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06 FEB 02.doc CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 2, 2006 7:00 P.M. – 7:13 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 February 2, 2006 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, Rinker, Fletcher, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard answered roll call. Mayor Swaim also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT nine (9), ABSENT (1). Alderman Lewis was absent. Others present for the meeting were: City Attorney Robert Bamburg, Deputy Clerk Kary Jezwinski, City Engineer Jay Whisker, Fire Chief John Vanderhoof, Police Chief Robert Baker, Parks and Recreation Director George Biggs, CDBG Director Theresa Watson, Mrs. Judy Swaim, Mrs. Edith Smith, 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 January 19, 2006 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 Stroud that the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of 15 December 2005 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: WATER DEPARTMENT: WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT: FIRE DEPARTMENT: POLICE DEPARTMENT: Request to approve match funds for Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Chief Baker related that in 2005 the Police Department was eligible for its first grant that amounted to $26,437.00, which was approved by the City Council regarding a 10% match. He stated that in 2006 the Police Department is eligible for a $15,778.00 grant, adding that he is asking the City Council to approve the 10% match grant funds. He related that the funds are used to purchase specialized equipment. He noted that the match amount would be $1,753.11. Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Howard to approve the match grant funds for the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant in the amount of $1,753.11, with funds to be drawn from budgeted funds. MOTION CARRIED. STREET DEPARTMENT: 1 SANITATION DEPARTMENT: CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 2, 2006 7:00 P.M. – 7:13 P.M. PARKS & RECREATION: Report on the first year activity regarding the Splash Zone. Parks and Recreation Director George Biggs thanked the Mayor, City Council and the Parks Commission for their support regarding the importance of Parks and Recreation to the City and their vision in having the Splash Zone project completed for the citizens. He stated that expenses for the Splash Zone totaled $99,730 for the first year, which included start-up costs, supplies, concession, chemicals and salaries. He then added that revenues during that time totaled $113,562, which included admissions, concessions, locker rentals, pool passes and pool parties. He related that total attendance was 21,142, adding that the Splash Zone was open a total of 76 days which averaged approximately 278 attendees daily, pointing out that the maximum capacity is 350. He offered for comparison that on the last summer that the Martin Street pool was open total gate fees were $5,781 regarding 56 days of operation. He added that the total attendance was 4,235. He noted that the first three days of Splash Zone being open totaled a whole season of the Martin Street Pool. He stated that the facility is being nominated for an Arkansas Recreation and Park Association award. In response to a question from Alderman Stroud, Director Biggs answered that because of the construction delay in opening the season was postponed approximately two weeks. It was noted that given the delay in opening the statistics are remarkable. Alderman Stroud noted that statistics support the installation of the slide equipment. Director Biggs informed the City Council that the Splash Zone was additional closed two days due to rain and four overcast days produced lower attendance, adding that to the two-week delay of opening. Alderman Stroud encouraged citizens to use both the aquatic facility and the Community Center as a commitment to better health. Alderman Fletcher expressed his appreciation to the Department, relating his pride of the Community Center and an opportunity to attend a birthday party at the Center. Discussion ensued regarding the possibility of keeping the pool open on the weekends through the month of September. Director Biggs noted the difficulty given that most of the pool lifeguards are college students going back to school in September. He then related that the goal for this year is to hire additional personnel to fill those slots. Alderman Stroud encouraged attendance for the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on the first Tuesday of each month, commending their 2 dedication to the Parks and Recreation system. He then pointed out Commissioner Fortenbury’s conscientious and meticulous scrutiny during the construction of the Splash Zone. CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 2, 2006 7:00 P.M. – 7:13 P.M. PLANNING COMMISSION: GENERAL: APPOINTMENT(S): PLANNING COMMISSION APPOINTMENT Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to approve the appointment of Art Brannen to the Planning Commission for a term to expire 01/01/2009. MOTION CARRIED. ANNOUNCEMENT(S): Mayor Swaim referenced a copy of the Little Rock Ordinance creating “Regulation of smoking in most public places and places of employment” for review and study by the Jacksonville City Council. He asked the City Council to return with suggestions for discussion. Alderman Smith noted that North Little Rock has opted not to adopt the same type of legislation. ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Swaim without objection adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:13 p.m. Respectfully, ________________________ _________________________ Susan L. Davitt MAYOR TOMMY SWAIM City Clerk-Treasurer 3