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09 DEC 17.doc CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 17, 2009 7:00 P.M. – 7:54 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 December 17, 2009 at the regular meeting place of the Council. Alderman Howard delivered the invocation and Mayor Fletcher led a standing audience in the “Pledge of Allegiance” to the flag. ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard answered roll call. Mayor Fletcher also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT TEN (10), ABSENT (0). Others present for the meeting were: City Attorney Robert Bamburg, Director of Administration Jim Durham, Fire Chief John Vanderhoof, Police Chief Gary Sipes, IT Systems Administrator Barbara Daniel, Finance Director Paul Mushrush, Assistant Finance Director Cheryl Erkel, Public Works Director Jim Oakley, Human Resource Director Jill Ross, City Engineer Jay Whisker, CDBG Director Theresa Watson, Parks and Recreation Director Kristen Griggs, Mrs. Glenda Fletcher, Mrs. Marie Fletcher, Mrs. Addie Gibson, Mrs. Nola Ferrell, Mr. Jim Moore, Mr. Mike Wilson, interested citizens, and members of the press. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Fletcher presented the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of December 3, 2009 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 19 November 2009 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/FIRE DEPARTMENT Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Elliott to approve the Regular Monthly Report for November 2009 from the Jacksonville Fire Department, which reflects a fire loss of $3,000.00 and a savings total of $451,000.00. REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Elliott to approve the Regular Monthly Report for November 2009. Said report reflects: PERMITS/LICENSE ISSUED INSPECTIONS PREFORMED Building Permits 18 Building Inspections 36 Business License 9 Electrical 40 Plumbing 32 HVACR 27 1 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 17, 2009 7:00 P.M. – 7:54 P.M. UNSIGHTLY & UNSANITARY VEHICLES Grass Letters 0 Notice of Noncompliance 22 Property Mowed 16 Towed 3 Trash Letters 33 CONDEMNATIONS Trash Removal 5 Structural Maint. Letter 0 Property Maint. Letters 35 Structural repairs made 0 Cost $ 870.00 Demolitions 0 CITATIONS WARRANTS Debris & open storage 0 Arrest 0 Property maintenance 0 Search 11 REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/ANIMAL CONTROL Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Elliott to approve the Regular Monthly Animal Control Report for November 2009. Said report reflects: ADOPTION/FINES: $2,885.00 CONTRIBUTIONS: $ 0.00 TOTAL: $2,885.00 REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/POLICE DEPARTMENT Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Elliott to approve the Regular Monthly Report for November 2009 regarding 2009/2008 yearly crime statistical comparisons. ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. WATER DEPARTMENT: WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT: FIRE DEPARTMENT: POLICE DEPARTMENT: ORDINANCE 1390 (#36-09) AN ORDINANCE AMENDING JACKSONVILLE MUNICIPAL CODE §9.50 TO IMPOSE AN ADDITIONAL TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS ($25.00) FEE FOR ALL TRAFFIC AND CRIMINAL WARRANTS(S) AND/OR ORDERS(S) OF ARREST SERVED BY OR THROUGH THE JACKSONVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT FROM ANY COURT OF PROPER JURISDICTION, INCLUDING THE JACKSONVILLE DISTRICT COURT; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. City Attorney Bamburg clarified that twenty-five dollars is not the maximum amount allowed by State law, it was discussed that a twenty-five dollar fee is a fair and reasonable amount. Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary to place Ordinance 1390 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1390. 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 17, 2009 7:00 P.M. – 7:54 P.M. Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary to APPROVE Ordinance 1390 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1390 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1390. Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1390 on THIRD and FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1390. Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary that Ordinance 1390 be APPROVED AND ADOPTED. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing that the EMERGENCY CLAUSE be attached, approved, and adopted. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. th ORDINANCE APPROVED, ADOPTED AND NUMBERED 1390 THIS 17 DAY OF DECEMBER 2009. STREET DEPARTMENT: SANITATION DEPARTMENT: PARKS & RECREATION: PLANNING COMMISSION: a. ORDINANCE 1393 (#36-09) AN ORDINANCE RECLASSIFYING PROPERTY IN THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS (GENERAL LOCATION: 216 NORTH JAMES STREET); AMENDING ORDINANCE NUMBERS 213 AND 238 AND THE LAND USE MAP OF THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to place Ordinance 1393 on FIRST READING. City Engineer Jay Whisker explained that the current use of the property is residential and the homeowner is requesting a rezoning in order to be able to apply for a mortgage. He noted that the Planning Commission recommended the rezoning from commercial to residential. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. 3 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 17, 2009 7:00 P.M. – 7:54 P.M. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1393. Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to APPROVE Ordinance 1393 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1393 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1393. Alderman Sansing moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary to suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1393 on THIRD and FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1393. Alderman Sansing moved, seconded by Alderman Howard that Ordinance 1393 be APPROVED AND ADOPTED. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. th ORDINANCE APPROVED, ADOPTED AND NUMBERED 1393 THIS 17 DAY OF DECEMBER 2009. b. ORDINANCE 1394 (#37-09) AN ORDINANCE RECLASSIFYING PROPERTY IN THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS (GENERAL LOCATION: 905 SOUTH OAK STREET); AMENDING ORDINANCE NUMBERS 213 AND 238 AND THE LAND USE MAP OF THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to place Ordinance 1394 on FIRST READING. City Engineer Jay Whisker stated that this is the property formerly known as the “Taylor Property”, located at South Oak and Highway 161, explaining that the property consists of approximately 14 acres. He related that the land is being split between the property with a house on the north end and the south 12 acres that the Church is requesting for rezoning. He stated that the tract of land to the north is the next item for consideration, which is being proposed as a final plat. He noted that the Planning Commission is recommending the rezoning and final plat of the adjacent tract. Alderman Stroud stated that often is seems the City is going against its Master Plan, adding that he is not sure a church is the best use for this property. He related that he would defer to the expertise of the 4 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 17, 2009 7:00 P.M. – 7:54 P.M. Planning Commission, saying that it bothers him that we stray from the Master Plan that was adopted for the City. He stated that he is not voting against this proposal but advised that the City needs to be more cautious regarding arbitrarily going against the Master Plan. City Attorney Bamburg clarified that the use of a church can fit into almost all the zoning classifications. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1394. Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to APPROVE Ordinance 1394 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Stroud to suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1394 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1394. Alderman McCleary moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1394 on THIRD and FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1394. Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary that Ordinance 1394 be APPROVED AND ADOPTED. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. th ORDINANCE APPROVED, ADOPTED AND NUMBERED 1394 THIS 17 DAY OF DECEMBER 2009. c. FINAL PLAT Tract A, Brewer Commercial Park City Engineer Jay Whisker stated that this is the property that was pointed out during discussion regarding the rezoning. He related that this is the northern tract of the property just rezoned, adding that it consists of approximately 2 acres. He commented that he feels the property will eventually be developed. Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to approve the Final Plat of Tract A, Brewer Commercial Park. MOTION CARRIED. GENERAL: a. ORDINANCE 1391 (#34-09) AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND MODIFY JACKSONVILLE MUNICIPAL CODE § 2.50.050 (HEALTH AND SAFETY MANUAL); AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. 5 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 17, 2009 7:00 P.M. – 7:54 P.M. Human Resource Director Jill Ross informed the City Council that the City of Jacksonville Health and Safety Manual has not been updated in approximately 10 years. She stated that this is mostly a matter of general housekeeping, explaining the addition of a new regulation, which prohibits texting while driving. Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Elliott to place Ordinance 1391 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1391. Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary to APPROVE Ordinance 1391 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1391 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1391. Alderman Sansing moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1391 on THIRD and FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1391. Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Ray that Ordinance 1391 be APPROVED AND ADOPTED. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. th ORDINANCE APPROVED, ADOPTED AND NUMBERED 1391 THIS 17 DAY OF DECEMBER 2009. b. ORDINANCE 1392 (#35-09) AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A FISCAL BUDGET FOR 2010; MAKING APPROPRIATIONS AND AUTHORIZING EXPENDITURES FOR OPERATION OF VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS OF CITY GOVERNMENT; FOR THE PURCHASE OF MATERIALS, SUPPLIES, EQUIPMENT, AND SERVICES COVERING GENERAL FUND OPERATIONS, STREET FUND, EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES FUND, AND SANITITAION FUND; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Howard to place Ordinance 1392 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1392. 6 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 17, 2009 7:00 P.M. – 7:54 P.M. Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to APPROVE Ordinance 1392 on FIRST READING. Alderman Sansing concurred with Director Mushrush that the budget is the same as the preliminary budget presented, and that it presents a workable outlook for 2010. He added that he would like to note, for everyone with funding request, that this budget is $251,000.00 less than last year, saying that he is not inclined to cut anything from this budget to fund other request. Mayor Fletcher stated that while the budget is approximately $250,000.00 less this year, the City is going to do more with the funds available. He stated that the City is fortunate and blessed regarding the fact that City employees will receive a 3% raise this year. He then asked Finance Director Mushrush to explain the formula for raises. Finance Director Mushrush explained that a City Ordinance directs the City to conduct a survey every two years to determine the competitive market prevailing rate regarding employee positions and directs the City with funds available to move those positions toward target. He demonstrated that as the City moves toward the midpoint, the midpoint also escalates. He stated that this strategy keeps the City of Jacksonville competitive in the market. He related that 40% of City employees are over the midpoint for their positions, and 60% are under the midpoint. He noted that the interesting analogy is that those percentages follow the longevity curve. He concurred that in comparison to what other cities are able to offer this year, it brings the City of Jacksonville much closer to prevailing rates, which makes us more competitive. He then concurred with Alderman Stroud that there is an inherent cost of training employees and them moving employment to another city. Alderman Smith noted that since the City has implemented the two-year salary study, retention has improved greatly. Finance Director Mushrush noted that the salary study is due to be performed again next year. Alderman Ferrell stated that he could offer from a private sector view, that Ashland Chemical operates the same way, determining the high, low and targeting the midpoint. He stated that this strategy works well, offering them the opportunity to attract and keep talent. 7 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 17, 2009 7:00 P.M. – 7:54 P.M. Finance Director Mushrush noted that the City of Jacksonville benefit package bolsters and helps close the gap to midpoint. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1392 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1392. Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1392 on THIRD and FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1392. Alderman Sansing moved, seconded by Alderman Ray that Ordinance 1392 be APPROVED AND ADOPTED. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Alderman Sansing moved, seconded by Alderman Ray that the EMERGENCY CLAUSE be attached, approved, and adopted. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. th ORDINANCE APPROVED, ADOPTED AND NUMBERED 1392 THIS 17 DAY OF DECEMBER 2009. ADDITION TO AGENDA: ORDINANCE 1395 (#38-09) AN ORDINANCE WAIVING COMPETITIVE BIDDING FOR THE PURPOSE OF IMPROVING DRAINAGE TO CERTAIN AREAS ALONG BAILEY STREET; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Stroud to suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1395 (#38-09) on the agenda. MOTION CARRIED. City Engineer Jay Whisker thanked the City Council for their indulgence, explaining that this matter was a public/private partnership that came about quickly. He explained that the improvements are slated for the area on Bailey Street just north of Main Street. He related that the mortgage building behind First Arkansas Bank and Trust has had drainage problems for years. He stated that the drainage problems are in part a City issue as well as a private issue. He explained that water enters the parking lot from the street between the mortgage building and the restaurant. He stated that the City would help by building up the road, 8 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 17, 2009 7:00 P.M. – 7:54 P.M. and keeping the water on Bailey Street and running the water to the south. He stated that there is already a contractor on site who is willing to use the prices from a previous project, totaling approximately $11,900.00. He noted that the waiving of competitive bidding is for $13,000.00, explaining that City Attorney Bamburg had cautioned him that he would not be able to go over the amount declared by ordinance, so he built a small cushion into the request. He stated that the funds would also be for curb and gutter, adding that this project would also address a safety issue. He explained that vehicles were being parked from Bailey Street straight on, facing the building. He added the improvements would not allow for on-street parking from Bailey Street. He then noted that the distance for the cross walk will also be shortened. He answered that the City would not be paying for any private improvements on the parking lot, explaining that the City is only paying for curb and gutter along the Street as well as the apron, which is technically for the fist 100’ on Hickory street. Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Stroud to place Ordinance 1395 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1395. Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Stroud to APPROVE Ordinance 1395 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1395 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1395. Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1395 on THIRD and FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1395. Alderman Sansing moved, seconded by Alderman Howard that Ordinance 1395 be APPROVED AND ADOPTED. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Ray that the EMERGENCY CLAUSE be attached, approved, and adopted. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Howard, Twitty, Stroud, Ferrell, Rinker, Ray, Sansing, McCleary, Smith, and Elliott voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. 9 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 17, 2009 7:00 P.M. – 7:54 P.M. th ORDINANCE APPROVED, ADOPTED AND NUMBERED 1395 THIS 17 DAY OF DECEMBER 2009. RESUME AGENDA: c. PRESENTATION: Update on City Capital Projects City Engineer Jay Whisker made a presentation regarding planned future projects for the City of Jacksonville. Oneida Street: He explained the construction of a 300’ bridge over Bayou Meto from Oneida coming out of North Lake. He stated that it would be a boulevard type section road. He noted the area known as StoneRidge Subdivision, explaining that the City wants to incorporate Oneida going through that property and have the landowner share in that vision. He noted an area of StoneRidge that is being donated to the City for park property. He summarized that this project would connect North Lake directly to Jacksonville Cut-Off road, which will solve problems when flooding prevents access to North Lake. Main Street Realignment: He stated that this project would address the two 90° “S” curves on Main Street going toward Gravel Ridge. He stated that the realignment would again incorporate a boulevard type section for separation with a green area in-between, featuring a round-a-bout. Emma Street Project: He stated that the Emma Street Project is specifically contractor driven, explaining that if and when the vacant land sells and a development is proposed, the City is making sure that designs are available for the extension of Emma Street. He stated that while he is aware there are several residents not in favor of the extension, he has explained to them that when traffic increase as a result of property development, it will have to be extended. He noted that the extension is part of the Master Street Plan, adding that a boulevard type street has been chosen to enhance the area. Main, James, and Dupree Improvements: He related that the crosswalks would be brick pavers that will be soft cut into the asphalt. He stated that this project would beautify the area, noting that new streetlights were chosen today. He the explained that it would extend from Firestone to the churches on the other end of Main Street with the Chamber building on the south. He noted that green spaces would be incorporated in the design, and that a significant portion of the overhead wiring would be removed. He noted that the main Entergy line on the north side of Main Street would not be able to be removed. Harris Road: He related that this project is in the design phase with Jacobs Engineering and currently a study is being conducted to determine if a round-a-bout or a traffic light will be used. He noted that this particular intersection is not exactly square, explaining that a round-a- bout would help to slow traffic coming off the hill. 10 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 17, 2009 7:00 P.M. – 7:54 P.M. Alderman Sansing voiced his support regarding the use of round-a-bouts in these designs, saying that they are very effective in helping traffic flow. Farmer’s Market: He related that the Farmer’s Market would be bid next week. He noted that funds for the Farmer’s Market were funds given back during Governor Beebe’s first year in office. He noted that the signage lettering would be lighted, featuring an area for trucks to drive in on the side for unloading with the capability of controlling access by being raised or lowered. He noted that the delivery of steel would take approximately 8 to 12 weeks. He then concurred with Mayor Fletcher that once the steel arrives it would only take a few days to erect the metal building, making it in time for the growing season. 911 Center: He related that this building would be located in front of the Police and Fire Training Facility and that the land topography was just completed. He noted that the back area of the building would be constructed as a safe room with funds from the Federal government. Police and Fire Training Facility: He offered pictures of the site, noting that the beams have been poured. He stated that this project is starting to take shape with visible progress. Fire Station #4: He stated that the project has finished and is now being occupied. He stated that this was a long project, commending the efforts of the fire personnel who helped with this project. Amendment to Ordinance 1381, Nuisance and abatement Director of Administration Jim Durham informed the City Council that there would be a slight amendment to the recently adopted Ordinance, explaining the need to clarify “regular” parking on the street. He stated that the amendment is directed to differentiate between visitor parking and residents that use the street as a “permanent” or “regular” parking space. He stated that the Ordinance was never intended to address visitor parking. He noted that there has been a great deal of aesthetic improvement to City streets, and the safety factor has been enhanced. He then noted that it also prepares the City for future automated curbside garbage pickup. He stated that he and City Engineer Jay Whisker have been responsive to calls and are working out situations of variance regarding the one driveway regulation. In response to a question from Alderman Howard, Director Durham stated that parking on sidewalks is not allowed under any conditions. Police Chief Gary Sipes issued a word of caution, noting that this is the time of year when criminal activity spikes. He asked that residents be good neighbors and look out for each other regarding suspicious activity within their neighborhoods. 11 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 17, 2009 7:00 P.M. – 7:54 P.M. He then related that the Police Department has been addressing parking, especially parking on sidewalks, noting that they are issuing warning tickets. He stated that it has been effective. He added that the message is getting out that the Police Department is enforcing the laws and ordinances, making all attempts to clean up the City. Alderman Stroud acknowledged, for informational purpose, that the Jacksonville Landlord Association has embraced the new nuisance and abatement Ordinance and have proposed a registry for Jacksonville landlords. He noted that other cities across the United States are participating in this, saying that after the first of the year he would be presenting information to the City Council in that regard. He stated that a registry would be beneficial to the landlords, improve maintenance of properties, increase property values, and decrease criminal activity. APPOINTMENT(S): ANNOUNCEMENT(S): Mayor Fletcher pointed out that the Animal Control Department just recently euthanized 80 dogs and cats, asking citizens to consider adopting a dog or cat as a Christmas present. He stated that the Shelter has many good animals that would make a good Christmas present. thth He then announced that City Hall would be closed December 24 and 25 for Christmas and January 1, 2010 for the New Year’s holiday. ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Fletcher adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:54 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully, ________________________ _________________________ Susan L. Davitt MAYOR GARY FLETCHER City Clerk-Treasurer 12