07 NOV 01.docCITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 1, 2007
7:00 P.M. – 7:16 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 November 1, 2007 at the regular meeting place of the Council. Alderman Stroud delivered the invocation
and Mayor Swaim led a standing audience in the “Pledge of Allegiance” to the flag.
ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Stroud, and Twitty answered roll call. Mayor Swaim also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT eight (8),
ABSENT (2). Aldermen Fletcher and Howard were absent.
Others present for the meeting were: City Attorney Robert Bamburg, Deputy Clerk Kathryn Jezwinski, Director of Administration Jay Whisker, Public Works Director Jim Oakley, Human Resource
Director Jill Fourqurean, Finance Manager Cheryl Erkel, Parks and Recreation Director George Biggs, CDBG Director Theresa Watson, Fire Chief John Vanderhoof, Police Chief Robert Baker,
interested citizens and members of the press.
PRESENTATION OF MINUTES:
Mayor Swaim presented the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of October 18, 2007 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 Sansing that the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of 4 October 2007 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED.
CONSENT AGENDA:
WATER DEPARTMENT:
WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT:
FIRE DEPARTMENT:
POLICE DEPARTMENT: PRESENTATION Identity Theft Protection
Mayor Swaim stated that regarding daily review of the police reports he has noticed that credit card and identity theft has become increasingly more prevalent. He related that he had
asked Chief Baker to prepare information to help educate the public regarding self-protection.
Chief Baker related that a majority of the collected information was provided by the Federal Trade Commission, presenting the City Council with an outline of that information.
He explained that in the past five years there have been 27 million cases reported in the United States, adding that last year there were 10 million cases alone. He stated that statistics
prove that identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America today. He noted that the Federal Trade Commission has Arkansas ranked 32nd with a reported 47.5 victims per
every 100,000 State residents.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 1, 2007
7:00 P.M. – 7:16 P.M.
He reviewed the statistics for Jacksonville January 07’ through October 07’, saying that Credit Card Theft/Fraudulent Use & Theft of Checks/Forgeries there were 63 reported cases, 29
cases were cleared and 6 cases are currently ongoing. He related that 142 cases were opened regarding Counterfeit Currency/Checks/Money Orders, 90 of those were cleared and 15 are still
open. He stated that Fraud Theft by Deception/Closed Accounts, 7 cases were opened, 1 case cleared. He stated that Internet Transactions is one of the latest types of identity theft,
noting that there have been 14 cases opened. He then added that the Jacksonville Police Department is unable to work the Internet cases because many originate from Nigeria, Canada,
and even Las Vegas.
He related that 50% of identity thefts are victims of Credit Card fraud; he stated that credit card holders should make sure they have the identifying numbers and a number to report
lost or stolen cards. He then stated that bank debit cards are easily used by a thief. He noted that in 26% of cases the victim knew the thief, adding that in 9% of reported cases
it turns out to be a family member and 6% of victims said the thief was someone who worked with them.
He recommended that once credit card statements have been verified, the statements should be destroyed preferably by being shred. He continued saying that it is becoming more common
for thieves who break and enter to steal checks. He then cautioned Internet users to be careful about posting personal information on unfamiliar sites. He stated that if anyone has
an issue they can contact the federal Trade Commission at their toll free number 1-877-ID THEFT (438-4338) or go to their website at www.consumer.government/idtheft. He then recommended
that people contact one of the three agencies that can provide a credit report. Credit reports can be ordered through www.AnnualCreditReport.com. Telephone numbers for the three credit
agencies are Equifax 888-766-0008, Experian 888-397-3742, and TransUnion 800-916-8800. He recommended photocopying documents that you carry in your purse or wallet so you can give those
numbers to the Police Department and contact your credit card companies.
STREET DEPARTMENT:
SANITATION DEPARTMENT:
PARKS & RECREATION:
PLANNING COMMISSION:
GENERAL: a. RESOLUTION 606 (#7-07)
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING COACH JOYNER’S CHARACTER STANDARDS PROGRAM FOR JACKSONVILLE HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL ATHLETICS; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Mayor Swaim noted that Alderman Howard is the sponsor for the item of business but is not present to address. He asked Alderman Stroud to address the purpose of Resolution 606 on behalf
of Alderman Howard.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 1, 2007
7:00 P.M. – 7:16 P.M.
Alderman Stroud commended Alderman Howard for his recognition of Coach Joyner’s Character Standards Program at Jacksonville High School. He stated his support of the program, explaining
that most teachers feel that discipline is the number one problem in schools. He then noted that on TV several of Coach Joyner’s basketball players have spoken in support of the program,
adding that he feels Coach Joyner deserves the support of the City Council.
Alderman Smith added that Coach Jerry Wilson has spoken in support of the program, explaining that when players are off the field they should exhibit good character and perform scholastically.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Stroud to read Resolution 606. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Resolution 606.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Stroud to approve Resolution 606 in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED.
b. Request to renew Building and Contents Insurance
Finance Director Paul Mushrush related that the building and contents insurance for the City of Jacksonville would expire next week, adding that he is requesting he be allowed to renew
that coverage. He explained that currently the City has coverage through Hanover, complimenting the Company and saying that he received the quotes through Gallagher to create a competitive
environment for coverage. He stated that the City would carry $30,569,000 in buildings and contents coverage. He stated that the low quote is from Hanover in the amount of $32,086.00,
which is a renewable policy. He then noted that this quote is approximately $4,000 less than last year, explaining the reason as being a close management of risk and the loses of buildings
and materials. He then added that rates have become very competitive.
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Stroud to approve the renewal of the buildings and contents insurance policy as requested. MOTION CARRIED.
Mayor Swaim noted that it is a budgeted item.
Rescheduling of the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting.
Mayor Swaim explained that given the recent time away from work regarding medical issues experienced by Finance Director Paul Mushrush, Mr. Mushrush is requesting that the City Council
reschedule the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting to allow him a slight extension to complete the 2008 budget for presentation.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 1, 2007
7:00 P.M. – 7:16 P.M.
Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to reschedule the regularly scheduled City Council meeting from November 15th to November 29th at the same appointed time and meeting
place. MOTION CARRIED.
APPOINTMENT(S):
ANNOUNCEMENT(S):
ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Swaim adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:16 p.m. MOTION CARRIED.
Respectfully,
________________________ _________________________
Susan L. Davitt MAYOR TOMMY SWAIM
City Clerk-Treasurer