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09 JUN 24.doc CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 24, 2009 7:00 P.M. – 7:29 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 June 24, 2009 at the regular meeting place of the Council. Alderman Ray 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, City Planner Chip McCulley, Human Resource Director Jill Ross, Police Chief Gary Sipes, Finance Director Paul Mushrush, Assistant Finance Director Cheryl Erkel, Fire Chief John Vanderhoof, CDBG Director Theresa Watson, Interim Parks and Recreation Director Kristen Griggs, Mrs. Judy Swaim, Mrs. Edith Smith, Mrs. Glenda Fletcher, Mr. Jim Durham, Mr. Larry Dupree, Mr. Mike Wilson, Mr. Larry Smith, Mr. Tommy Dupree, Mr. John Ferrell, interested citizens, and members of the press. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Swaim presented the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of June 4, 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 Howard that the minutes of the Regular City Council meeting of 21 May 2009 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/POLICE DEPARTMENT Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to approve the Regular Monthly Report for May 2009 regarding 2009/2008 yearly crime statistical comparisons. ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Fletcher, Stroud, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. WATER DEPARTMENT: WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT: FIRE DEPARTMENT: STREET DEPARTMENT: SANITATION DEPARTMENT: PARKS & RECREATION: PLANNING COMMISSION: FINAL PLAT Odell Residential Development City Planner Chip McCulley related that the development will create four residential lots off James Street, noting that the property was rezoned to R-1. He added that the Planning Commission unanimously approved the plat as presented. 1 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 24, 2009 7:00 P.M. – 7:29 P.M. Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to approve the Final Plat of the Odell Residential Development. MOTION CARRIED. GENERAL: a. DISCUSSION Reed’s Bridge Battlefield property purchase Sponsor Alderman/Mayor Elect Fletcher opened the floor for Mr. Tommy Dupree to address the City Council. Mr. Dupree related that since there had been no response to purchasing the property and tearing down the rock house, he is returning to City Council with the proposition of purchasing the property and restoring the house. He explained that he and Chief John Vanderhoof found the house to be solid, adding that it was suggested that the house be made into a tourist information center. He presented the City Council with a list of area activities, noting that the canoe and boating ramp has been completed. He reiterated that the rock house could be developed as an interpretive center that would address the area history. He cited the interpretive interest such as the Gray family settlement, Indian removal, Trail of Tears, and the Battle of Reed’s Bridge. He then pointed out the recreational activities as hiking, biking, canoeing, and boating. He stated that this would offer a sign-in opportunity and provide area events information and general information regarding area historical sites. He related that Mayor Swaim had contacted the owner and negotiated a price of $42,000 for the property, adding that improvements to the house are projected to be approximately $40,000 to $45,000. He explained that it would basically consist of removing the inside partitions, making two bathrooms, and provide an office space. He stated that if the City Council concedes to purchase the property, the roof on the house would need to be fixed first. He related plans to remove the added on portion of the house and removing the garage, noting that the garage has rock that can be used in other places. He then noted that the small house to the rear of the property would remain and could possibly be used for arts and crafts. He stated that the property is in the process of being cleaned up. In response to a question from Alderman Smith, Mr. Dupree clarified that he is asking the City Council for $42,000 to purchase the property. He added that if the City Council is willing to purchase the property, the Society will obtain repair costs estimates and work to obtain those funds to do the repairs. He related that the house needs a roof so including costs to get the house in the dry; he projected costs of another $5,000. Alderman Sansing referred to recent photographs of the home, saying that it appears to be in worse condition than described. He stated that the City has funded almost every request that the Reed’s Bridge Society has brought before the City Council. He added that the City Council has been very generous in supporting this issue because of the value to the parks and tourism. He pointed out that in the past revenues and economic 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 24, 2009 7:00 P.M. – 7:29 P.M. issues were not the concern that it is today. He stated that this particular issue for funding has been before the City Council four times and the City Council has stated that the most it was willing to agree to was the original estimated price of $33,000. He pointed out that the request for $42,000 is not even close to the $33,000 agreed to by the City Council. He commented that from the photographs it seems it will take quite a bit of additional funding to bring this structure up to where it needs to be. He stated that the City has helped the Society with $215,000 over the last ten years. He noted that while the Society has done a good job of obtaining funds from other entities, there is a point, especially in down economic times, where taxpayer monies are better used for meeting citizen needs. He stated that he is not able to support this request. Mr. Dupree stated that the City has a tourist industry that can be developed, explaining this to be his main interest. He related that both he and Chief John Vanderhoof can attest to the structure being good and solid, adding that he has a masonry contractor that has submitted a price of $2,500 to relay the rock that needs to be repaired and to “point-up” what is existing. He stated that the house has good hardwood floors, the trusses, rafters, and floor joists are all solid. He stated that it would not take a lot to fix the house, adding that with hard economic times this would be the only way to have a tourist/interpretive center on that site. He stated that it would cost significantly more to build something new, adding that he believes a center would make the development of the area go faster. Alderman Stroud commented on the house having termites, Chief John Vanderhoof stated that he did not see any termite damage and Mr. Dupree stated that there could not be termite damage with Cypress wood. Alderman Stroud asked Mr. Dupree to visit the site with him so he could point out a few items. He stated that if Mr. Dupree had estimates regarding the repairs, he feels that the City Council would be more receptive. Mr. Dupree noted that he already has the material to address any framing issues. He then answered Alderman Stroud that a lot of the project would be self-help. He stated that he has Cypress material from other structures that were demolished along with some new Cypress material. Alderman McCleary questioned if the inability to obtain this property halts their efforts to continue tourism efforts, commenting that he had visited the property several times over the last few months without a visible difference. He concurred with Alderman Sansing that the City Council is responsible for making good decisions with the citizens’ money. He added that this is a lot of money for this property. Mr. Dupree stated that other structures on the site have been demolished that were not suitable and this one is, adding that for a small amount of 3 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 24, 2009 7:00 P.M. – 7:29 P.M. money to get into something, this house is workable. He stated that if you view the inside of the house, you would be able to discern what I am talking about. He reiterated that he was surprised but the structure is solid. Alderman Elliott questioned if the project would qualify for grants from the Preservation Society, noting that he believes there is also funding available for preservation grants in the stimulus package. Mr. Dupree noted the difficulty with being able to acquire land through grant funding, adding that it is easier to get funding for repairs and remodeling. Mayor Swaim questioned and the City Council was not forthcoming with a motion, the next item was introduced. Alderman Elliott reiterated his suggestion to investigate restoration grant funding. b. Amending the 2009 budget Alderman Stroud stated that the action will not be to amend the budget but to reclassify funds regarding personnel slots, explaining that Mayor Swaim had put $100,000 in the budget for a position regarding an economic development person. He offered that the position of City Engineer be reauthorized and filled by Jay Whisker, noting that Jim Durham would be coming on as the Director of Administration and Chip McCulley would remain as City Planner. He noted that Jay Whisker would also have additional duties aside from City Engineer. Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to reauthorize the position of City Engineer with salary for Director of Administration to be set at $73,500 and the City Engineer would be $72,765 and the City Planner at $63,000. MOTION CARRIED. c. RESOLUTION 628 (#7-2009) A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING APPRECIATION AND GRATITUDE FOR OVER TWENTY-FIVE (25) YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP OF THE HONORABLE TOMMY SWAIM AND MRS. JUDY SWAIM TO THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE; DECLARING JUNE 30, 2009, AS TOMMY & JUDY SWAIM DAY; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Stroud to read Resolution 628 (#7-2009). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Resolution 628 (#7-2009). Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary to adopt Resolution 628 (#7-2009) in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED. 4 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 24, 2009 7:00 P.M. – 7:29 P.M. Alderman Stroud related that the City Council had a plaque made in honor of his service to the City, explaining that it would not be ready until the next City Council meeting, asking if he could return for one more City Council meeting. Mayor Swaim expressed his appreciation to the City Council, saying that he would be happy to return for the City Council meeting. APPOINTMENT(S): RESIDENTIAL HOUSING FACILITIES BOARD Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary to approve the appointment of Paul Payne to the Residential Housing Facilities Board for a term to expire 10/24/2012. MOTION CARRIED. Alderman Ray stated that while he would not be in town for the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting he would like to take this opportunity to wish Mayor Swaim and Judy many happy returns. Alderman Elliott congratulated Alderman Ray for being elected vice- president of District 2 at the Arkansas Municipal League. Mr. Mike Wilson complimented the City of Jacksonville, saying that the City has “by far” the cleanest, most well maintained swimming pools in the surrounding area. He noted the speed, at which passes for Splash Zone were sold. Two weeks after passes were made available they were only 7 passes left out of 200. He complimented the pool at the Community Center. MAYOR SWAIM FAREWELL Mayor Swaim thanked the City Council for their efforts in working with him, pointing out that while they have not always agreed, the business for the City was always done. He stated that it has been a long ride and he has enjoyed most parts. He stated that it has been a great experience to have been involved with the City for these many years, stating that he would like to believe that the City is just a little better than when he started. ANNOUNCEMENT(S): ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Swaim adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:29 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully, ________________________ _________________________ Susan L. Davitt MAYOR TOMMY SWAIM City Clerk-Treasurer 5