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09 MAR 19.doc CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 19, 2009 7:00 P.M. – 7:37 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 March 19, 2009 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, Rinker, Fletcher, Twitty, and Howard answered roll call. Mayor Swaim also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT EIGHT (8), ABSENT (2). 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 Ross, City Planner Chip McCulley, Police Chief Gary Sipes, Parks and Recreation Director George Biggs, CDBG Director Theresa Watson, Mrs. Beverly Elliott, Mrs. Glenda Fletcher, Mr. Ben Rice, interested citizens, and members of the press. PRESENTATION OF MINUTES: Mayor Swaim presented the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of March 5, 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 19 February 2009 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED. CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/FIRE DEPARTMENT Alderman Fletcher moved, seconded by Alderman Elliott to approve the Regular Monthly Report for February 2009 from the Jacksonville Fire Department, which reflects a fire loss of $1,000 and a savings total of $14,000. REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/POLICE DEPARTMENT Alderman Fletcher moved, seconded by Alderman Elliott to approve the Regular Monthly Report for February 2009 regarding 2009/2008 yearly crime statistical comparisons. Alderman Elliott requested a status report from Chief Sipes regarding applications for the new Federal stimulus programs being offered for police departments. Chief Sipes informed the City Council that the application for the COPS Grant just became available, explaining that the COPS Grant allows for the request of additional police officers. He related that 100% of salary plus benefits would be awarded for the first three years, adding that at the end of three years, the city would be responsible for salary and benefits for at least one year. He stated that while this is a good opportunity, future position funding would have to be decided for the end of the grant. 1 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 19, 2009 7:00 P.M. – 7:37 P.M. He went on to related that the Police Department has not been fully staffed since his becoming Chief almost a year ago. He noted that there are currently three openings in the Department. He related that he is not sure of the exact number he would be looking to apply for, but is interested in applying for the Grant. He related that under the JAG Grant, Pulaski County would be awarded 2.8 million, and out of that 2.8 million Jacksonville will receive $147,000 with the rest being distributed to the other cities in the County. Mayor Swaim clarified that the Police Department is fully funded for complete staffing, noting that the Civil Service Commission approved additional testing to help staff open positions. He explained that hiring for Fire and Police begins with Civil Service testing followed by a physiological exam. Alderman Elliott noted that it is not only Jacksonville but also several other cities throughout Arkansas that are currently having trouble keeping their Departments fully staffed. Chief Sipes concurred, saying that staffing problems are nationwide, noting that most applicants have problems with their background checks. Alderman Fletcher inquired as to the feasibility of programs that could be incorporated into the schools that would help the students understand that certain actions that become a part of their permanent record can hinder their career opportunities in the future. Chief Sipes explained that the Police Department has just started a cadet program with the schools, noting that they have one cadet that has shown good promise. He related that the cadet program is open to 18 year olds, adding that they have to apply for a position with the Police Department at 21. He explained that during that time the cadet learns how to be a policeman, writing reports, and assisting in different functions with the Police Department and Courts. He then noted that another cadet is expected to join by May. He added that currently the Police Department does have School Resource Officers that conduct the DARE Programs at the th 5 grade level and another supplemental DARE program is being added for middle school students. Alderman Elliott noted the availability of another grant program through the Attorney General’s Office, explaining that municipalities can apply online directly through the grant management website. He noted that the COPS Program has one million in funding this year and they are considering funding 5,500 officers across the Country, adding that April th 14 is the deadline to apply. Mayor Swaim asked Battalion Chief Hill to brief the City Council regarding repairs to the ladder truck. 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 19, 2009 7:00 P.M. – 7:37 P.M. Battalion Chief Hill explained that the refurbishment of the ladder truck had been completed at the Pierce Factory in Wisconsin. He related that he went to the Factory for a final inspection, inviting the City Council to come by the station to view the truck when it returns. He noted that everything from the turntable up was refurbished. He stated that the panel has new controls, explaining that the ladder was stripped, tested, and repainted. He noted that the truck looks brand new and should last another 15 years. ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Rinker, Fletcher, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED. WATER DEPARTMENT: WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT: FIRE DEPARTMENT: POLICE DEPARTMENT: STREET DEPARTMENT: SANITATION DEPARTMENT: PARKS & RECREATION: PLANNING COMMISSION: a. FINAL PLAT Lot 1, Arby’s Addition City Planner McCulley related that the Final Plat for Lot 1, Arby’s Addition is slightly over half an acre, noting that the property is the existing Arby’s location. He explained that the final plat and site plan were recently reviewed by the Planning Commission, adding that Arby’s is proposing to build a new building after a complete demolition of the site. He related that the new construction would comply with all current development and building codes, providing new sidewalks and landscaping. He offered the City Council a rendition of the completed building, relating that construction is slated to begin in the fall and is projected to be completed within three months. Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary to approve the Final Plat of Lot 1, Arby’s Addition. MOTION CARRIED. b. ORDINANCE 1364 (#7-09) AN ORDINANCE RECLASSIFYING PROPERTY IN THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS (GENERAL LOCATION: 2213, 2301, 2303, AND 2305 HAMILTON STREET); AMENDING ORDINANCE NUMBERS 213, 238, AND THE LAND USE MAP OF THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Alderman Sansing moved, seconded by Alderman Howard to place Ordinance 1364 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Rinker, Fletcher, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1364. 3 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 19, 2009 7:00 P.M. – 7:37 P.M. City Planner McCulley stated that the applicant has purchased the lot addressed as 2213 Hamilton and has removed the trailer to build a single- family home. He explained that with the present owner’s permission, the applicant is requesting the additional rezoning of the property addressed as 2301, 2303, and 2305 Hamilton to also construct single-family homes when feasible. Alderman Fletcher moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to APPROVE Ordinance 1364 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Rinker, Fletcher, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary to suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1364 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Rinker, Fletcher, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1364. Alderman Sansing moved, seconded by Alderman Howard to suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1364 on THIRD and FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Rinker, Fletcher, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1364. Alderman McCleary moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing that Ordinance 1364 be APPROVED AND ADOPTED. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Rinker, Fletcher, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. th ORDINANCE APPROVED, ADOPTED AND NUMBER 1364 THIS 19 DAY OF MARCH 2009. c. ORDINANCE 1365 (#8-09) AN ORDINANCE RECLASSIFYING PROPERTY IN THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS (GENERAL LOCATION: 2100 AND 2104 CHAPEL HILL); AMENDING ORDINANCE NUMBERS 213, 238, AND THE LAND USE MAP OF THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. City Planner McCulley related that the property is located between Hamilton Street and Chapel Hill, explaining that the applicant is proposing to rezone the property from R-7 to R-3 to facilitate the construction of townhomes or apartments. He answered that the applicant is under contract to purchase additional adjacent property that would make slightly more than two acres for development. Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to place Ordinance 1365 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Rinker, Fletcher, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1365. 4 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 19, 2009 7:00 P.M. – 7:37 P.M. Alderman Sansing moved, seconded by Alderman Howard to APPROVE Ordinance 1365 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Rinker, Fletcher, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Alderman Sansing moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary to suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1365 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Rinker, Fletcher, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1365. Alderman McCleary moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1365 on THIRD and FINAL READING. City Planner McCulley answered that the applicant would submit his development plan to the Planning Commission for approval, noting that the number of units would be a part of that plan. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Rinker, Fletcher, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1365. Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary that Ordinance 1365 be APPROVED AND ADOPTED. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Rinker, Fletcher, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. th ORDINANCE APPROVED, ADOPTED AND NUMBER 1365 THIS 19 DAY OF MARCH 2009. GENERAL: a. Set Public Hearing regarding Water Rate Increase b. Set Public Hearing regarding vacating and closing an alley between Lots 1, 2, and 3, Block 4 Harpole Addition It was the consensus of the City Council to set public hearings by oral resolution regarding a water rate increase and the vacating and closing of an alley between Lots 1, 2, and 3, Block 4, Harpole Addition to be held during the regularly scheduled April 16, 2009 City Council meeting. c. RESOLUTION 624 (#3-09) A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO ENTER INTO A REVISED PULASKI AREA GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (PAgis) INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. City Planner McCulley explained that the Resolution authorizes the City of Jacksonville to enter into an Interlocal Agreement with the Pulaski Area Geographic Information System also known as PAgis. He stated that he feels it would benefit not only his Department but the whole City, 5 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 19, 2009 7:00 P.M. – 7:37 P.M. adding that in the next year it is anticipated that it can be linked to the Internet for citizenry use. He explained that PAgis is a map-based system that has all the technology the Engineering Department use on a daily basis. He demonstrated the system’s uses regarding zoning, mapping, addressing, pointing out the usefulness to 911, Fire, and Police Departments. He then reviewed the opportunities for the Planning Commission regarding electronic plats for subdivisions and bills of assurances, which can be utilized regarding citizen inquiry. Alderman Sansing moved, seconded by Alderman Fletcher to read Resolution 624 (#3-09). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Resolution 624 (#3-09). Alderman Fletcher moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary to approve Resolution 624 (#3-09) in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED. d. Acceptance of 2008 CAPER Report from CDBG CDBG Director Theresa Watson reported to the City Council that from the Federal stimulus package for CDBG, the City of Jacksonville would receive $73,103.00. She noted that guidelines have not yet been established but noted that it is to be allotted for a special project, adding that hopefully it could be used for sewer replacements. Alderman Howard moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary to accept the CDBG 2008 CAPER Report. MOTION CARRIED. e. RESOLUTION 625 (#4-09) A RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING AND SUPPORTING COACH VICTOR JOYNER AND THE 2009 STATE CHAMPION (6A) BASKETBALL TEAM PROGRAM OF THE JACKSONVILLE HIGH SCHOOL; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Alderman McCleary recognized the outstanding achievements of the coaches and basketball teams of Jacksonville High School and North Pulaski High School, expressing the City Council’s appreciation for their efforts. Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to read Resolution 625 (#4-09). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the title of Resolution 625 (#4-09) and announced the names of the team members. Coaches and team members were presented to the City Council and press for congratulations and photograph opportunities. Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to approve Resolution 625 (#4-09) in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED. f. RESOLUTION 626 (#5-09) A RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING AND SUPPORTING COACH RAYMOND COOPER AND THE 2009 STATE CHAMPION FIRST RUNNER UP (5A) BASKETBALL TEAM PROGRAM OF NORTH PULASKI HIGH SCHOOL; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES. 6 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 19, 2009 7:00 P.M. – 7:37 P.M. Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to read Resolution 626 (#5-09). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the title of Resolution 625 (#4-09) and announced the names of the team members. Coaches and team members were presented to the City Council and press for congratulations and photograph opportunities. Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to approve Resolution 626 (#5-09) in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED. APPOINTMENT(S): A&P COMMISSION Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Howard to approve the reappointment of Mike Houchen & Ray Patel for terms to expire 2013. MOTION CARRIED. ANNOUNCEMENT(S): Mayor Swaim announced that the Arkansas Municipal League’s summer meeting would be held in Hot Springs, asking that City Council members who plan to attend contact his office. Parks and Recreation Director George Biggs announced that the Jacksonville Lighthouse Charter School open house would be held Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Community Center. He then announced that the groundbreaking ceremony would be on Tuesday at the site on North First Street. ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Swaim adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:37 p.m. MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully, ________________________ _________________________ Susan L. Davitt MAYOR TOMMY SWAIM City Clerk-Treasurer 7