07 OCT 04.doc
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OCTOBER 4, 2007
7:00 P.M. – 7:24 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 4, 2007 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, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker,
Fletcher, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard answered roll call. Mayor Swaim also
answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT ten (10), ABSENT (0).
Others present for the meeting were: City Attorney Robert Bamburg, Acting
Deputy Clerk Carol Vaughn, 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, Mr. Tommy Bond, Mr. Jack Wilson, interested citizens and
members of the press.
PRESENTATION OF MINUTES:
Mayor Swaim presented the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of
September 20, 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 McCleary that the minutes of
the Regular City Council Meeting of 6 September 2007 be APPROVED. MOTION
CARRIED.
CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/ENGINEERING
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to approve the Regular
Monthly Report for September 2007. Said report reflects:
PERMITS/LICENSE ISSUED INSPECTIONS PREFORMED
Building Permits 19 Building Inspections 92
Business License 10 HVACR 43
Electrical 90
Plumbing 86
UNSIGHTLY & UNSANITARY VEHICLES
Grass Letters 322 Notice of Noncompliance 25
Property Mowed 21 Towed 4
Trash Letters 100
Trash Removal 0 CONDEMNATIONS
Property Maint. Letters 35 Structural Maint. Letters 0
Cost for February $1,050.00 Structural Repairs Made 0
Demolitions 0
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OCTOBER 4, 2007
7:00 P.M. – 7:24 P.M.
ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, 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: FINAL PLAT Tract 2, Jacksonville Shopping Center
Director of Administration Jay Whisker explained that the Jacksonville
Shopping Center is currently one large tract that the owners are
proposing to split off a tract that is located between the new Wendy’s
Restaurant and Mike Wilson’s law office. He stated that the depth of the
tract matches the tract split for Wendy’s. He stated that the property
has available water and sewer and a bond has been posted for sidewalk
construction. He then answered that there is a 30’ easement along the
east side of the property for drive access. He then answered that he is
not aware of any development plans for the property.
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Stroud to approve the Final
Plat of Tract 2, Jacksonville Shopping Center. MOTION CARRIED.
GENERAL: a. ORDINANCE 1321 (#20-07)
AN ORDINANCE RECLASSIFYING PROPERTY IN THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
(GENERAL LOCATION: PROPERTY BETWEEN LOOP ROAD, FOXWOOD DRIVE, AND
NORTHEASTERN AVENUE); AMENDING ORDINANCE NUMBERS 213 AND 238 AND THE LAND
USE MAP OF THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Howard that Ordinance 1321 be
placed on FIRST READING.
Alderman Stroud commended the developer for providing a much-needed type
of housing for the City of Jacksonville, adding that he also appreciates
the developer’s willingness to satisfy existing area residents regarding
the Subdivision amenities.
Alderman Smith stated that he is aware that Mr. Wilson builds a quality
subdivision and feels it will be a great asset to the City of
Jacksonville.
Alderman Stroud acknowledged Director of Administration Jay Whisker’s
efforts in working with the residents to provide information that would
let them know that this development as a border would do more to protect
their property values.
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OCTOBER 4, 2007
7:00 P.M. – 7:24 P.M.
ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker,
Fletcher, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION
CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance
1321.
Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Smith that Ordinance 1321 be
APPROVED on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Smith, McCleary,
Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Fletcher, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE.
NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED.
Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Fletcher to suspend the rules
and place Ordinance 1321 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott,
Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Fletcher, Stroud, Twitty, and
Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney
Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1321.
Alderman Fletcher moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to further suspend the
rules and place Ordinance 1321 on THIRD and FINAL READING. ROLL CALL:
Alderman Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Fletcher,
Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon
City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1321.
Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing that Ordinance 1321
be APPROVED AND ADOPTED. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Smith, McCleary,
Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Fletcher, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY
(0). MOTION CARRIED.
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ORDINANCE APPROVED, ADOPTED AND NUMBER 1321 THIS 4 DAY OF OCTOBER 2007.
b. RESOLUTION 605 (#6-07)
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY CLERK TO DESTROY SPECIFIED CITY
DEPARTMENTS RECORDS; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to read Resolution
605. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of
Resolution 605.
Alderman Fletcher moved, seconded by Alderman Stroud to approve
Resolution 605 in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED.
APPOINTMENT(S):
ANNOUNCEMENT(S): Mayor Swaim reported that Finance Director Paul
Mushrush is recovering well and anticipating his return to work very
soon.
He then announced that Wing Ding would be held this coming Saturday,
adding that the 5K Fun Run will begin at 7:30 a.m. Mayor Swaim
encouraged everyone to attend, commenting that the Wing Ding Festival
showcases the City of Jacksonville.
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OCTOBER 4, 2007
7:00 P.M. – 7:24 P.M.
Discussion ensued regarding the one-time expenditure of additional State
Turnback Funds.
Alderman Fletcher offered the importance of small neighborhood parks and
the absence of those parks in the west portion of Jacksonville. He noted
the new growth in west Jacksonville and the Planning Commission’s efforts
along with the Parks and Recreation Commission to establish new
neighborhood parks. He related that this also provides a good selling
point for the City of Jacksonville, adding that Parks and Recreation
Director George Biggs has designated areas of interest for parks. He
proposed a developmental plan be created to review park needs, asking the
City Council to consider funds for small neighborhood parks. He
mentioned joint Planning Commission and City Council meeting efforts as
proposed by Alderman Stroud.
Mayor Swaim noted that 30 acres in StoneRidge is being proposed for park
development, explaining that Director of Administration Jay Whisker and
he have begun working on that concept. He then noted that Northlake has
one of the larger better parks on the west side of Jacksonville. He
reminded everyone that the A&P Commission had dedicated 50% of the
prepared food tax to Parks and Recreation, explaining that parks is one
of the allowable capital improvements that could be funded through those
monies. He noted that would be approximately $250,000 annually.
Mayor Swaim then answered that when improvements are made to the Park
system, it is incumbent on the General Fund to maintain those
improvements on an annual reoccurring basis. He stated that capital
outlay is the first expense, but the ongoing expense has to be considered
as well. He stated that those annual funds would be used for ongoing
expenses as well as capital outlay.
In response to a question posed by Mayor Swaim, Parks and Recreation
Director George Biggs answered that currently there are eleven City parks
including the sports complex. He then answered that in west Jacksonville
there are two existing parks with a third and fourth proposed, including
the 30-acre park in StoneRidge.
Alderman Elliott noted ongoing efforts through the Parks and Recreation
Commission to address parks throughout the City.
Alderman Stroud offered that feedback from Jacksonville citizens in CDBG
public hearings has been particularly in favor of a farmer’s market. He
suggested that each City Council member submit a list of three items to
develop a priority list to determine how far the money may extend into
accomplishing that list.
Mayor Swaim stated that he would not be opposed to using those funds to
create parks, adding that joint use parks is one item that has been
discussed. He explained that Tolleson Elementary School has need of
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OCTOBER 4, 2007
7:00 P.M. – 7:24 P.M.
better playground park equipment, adding that the City could join with
the School District in improving that School park. He noted that the
tennis courts at the High School are another joint venture along with
some of the baseball fields. He noted that with discussions for a new
school all equipment would need to be installed in such a manner that it
could be removed if necessary.
Alderman Smith offered that he had received comments regarding $20,000.00
for the purchase of land for Reed’s Bridge.
Mayor Swaim related that he is meeting with representatives Monday
regarding the purchase of lots for Reed’s Bridge.
Alderman Fletcher complimented Rebsamen Hospital and staff, explaining
that his father was recently in the Hospital and the care and service was
exceptional. He noted that because the Hospital is close to Little Rock
there is a benefit of having available specialists.
Mayor Swaim noted that the Hospital Board is currently working on a
public relations promotion program to provide positive Hospital health
care information to the public.
Alderman Fletcher requested an update regarding solutions for the County
Detention Center jail space issue. He noted an instance where copper was
stolen two nights consecutively from the same new house construction
site.
Mayor Swaim related ongoing efforts through committees, and noted that
there have been two ballot issues to raise funds. He explained that
constitutionally it is the County’s responsibility to provide a jail,
adding that the cities have been paying into that effort for years. He
stated that presently the City of Little Rock is considering a lawsuit
against the County for not providing jail space. He stated that there
needs to be a funding mechanism that is equal across the County. He
stated that while there have been numerous conversations; there has been
no apparent solution. He stated that he reviews Jacksonville arrest
records daily and is aware of the burglaries and other crimes that occur.
He stated that the first solution would be jail space and secondly, some
type of intervention that would help prevent criminal behavior from
developing either at the school level or possibly with the at risk youth
level. He noted through his observations that property crimes have been
on the increase.
Discussion ensued and it was noted that previous prisoner work programs
had been discontinued regarding a lack of funding. Mayor Swaim noted that
the County Quorum Court is trying to secure funds to reopen that program.
Mayor Swaim related that the Pulaski County Jail is still being monitored
by court order, regarding double bunking and over bunking. He explained
that the court determines what can or cannot be done with prisoners.
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CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OCTOBER 4, 2007
7:00 P.M. – 7:24 P.M.
In response to a question posed by Alderman Smith, Mayor Swaim stated
that there are no funds for the Vandenburg redesign, adding that the
approval order specifically states, “when funds become available.”
ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Swaim adjourned the meeting at
approximately 7:24 p.m. MOTION CARRIED.
Respectfully,
________________________ _________________________
Susan L. Davitt MAYOR TOMMY SWAIM
City Clerk-Treasurer
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