08 APR 03.docCITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 3, 2008
7:00 P.M. – 7:15 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 April 3, 2008 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, Deputy City Clerk Lynette Culpepper, Director of Administration Jay Whisker, Public Works Director Jim Oakley, Human
Resource Director Jill Fourqurean, Fire Battalion Chief Kendall Snyder, CDBG Director Theresa Watson, Interim Police Chief Kenny Boyd, Mrs. Judy Swaim, Police Chief Gary Sipes, City
Planner Chip McCulley, interested citizens and members of the press.
DEVIATION IN AGENDA: Introduction of new personnel
Mayor Swaim introduced Mr. Chip McCulley, hired as the new City Planner.
City Planner McCulley related that he is originally from Paragould, Arkansas and attended the University of Arkansas. He related that he had worked on the Clinton Presidential Library
through its development; afterward moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma and becoming the City Planner for the northern suburb Owasso, Oklahoma. He stated that he met his wife in Oklahoma and started
his family. He then related that through his wife’s employment they had an opportunity to move back to Arkansas. He stated that he is very excited about working for the City and is
looking forward to working with everyone.
Mayor Swaim introduced Interim Police Chief Kenny Boyd, expressing his appreciation for his service to the Department during the selection process for the new Police Chief.
Mayor Swaim introduced new Police Chief Gary Sipes and his wife.
Police Chief Sipes stated that Jacksonville has been a part of his family for 30 plus years. He introduced his wife, saying that they have three sons who graduated from Jacksonville.
He related that his first job at 18 was with the North Little Rock Police Department where he stayed until his retirement in 1999, taking over the Code Enforcement Department as Director
until he got the opportunity to be the Police Chief for Benton. He stated that he is blessed to have been given the opportunity to serve the City of Jacksonville as Police Chief and
is looking forward to beginning his tenure.
RESUME AGENDA
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 3, 2008
7:00 P.M. – 7:15 P.M.
PRESENTATION OF MINUTES:
Mayor Swaim presented the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of March 20, 2008 for approval and/or correction at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting.
APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES:
Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary that the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of 6 March 2008 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED.
CONSENT AGENDA:
WATER DEPARTMENT:
WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT:
FIRE DEPARTMENT: Request to Accept Bid for backup power generators
Mayor Swaim stated that the low bid is the recommended bid and that it does meet specifications.
Battalion Chief Kendall Snyder concurred that the low bidder is acceptable and did meet specifications.
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to accept the low bid from NorthSide Power & Electric in the amount of $31,599.20 with funds to be drawn from the budgeted Fire Department
Equipment funds. MOTION CARRIED.
POLICE DEPARTMENT:
STREET DEPARTMENT:
SANITATION DEPARTMENT:
PARKS & RECREATION:
PLANNING COMMISSION: FINAL PLAT Bowen Subdivision
Acting City Engineer Whisker explained that the Bowen Subdivision was a large tract on James Street that is being subdivided into two lots, explaining that there are two houses on the
lot and the owner is proposing to sell one of the houses. He stated that this would require platting the property, pointing out that the sewer was split for the houses.
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Howard to approve the Final Plat of Bowen Subdivision. MOTION CARRIED.
GENERAL: REPORT Pulaski County Treasurer Debra Buckner
Mayor Swaim related that the report from Pulaski County Treasurer Debra Buckner is being deferred to the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting April 17th. He reminded the City
Council that the next meeting would begin at 7:30 p.m. to allow attendance of the Annual Police Department Banquet beginning at 6:00 p.m.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 3, 2008
7:00 P.M. – 7:15 P.M.
APPOINTMENT(S): SEWER COMMISSION
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to approve the reappointment of Ms. Joan Zumwalt for a term to expire 4/20/2013.
ANNOUNCEMENT(S): Mayor Swaim announced that the annual Citywide Cleanup will be held Saturday April 5th starting at 9:00 a.m. at the Chamber of Commerce and that the Two Pine Landfill
informational meeting will be held April 14th at 6:00 p.m. at the Jacksonville Community Center.
He noted that applications for the summer Municipal League meeting are available in the magazine, adding that Council members interested in attending can contact his office.
Alderman Stroud expressed appreciation to Alderman Howard, Elliott, and Fletcher for their participation in the recent Gravel Ridge annexation effort.
Following brief comments it was the consensus of the City Council to research smaller chairs for City Council members.
Mayor Swaim noted that it has been difficult to find chairs that fit behind the dais, but offered to research options.
Alderman Fletcher expressed concerns regarding the sharp turn on West Main, noting that a number of vehicles have had to be towed after failing to navigate the turn. He questioned the
implementation of rumble strips to pre-warn motorist of the impending turn.
Public Works Director Jim Oakley stated that he is researching that option for the second curve area in the vicinity of Emma.
Mayor Swaim related longtime efforts by the City to straighten Main Street, pointing out that the City now has $1,000,000.00 that had been earmarked for improvements to the Gravel Ridge
area if annexed, which could now be made available for efforts to purchase property and straighten Main Street. He added that the City would research remedies for the curve, explaining
that efforts to remove the 90° curve through Mr. Suka’s property have not been successful.
ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Swaim adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:15 p.m. MOTION CARRIED.
Respectfully,
________________________ _________________________
Susan L. Davitt MAYOR TOMMY SWAIM
City Clerk-Treasurer