10 JAN 21.docCITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 21, 2010
7:00 P.M. – 7:36 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 January 21, 2010 at the regular meeting place of the Council. Alderman Smith delivered the invocation
and Mike Wilson, Jr. led a standing audience in the “Pledge of Allegiance” to the flag.
ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, and Twitty answered roll call. Mayor Fletcher also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT
NINE (9), ABSENT (1). Alderman Howard was absent. Mayor Fletcher noted that Paulette Howard is in the hospital.
Others present for the meeting were: City Attorney Robert Bamburg, Director of Administration Jim Durham, Fire Chief John Vanderhoof, Battalion Chief Joe Bratton, Police Chief Gary Sipes,
IT Systems Administrator Barbara Daniel, 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, Chad and Jennifer Wentz, Wastewater Superintendent Thea Hughes, Sewer
Commission Chairman Joan Zumwalt, Water Manager Mike Simpson, Water Commission Chairman Jim Peacock, 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 January 7, 2010 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 Ray that the minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of 17 December 2009 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED.
CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/POLICE DEPARTMENT
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Stroud to approve the Regular Monthly Report for December 2009 regarding annual crime statistical comparisons.
REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/FIRE DEPARTMENT
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Stroud to approve the Regular Monthly Report for December 2009 from the Jacksonville Fire Department, which reflects a fire loss of $59,700.00
and a savings total of $497,300.00.
ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, and Twitty voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 21, 2010
7:00 P.M. – 7:36 P.M.
WATER DEPARTMENT: 2009 Annual Report
Water Superintendent Mike Simpson acknowledged his Water Commission Chairman, Mr. Jim Peacock. He stated that in 2009 the water utility had zero water quality violations and has had
zero violation for the past ten years. He related that in 2010, the Safe Drinking Water Act will become even more stringent and the utility is working with Central Arkansas Water to
continue to provide the best quality water while continuing to meet or exceed all SDWA standards.
He related that Jacksonville Waterworks has applied for and secured financing from the Arkansas Natural Resource Commission for up to 25 million dollars in low interest loans, which
will be utilized for completing major infrastructure projects that will provide a safe and plentiful water supply to the City of Jacksonville beyond the year 2050. He announced that
the ANRC provided financing at an interest rate of 3.5%, which reflects a savings of 4.4 million dollars over the twenty-year payout.
He related that Jacksonville Waterworks is working to accomplish the goals set forth in the 2008 Master Plan regarding participation in the Northbelt Transmission main improvements,
coming to Jacksonville from the Jack Wilson Water Treatment Plant, supplying up to 12 million gallons of water daily. This project is slated to be completed in 2011. He related that
Jacksonville Waterworks purchased property along Highway 107 for the future site of the West Area 3 million gallons elevated water tank, which will provide improved service to west Jacksonville,
including the LRAFB. He noted that this project will replace a sixty-five year old – 5 million gallons ground storage tank, allowing for future development in west Jacksonville. He explained
that this project would improve water pressure to LRAFB, which will lower their water pumping costs by approximately $60,000.00 annually. He stated that they are working with LRAFB
to procure participatory funding for this 9.9 million dollar project.
He then related that Jacksonville Waterworks has secured 1.24 million gallons per day water allocation from Greers Ferry Lake through the Mid-Arkansas Water Alliance, which in the future
will be used as a back up water source. He stated that they are also working diligently through their membership with the Lonoke White Public Water Authority to build infrastructure
to include an intake structure and water treatment plant with 50 miles of 24” water transmission main providing water to communities further north of Jacksonville.
He related that the utility is looking toward new horizons with an offer and acceptance of the Sutherland property on West Main, allowing Jacksonville Waterworks to consolidate facilities
on one centralized property, with plans to move into the new facility by 2012.
He stated that projects completed in 2009 include the installation of 12,309 linear feet of pipe, 18 additional fire hydrants, 45 valves, and updating 62 existing water services. At
the end of 2009 there were 10,858 water meters including 71 new water services.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 21, 2010
7:00 P.M. – 7:36 P.M.
He stated that the utility currently has a workforce of 36 employees; 9 employees are licensed by the Arkansas Department of Health and 3 employees are currently working toward completion
of their water operator licenses.
He then noted remodeling improvements to the cashier and receptionist areas, mentioning plans to incorporate the ability for customers to on their Internet site and pay their water bills.
He related that water production was down in 2009. On June 26, 2009, they reached their peak demand of the year with 5.9 million gallons below last year’s demand of 6.7 million on the
same day in 2008. Water production for 2009 was 13 billion gallons, a 12.8% decrease from the previous year. Average 2009 daily flow is 3.6 million gallons.
Mayor Fletcher commended the progress of both utilities, recalling that in the early 70’s the City was faced with water and sewer difficulties. He noted that during that time most of
the City’s water was well water. He stated that with the creation of both Commissions, the City has well advanced. He extended appreciation to the Water Commission and utility.
WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT: 2009 Annual Report
Wastewater General Manager Thea Hughes recognized her Sewer Commission Chairman Joan Zumwalt and Administrative Operations Manager Sam Zehtaban. She related that it was a difficult
year with uncommon amounts of rain, but added that the utility completed its 14th consecutive year with zero treatment plant permit violations. She stated that the utility received
the 2009 Arkansas Water Environment Association Safety Award for cities over 20,000 to acknowledge their safety program and record. She then added that they also received EPA’s 2009
P2 Challenge Award to acknowledge their pretreatment program’s work with local industries.
She related that 87 inches of rain was recorded at the Plant, successfully treating 2,758,711,000 gallons of wastewater. Accepting 5,472,000 gallons of leachate water from Two Pine
Landfill, and performed 610 restaurant inspections for proper grease trap usage. She stated that the utility passed all annual inspections by ADEQ and all industries are in compliance
with their discharge permits.
She stated that rehab continues to be their main focus since EPA closed the administrative order in 2004, requesting that the utility continue rehabilitation of existing lines to eliminate
overflowing manholes. She related that efforts in 2009 resulted in 15,287 rehabilitated feet of main line, replaced 11 manholes, repaired 133 manholes, and completed 24 spot repairs.
Responded to 187 customer calls regarding main lines and service lines, noting that 34% related to grease. She noted that this is down from last year’s 49% and significantly down from
the previous year’s 71%. She noted significant cost to respond to a grease call, estimating approximately $595.00 because of the need to use specialized equipment. In 2009, that cost
equated to $17,850.00.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 21, 2010
7:00 P.M. – 7:36 P.M.
She then related that the utility televised 111,257 feet of line for investigative purposes as well as inspecting 275 private service lines, adding that 77 property owners made repairs
to their service lines in 2009.
She stated that operating revenue from sewer user fees were down from the previous year by approximately 1.75% due to a continued decrease in water consumption. She noted that this
is evidence of a three-year trend of public water conservation, which is good but it also causes the revenues to decline.
She stated that they closed on an 18 million dollar bond issue in December, which will fund projects in 2010 through 2012. She related that this would include upgrades to the treatment
plant, new sewer interceptors, and continued rehabilitation of sewer mains.
Licenses:
Class I Wastewater = 1
Class II = 3
Class III = 9
Class IV = 4
CDL = 10
Solid Waste = 6
APIA (plumbing) = 6
Mayor Fletcher reiterated his appreciation for their continued success.
FIRE DEPARTMENT:
POLICE DEPARTMENT:
STREET DEPARTMENT:
SANITATION DEPARTMENT:
PARKS & RECREATION: a. RESOLUTION 639 (#1-2010)
A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING SUPPORT AND WILLINGNESS OF THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE TO IMPROVE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR THE CITIZENS OF JACKSONVILLE AND TO SEEK GRANT FUNDING ASSISTANCE FOR
PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT TO DO SO; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Stroud to read Resolution 639 (#1-2010). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Resolution 639 (#1-2010).
Parks and Recreation Director Kristen Griggs explained that they are applying for three grants; one in the amount of $20,000.00 for new playground equipment to replace the rocket slide
that has rusted, the second would be for a new sprinkler system on field one at Dupree Park, also for $20,000.00, and the last is a grant to move forward with a golf program, grant amount
would be up to $100,000.00.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 21, 2010
7:00 P.M. – 7:36 P.M.
She explained that the golf program would be a year-round program. She related that they would do more of the programming while Foxwood would do the instruction. She stated that having
it at the Foxwood Country Club would be a way for the City to help them with funding regarding a program that would offer access to kids who would not otherwise have that opportunity.
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary to approve Resolution 639 (#1-2010) in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED.
b. RESOLUTION 640 (#2-2010)
A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING SUPPORT AND WILLINGNESS OF THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE TO IMPROVE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE AND TO SEEK GRANT FUNDING ASSISTANCE FOR PARKS
AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT TO DO SO; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary to read Resolution 640 (#2-2010). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Resolution 640 (#2-2010).
Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary to approve Resolution 640 (#2-2010) in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED.
ADDITION TO AGENDA:
RESOLUTION 641 (#3-2010)
A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING SUPPORT AND WILLINGNESS OF THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE TO IMPROVE RECREATIONAL, EDUCATIONAL, AND LEARNING FACILITIES FOR THE CITIZENS OF JACKSONVILLE AND TO SEEK
GRANT FUNDING ASSISTANCE FOR THE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT TO DO SO; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to suspend the rules and place Resolution 641 (#3-2010) on the agenda. MOTION CARRIED.
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to read Resolution 641 (#3-2010). MOTION CARRIED.
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Ferrell to approve Resolution 641 (#3-2010) in its entirety. MOTION CARRIED.
City Attorney Bamburg apologized for the redundancy of the Resolutions, explaining that each grant application package has to have its own Resolution.
GENERAL: a. ORDINANCE 1397 (#2-10)
AN ORDINANCE WAIVING COMPETITIVE BIDDING FOR THE PURCHASE OF LASERFICHE SOFTWARE, SETUP, AND MAINTENANCE; COPIERS, PRINTERS, AND MAINTENANCE FOR VARIOUS OFFICE EQUIPMENT AND ALL NECESSARY
TRAINING FOR CITY EMPLOYEES AND OFFICES; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 21, 2010
7:00 P.M. – 7:36 P.M.
Assistant Finance Director Cheryl Erkel stated that this Ordinance is part of the continued efforts to move toward the City being “paperless”. She noted that last year the City Council
passed an ordinance to implement the Laserfische system and some Departments are operating with that system. She stated that this Ordinance would allow the remaining Departments to
utilize the system.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Stroud to place Ordinance 1397 on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, and Twitty
voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1397.
Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary to APPROVE Ordinance 1397 on FIRST READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1397 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen
Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, and Twitty voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1397.
Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Ferrell to APPROVE Ordinance 1397 on SECOND READING and SUSPEND THE RULES and place Ordinance 1397 on THIRD and FINAL READING. ROLL CALL:
Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud, and Twitty voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance
1397.
Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Ferrell that Ordinance 1397 be APPROVED AND ADOPTED. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Ferrell, Stroud,
and Twitty voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED.
The emergency clause was dropped from Ordinance 1397 (#2-2010).
ORDINANCE APPROVED, ADOPTED, AND NUMBERED 1397 THIS 21ST DAY OF JANUARY 2010.
b. Request to accept bid for Asbestos Removal and Demolition
City Engineer Jay Whisker explained that the bid would cover the condemnations of 2009, noting that originally the Manor House apartments were going to be proposed as part of this bid
but became costs prohibitive at over $350,000.00. He noted that without the apartments there were more bidders, saying that the bid from Lynn Construction at $45,400.00 is the recommended
bid. He explained that the low bid of $19,995.00 from Youngblood Excavation was for demolition only, excluding asbestos abatement. He stated that he would recommend the bid from Lynn
Construction and then answered that Lynn Construction is a new bidder to the City. He explained that Lynn Construction has mostly been involved in construction rather than demolition.
He stated that Lynn Construction
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 21, 2010
7:00 P.M. – 7:36 P.M.
is confident they can perform the job, have submitted their bid bond, and will provide a performance bond. He then answered that Lynn Construction is licensed for asbestos removal.
Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman McCleary to reject the low bid from Youngblood Excavation that did not meet specifications and to accept the bid from Lynn Construction in
the amount of $45,400.00 with funds to come out of the 2009 budget for demolition and asbestos removal. MOTION CARRIED.
c. State of the City by Mayor Fletcher
Mayor Fletcher asked Chief Vanderhoof to read a poem he authored, featured on the inside front cover of the State of the City report. The poem titled “Stewards of the City” portrays
the importance of each Department’s role and the commitment regarding teamwork to successfully make a first-rate city government. A copy of the poem is on file in the office of City
Clerk.
Mayor Fletcher offered his State of the City report:
This was in no way a typical year in Jacksonville’s history. The year began with the announcement of Jacksonville’s longest serving mayor Tommy Swaim retirement effective July 1, 2009.
After 22½ years of endless sacrifice and dedication to this great city, Mayor Swaim took a much needed rest to enjoy his family and himself. An election was held in May to fill the
remainder of his term, with a field of six candidates forcing a run-off in June. I would like to thank the great citizens of Jacksonville for this marvelous opportunity to serve in a
most exciting time.
Some of the significant events that occurred during 2009 include:
Opening of the new 13,000 sq. ft. state of the art library at a cost of $4 million dollars.
Groundbreaking of the Joint Education Center in a partnership between the City of Jacksonville and the Little Rock Air Force Base at a total cost of approximately $15 million, with an
expected opening of January 2011.
Grand opening and ribbon cutting of the Jacksonville Lighthouse Charter School – Jacksonville’s newest school in 25 years.
Groundbreaking for the new $2.8 million Police & Fire Training Center.
Boundaries were established for the proposed new Jacksonville/North Pulaski School District with the support of PCSSD, once unitary status is achieved.
North Metro Medical Center redefined its services to be more financially sound and still provide quality health care to our community.
Complete renovation of JFD Station #4.
$300,000 lighting upgrade at Dupree Park.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 21, 2010
7:00 P.M. – 7:36 P.M.
Despite the economy that is still trying to recover from the past couple of years of recession, foreclosures, and high unemployment, the opportunities for Jacksonville abound. Rather
than falling into a mold that many cities and states are falling into with cutbacks, hiring freezes, increasing fees and taxes; Jacksonville is moving forward in economic development
with the hiring of Rickey Hayes of Retail Attractions, LLC, with the expectation of recreating what he has successfully done in cities across Oklahoma, especially in his hometown of
Owasso. In his six years there, the City experienced tremendous growth in both commercial and residential investment. Owasso’s sales tax has more than doubled with the addition of
4.2 million square feet of new commercial construction at a total value of $250 million dollars.
As exciting as the prospects for new retail and commercial growth in Jacksonville is, that still would pale in light of the possibility of Jacksonville becoming the new home of the Arkansas
State Fair and Livestock Show. In September, Jacksonville jumped out front with a press conference submitting the first public proposal of sixteen for a new fairground. The excitement
that this has created not just here, but across the State, is overwhelming. The economic impact would be more than just the ten-days of the State Fair, but with a major complex consisting
of approximately 125,000 square feet, we would have the opportunity to attract many national meetings, conventions, and trade shows to the area. This would provide year round activities
that would provide jobs as well as entertainment and events for our citizens.
Another great opportunity for our City is the establishment of the Jacksonville/North Pulaski School District that could become a reality in the very near future. We will be in Federal
Court next month in hopes of and with expectation of unitary status. With past commitments from the Pulaski County Special School District to support our separation. We are confident
as well as excited about the future of education in Jacksonville that will rival any system.
Jacksonville opened our first new school since Murrell Taylor’s construction in 1981, with the Jacksonville Lighthouse Charter School last fall. Groundbreaking and construction has
begun on the Joint Education Center that the people of Jacksonville taxed themselves $5 million for. This unique partnership and close relationship between the City of Jacksonville
and Little Rock Air Force Base is a story told around the country.
While 2009 was an atypical year; I expect 2010 to be full of changes as well. In the near future, I expect:
Construction of Police and Fire Classroom/911 Community Center with a community safe room
Beautification of Main, James, and Dupree intersection to include new lighting and landscaping
Construction and opening of the Jacksonville Farmer’s Market
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 21, 2010
7:00 P.M. – 7:36 P.M.
Acquisition and demolition of Manor House Apartments for Parks and Recreation
Intersection improvements at Main Street and Harris Road
Construction of JFD #5
Widening of Graham Road
Emma Street Extension
Oneida Extension
Police Building Construction
Emergency entrance into Tara Mount Subdivision
Phase 2 of the Parks Lighting Project
These events will move Jacksonville forward from what I call the “City of Opportunity” to more than just a phrase – it will become a reality. Thank you for allowing me to serve this
City as your Mayor.
APPOINTMENT(S):
ANNOUNCEMENT(S):
ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Fletcher adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:36 p.m. MOTION CARRIED.
Respectfully,
________________________ _________________________
Susan L. Davitt MAYOR GARY FLETCHER
City Clerk-Treasurer