noted that the Pulaski County Jail is in a position to loose approximately 300 cells, which would adversely affect being able to have offenders remain in jail. He stated that an additional $850,000.00 in funding has been requested, adding that he is asking that the City Council consider a negotiated increase in order to keep the 300 cells open. He noted the possibility of a prisoner refusal from Jacksonville if one of Jacksonville’s prior prisoners can not be released to make room. Chief Baker noted that the County is also considering releasing 91 deputies or jailers. Mayor Swaim stated that since requesting $850,000.00, the Judge has stated that the budget would need 6 million dollars. He related that the 6 million is not feasible, but asked that the City Council grant him the authority to propose a reasonable increase scheduled for the 2006 City budget. He reported that currently the City pays approximately $129,000.00 plus, adding that a 20% increase would be approximately 20-25 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 20, 2005 7:00 P.M. – 8:29 P.M. thousand dollars and a 25% increase would be over $25,000.00. He stated that the area Mayors will meet with the Judge to see if an increase would make a difference. He stated that the Judge is in favor of an election to increase funding, adding that his concern is immediate shortage of jail cells. It was noted that the City’s 20-year contract will expire in 2007, adding that this would mean an earlier renegotiation. Budget cuts for the County were discussed and Mayor Swaim noted that the original jail was constructed to house 800 prisoners and currently there are over 1125 prisoners. He related that a facility was added for less dangerous prisoners. Chief Baker noted a backlog with the Arkansas Department of Corrections, which compounds the problem with the Pulaski County Jail facility. He noted that part of the problem comes from the drug culture, adding that one of the major expenses for Pulaski County Jail is medical expenses. Mayor Swaim noted that the Judge has spoken of a 1/8 of a cent generating 7.5 million and a quarter of a cent generating 15 million in a Countywide sales tax election. In response to a question posed by Alderman Smith, Mayor Swaim stated that other local Mayors are willing to negotiate increases for their cities to keep the beds open. He stated that Little Rock and North Little Rock are willing to put in the lion’s share of what will be offered. It was the consent of the City Council to allow Mayor Swaim to negotiate an increase to be included in the 2006 City budget. APPOINTMENT(S): Mayor Swaim noted that the City Council members have received copies of the CDBG Five Year Plan, which will be voted on at the November 3rd regularly scheduled City Council meeting. Mayor Swaim encouraged citizens interested in a neighborhood watch program to contact Officer Jenkins at the Police Department. He announced that diligent efforts are ongoing to secure a new location for the public library, adding that the land costs are significant so he has been collecting donations. He reported a committed $400,000.00 plus with approximately $200,000.00 already collected and approximately $100,000.00 in the account. He noted the promise of an additional $100,000.00 after the first of the year. He noted that he is trying to obtain enough in donations to purchase the land, leaving the 2 million voted for as designated to build the library. Alderman Stroud voiced his support for stronger abatement laws regarding drug houses. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 20, 2005 7:00 P.M. – 8:29 P.M. ANNOUNCEMENT(S): Mayor Swaim announced that there would be a public hearing regarding the Rebsamen Hospital bond issue scheduled for the November 3rd regularly scheduled City Council meeting at 7:00 p.m. ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Swaim without objection adjourned the meeting at approximately 8:29 p.m. Respectfully, ________________________ _________________________ Susan L. Davitt MAYOR TOMMY SWAIM City Clerk-Treasurer