11 FEB 03.docCITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 3, 2011
7:00 P.M. – 8:08 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 February 3, 2011 at the regular meeting place of the Council. Alderman Smith delivered the invocation
and Mayor Fletcher led a standing audience in the “Pledge of Allegiance” to the flag.
ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Traylor, Stroud, Robinson, and Howard answered roll call. Mayor Fletcher also answered ROLL CALL declaring a quorum. PRESENT
NINE (9), ABSENT (1). Alderman McCleary was absent.
Others present for the meeting were: City Attorney Robert Bamburg, Director of Administration Jim Durham, Fire Chief John Vanderhoof, Police Chief Gary Sipes, Finance Director Paul Mushrush,
Parks and Recreation Director Kristen Griggs, Assistant Finance Director Cheryl Erkel, Public Works Director Jim Oakley, City Engineer Jay Whisker, Human Resource Director Jill Ross,
CDBG Director Theresa Watson, IT Director Barbara Daniel, Wastewater Manager Thea Hughes, Water Department Superintendant Mike Simpson, John Ferrell, Jim Peacock, Mike Wilson, Mrs. Marie
Fletcher, Mrs. Addie Gibson, Mr. Jim Moore, interested citizens, and members of the press.
PRESENTATION OF MINUTES:
Mayor Fletcher presented the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of January 6, 2011 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 16 December 2010 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 December 2010 regarding annual crime statistical comparisons.
REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/FIRE DEPARTMENT
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to approve the Regular Monthly Report for December 2010 from the Jacksonville Fire Department, which reflects a fire loss of $60,000.00
and a savings total of $58,000.00.
ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Ray, Rinker, Traylor, Stroud, Robinson, and Howard voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED.
WATER DEPARTMENT: 2010 Annual Report by Mike Simpson
He informed the City Council that the Water Commission is hosting a public hearing February 22, 2011 @ 3:00 p.m. regarding the ANRC funding, which represents $24,400.00 in projects.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 3, 2011
7:00 P.M. – 8:08 P.M.
He reported that in 2010 the Department had zero water quality violations, noting zero violations for the past eleven (11) years. He related that beginning next year the Safe Drinking
Water Act water quality standards would become more stringent so they are working with Garver Engineers and Central Arkansas Water Works to continue providing the best quality water
for Jacksonville while meeting or exceeding all SDWA standards.
He stated that Jacksonville Water Works has applied and secured financing from the Arkansas Natural Resource Commission for an amount 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 then added
that the ANRC financing comes with an interest rate of 3.5%, which will reflect a savings of $4.4 million dollars over the 20 year payout. He then noted that currently an interest rate
of 5.5% is being offered by most revenue bond sources.
He related that the utility is looking forward to accomplishing the goals set forth in the 2008 Master Plan Update with the projection of participation in Northbelt Transmission Main
Improvements coming to Jacksonville from the Jack Wilson Water Treatment Plant that will supply up to 12 million gallons of water per day from Central Arkansas Water Works. Central
Arkansas Water Works is projecting a 2011 completion date for this important infrastructure project.
In 2009, Water Works purchased property along Highway 107 for the future site of the West Area 3 million gallon elevated water tank, which will be utilized to provide improved water
service to the west Jacksonville area, including the Little Rock Air Force Base. He explained that construction of the elevated tank will improve water service to our existing customers
and allow for future development in the west Jacksonville area while replacing a 65 year old 5 million gallon ground storage tank located at the West Water Treatment Plant that is currently
used to serve the Little Rock Air Force Base. This elevated tank project proposal was well received by Little Rock Air Force Base as it will provide additional water pressure to the
base, which will in turn lower their water pumping cost by approximately $60,000.00 annually. He added that they are working closely with Little Rock Air Force Base to procure participatory
funding for this $9.9 million dollar project.
He then related that Jacksonville Water Works has secured a 1.24 million gallon per day water allocation from Greers Ferry Lake through the Mid-Arkansas Water Alliance. This valuable
resource will be used in the future as a backup water source in the event of any reduced water flows from CAW.
He stated that they are working diligently through membership in the Lonoke White Public Water Authority to build the infrastructure that will
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 3, 2011
7:00 P.M. – 8:08 P.M.
include an intake structure, a water treatment plant at the Lake, and will include over 50 miles of 24” water transmission main that will provide water to the eight member communities
including Jacksonville, further north to the City of Beebe, the west to North Pulaski Water Works, and east to Furlow Water User’s Association.
He related that they are looking forward to the benefits from these and several other capital water distribution system projects, some of which will be started and completed this year.
He stated that all projects are projected to be completed within the next three years, which will allow the water system to expand service capacity and provide high quality water to
our community as the City continues to grow.
He then stated that Jacksonville Water Works is looking toward new horizons with the new Water Works facility construction plans for the old Sutherland’s property located on West Main
Street. He related that this will allow Jacksonville Water Works to consolidate all facilities on one centralized property. He added that the new facility would provide a base station
for Jacksonville Water Works to further enhance excellent service to customers while improving efficiency for employees. He related that they are nearing completion of a 10-bay storage
garage facility used to store equipment. He stated that plans are to move the warehouse into the old Sutherland’s building during 2011.
He then explained that the time frame has been shifted slightly regarding construction of the Administration and Operation’s building to 2014, to allow for the proper construction management
of capital infrastructure projects.
He related that projects completed during 2010 include the installation of 14,093 linear feet of pipe, 19 additional fire hydrants, 41 valves, and updating 93 existing water services.
He added that at the end of 2010 they had 10,923 water meters in the distribution system, including 93 new services.
He stated that this work was accomplished with a workforce of 36 employees, adding that ten employees are licensed by the Arkansas Department of Health to operate the water system with
one employee currently working toward the completion of their water operator’s license.
He pointed out that during 2010 they completed and are currently taking online water payments through their secure Internet site. He stated that beginning July 2010 and ending December
31, 2010 they received 714 online payments totaling $53,540.00. He stated that there have been many positive comments from customers using this updated service.
He stated that water production was down in 2010. On June 23, 2010 the peak demand for the year reached 5.9 million gallons per day, which is under the previous year’s peak water flow
of 5.91 million gallons on June
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 3, 2011
7:00 P.M. – 8:08 P.M.
26, 2009. He stated that the total water production for the year was 1.3 billion gallons, which was a 1.2% decrease from the previous year. Average daily water flow for the year was
3.6 gallons per day.
He stated that they appreciate City Council’s confidence and continued support of working with the Water Commission towards the completion of important capital projects set forth in
the 2008 Water Master Plan.
He stated that the scope of projects included in the plan would insure that Jacksonville will have a safe and adequate supply of high quality water for future growth of the great City
of Jacksonville today, tomorrow, and for many years to come.
Mayor Fletcher recognized Chairman of the Water Commission, Mr. Jim Peacock. He thanked him for his leadership and hard work.
There were several positive comments from the City Council.
WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT: 2010 Annual Report by Thea Hughes
She reported that in October 2009, the City Council approved the issuance of $18 million in bond funds regarding several projects that would be underway for the next three years. As
of December 2010, the project status is as follows:
Treatment Plant Updates:
She explained that the engineering and design phase of the treatment plant updates is almost complete, with a bid date anticipated in March 2011. The updates include the replacement
of three primary screw pumps at a cost of approximately $1.3 million, changing the disinfection system from chlorine to an ultraviolet disinfection light system at a cost of approximately
$860,000, and replacement of several various pieces of plant equipment such as 27 sluice gates, effluent flume, yard piping, electrical updates, installation of a security fence, and
other miscellaneous items at a cost of approximately $760,000 for a total treatment plant update cost of approximately $3 million. She pointed out that a map showing treatment plant
upgrades is on page 13 of the report.
Interceptors:
She stated that the Utility will construct two new interceptors known as Interceptor “D” and Interceptor “F”, in 2011. These interceptors will consist of 14,715’ of mainline and 52 new
manholes at an estimated cost of $4.2 million dollars. This work will go out for bid in early spring and will be completed in the spring of 2012. She related that the interceptors
would provide gravity sewer service from the Quince Hill and Northwood Acres areas and the Leonard Street/Pinon Street pump station to the East Pump Station on Loop Road, adding that
it would also provide additional capacity for growth to the north of the City. She stated that when construction is complete the Utility would be able to decommission four remote pump
stations. Pump Stations to be decommissioned are:
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 3, 2011
7:00 P.M. – 8:08 P.M.
Northeastern Pump Station at the intersection of Northeastern Avenue and T.P. White Drive; Foxwood Pump Station on Foxwood Drive; Loop Road Pump Station at the intersection of Loop Road
and Leonard Street; and Pinon Pump Station behind 1712 Leonard Street. She noted that page 14 features a map showing the routes of planned interceptors.
Rehabilitation of existing sewers:
She related that a portion of the bond monies would be used to continue rehabilitation efforts, pointing out that the Utility completed replacement of 19,051’ of mainlines by Pipe Bursting
and rehabilitation of 11,105’ of mainline by Cured-in-Place-Pipe (CIPP) in 2010, adding that this work would continue for the next two years. Page 15 features the map showing all contracted
rehabilitation work completed in 2010.
Daily Operation & Maintenance
Treatment, Lab & Pretreatment
15th consecutive year with 0 treatment plant permit violations
Successfully treated 1,917,561,000 gallons of wastewater
Accepted 5,213,179 gallons leachate water from Two Pine Landfill
793 inspections were conducted at restaurants for proper grease trap maintenance, and 14 inspections for oil/water separators and sand traps at various mechanic shops, car washes, &
garages
Passed annual inspections by ADEQ in all areas
All industries are in compliance with their discharge permits
Collection System & Technical Services
Rehabilitated 34,304’ of main line (6.5 miles) with in-house and contracted crews
Replaced 15 manholes
Repaired 100 manholes
Responded to 151 customer calls (main lines & service lines)
Inflow/Infiltration – only 5 out of 27 overflowing manholes were the result of I/I, which is a good indication that our extensive rehabilitation program is working
“Can the Grease” – 29 of 42 of our main line customer calls for sewer problems were grease related. This costs the Utility approximately $595 per call to respond to a grease related
call; at 20 calls in 2010, that equates to $17,255.
Televised 82,584’ of line for investigative purposes (15.64 miles)
Inspected 328 private service lines
Property owners repaired 93 privately owned service lines. Most agencies and engineers are in agreement that 50% of I/I comes from privately owned service lines. Our service line policy
has been complimented and considered by numerous other cities.
A special thanks to Theresa Watson, Director of Community Development for working closly with us to assist in the repairs of service lines in low-to-moderate income areas in Jacksonville.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 3, 2011
7:00 P.M. – 8:08 P.M.
Administration
Operating revenue from sewer use fees was almost level from previous years with only an $11,801 increase. The trend for less water consumption over the past few years has resulted in
decreased or levelized revenues.
At 2009 year-end, we closed on an $18 million bond issue to fund projects in 2010 – 2012. Projects will include: upgrades to treatment plant, new sewer interceptors, rehabilitation
of sewer mains, and sewer to new fairgrounds (if approved).
Licenses:
Class I Wastewater = 2
Class II Wastewater = 2
Class III Wastewater = 9
Class IV Wastewater = 4
Commercial Driver Licenses = 10
Solid Waste = 5
Ark. Plumbing Inspector = 8
In response to a question from Mayor Fletcher, Wastewater Manager Thea Hughes responded that the Valentine/Wooten Road area had formed a sewer committee to garner sewer for the area.
She explained that they received a grant several years ago as an ongoing project. She noted that the project ran into a lot of problems, noting that the contractor left the job leaving
issues of repair. She stated that the system has been unfinished and lacking repairs, adding that recently the Arkansas Natural Resources Service has provided funding to help complete
the project. She stated that once the funds are awarded, the engineer will be able to design necessary repairs. She related that it is anticipated that the project would be completed
this year.
Alderman Smith complimented the Wastewater Department for zero permit violations for the past 15 consecutive years.
FIRE DEPARTMENT:
POLICE DEPARTMENT:
STREET DEPARTMENT: Request to accept bid for construction of City Street Department Offices.
Public Works Director Jim Oakley recommended the low bid of $40,700.00 from Allen’s Building & Contracting, adding that references have been checked for this vendor. He stated that
the vendor was highly recommended. He then explained that the bid is for sheet metal work, which will allow for the Street Department warehouse to be moved from Odes Drive to the Police
& Fire Training Facility on Marshall Road. He
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 3, 2011
7:00 P.M. – 8:08 P.M.
noted that there is an existing metal shed with a concrete slab where the equipment is stored. He explained that a 60’ X 100’ enclosure would be added to accommodate two bays and office
space.
Alderman Elliott recognized and complimented the Street Department employees for doing much of the work in-house, saying that it would be a “first class” street department. He noted
that in-house work is a great savings to the citizens of Jacksonville.
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to accept the low bid from Allen’s Building & Contractors in the amount of $40,700.00. MOTION CARRIED.
SANITATION DEPARTMENT: ORDINANCE 1413 (#1-2011)
AN ORDINANCE INCREASING THE RATES OF THE JACKSONVILLE SANITATION DEPARTMENT; AMENDING JMC §§ 8.20.020, 8.20.060, AND 8.20.070; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Stroud that Ordinance 1413 be placed on FIRST READING.
Finance Director Paul Mushrush stated that the original assumption was for a rate increase of $6.00 monthly. He then explained that in discussions with Aldermen Robinson and Traylor,
he went back and reviewed the original assumptions that included factors involving annexation, additional equipment and crew, as well as the recapture of all of the unfunded depreciation.
He noted that some of the equipment is not scheduled for use in the future, so he was able to reduce the rate of recapture of that depreciation to exclude equipment that will be retired.
He then offered that the depreciation is sufficient over the 10 year cycle to replace equipment as needed, explaining that a schedule was implemented to orderly replace the new equipment.
He noted that often the amount of depreciation does not cover the increased cost of new equipment so he built a buffer into the assumptions. He stated that the new assumptions would
allow for a lower rate increase, but cautioned that this does not mean there might need to be a small increase at some point, adding that the assumptions would need to be revisited in
five years. He noted that annexation factors could change projections. He suggested that the rate increase be set at $4.50 instead of $6.00 monthly.
He then answered Alderman Elliott that projections could handle replacement of the existing recycling truck but there is not room for an additional new truck. He then explained that
expansion of recycling would exponentially increase costs. He explained that over the 10 year period there would be approximately $600,000 that could accommodate the purchase of an
additional truck.
Mayor Fletcher noted that there is a compound loss regarding the costs of recycling. It was noted that for every dollar made from recycling costs the City $3.00.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 3, 2011
7:00 P.M. – 8:08 P.M.
Alderman Smith clarified that the base rate would be changed from $17.00 to $15.50 monthly.
Public Works Director Jim Oakley answered a question from Alderman Smith, saying that he is proposing to purchase some smaller 48 gallon containers for residents that do not want to
use the larger 96 gallon containers.
Mayor Fletcher thanked the Committee for their efforts, adding that he is aware of concerns from residents regarding the container size, rate increase, and cut of pickup to once weekly.
He stated that in talking with other mayors he discovered that residents quickly come to like the automated system.
In response to a question from Alderman Howard, Public Works Director Jim Oakley stated that the equipment for the automated system should arrive around the end of May or the first of
June. He suggested that the once weekly pickup be implemented fairly soon to acclimate the new schedule.
Discussion ensued regarding the implementation date and it was concluded that the billing start date would be changed from February 1, 2011 to March 1, 2011.
In response to a question from Alderman Stroud, Finance Director Paul Mushrush stated that the lowered rate would not affect current annexation considerations.
Mayor Fletcher noted the northern annexation would not include residential property and that commercial ventures use dumpster services.
Finance Director Paul Mushrush clarified that the assumptions are for a 10 year projection with a scenario adjustment relative to annexation and equipment replacement. He explained that
“if” projections would front load the rates, adding that a rate increase now should be solid enough to last through the first five years and would then need to be revisited.
Mayor Fletcher noted that automated system requires substantial funding upfront to get the system in place, but that over time the it pays for itself.
Alderman Sansing moved, seconded by Alderman Stroud to amend Ordinance 1413 Section One, Subsection A: JMC § 8.20.020.055 (Collection Rates) to lower the Base Rate from $17.00 to $15.50
and Section Six: changing the date from February 1, 2011 to March 1, 2011. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Traylor, Stroud, Robinson, and Howard voted AYE.
NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED.
ROLL CALL to place Ordinance 1413 on FIRST READING as amended: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Traylor, Stroud, Robinson, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED.
Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1413 (#1-2011)
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 3, 2011
7:00 P.M. – 8:08 P.M.
Alderman Stroud moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to APPROVE Ordinance 1413 on FIRST READING and place Ordinance 1413 on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Sansing,
Ray, Rinker, Traylor, Stroud, Robinson, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1413 (#1-2011).
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Stroud to suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1413 on THIRD READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Traylor,
Stroud, Robinson, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1413.
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Ray that Ordinance 1413 be APPROVED AND ADOPTED. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Traylor, Stroud, Robinson, and
Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Elliott that the EMERGENCY CLUASE be APPROVED and ADOPTED. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Traylor, Stroud, Robinson,
and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED.
ORDINANCE APPROVED, ADOPTED, AND NUMBERED 1413 THIS 3RD DAY OF FEBRUARY 2011.
Public Works Director Jim Oakley stated that he has an information campaign ready to inform residents of changes and schedules.
PARKS & RECREATION:
PLANNING COMMISSION:
GENERAL: a. Request to set February 17, 2011 Public Hearing regarding condemnation of property for economic development
Mike Wilson, Chairman of the Economic Development Committee related that approximately one year ago the State Fair Committee invited proposals regarding the relocation of the State Fair
grounds, adding that the Economic Development Committee submitted on behalf of the City of Jacksonville a proposal to make available approximately 400 acres at the intersection of Wooten
Road, the old highway, and I440. He explained that since that time the State Fair Commission has requested a feasibility study, adding that they have made favorable public comment regarding
the area east of I440 and north of I40 which includes this area. He stated that as a practical matter the Intersection that is being proposed is feasible for their relocation. He informed
the City Council that the Economic Development Committee members are Jim Peacock, Tommy Swaim, Tommy Bond, Donnie Farmer, Mayor Fletcher, and himself; explaining that they have unanimously
recommended that the City begin proceeding to acquire the approximate 400 acres at the Intersection. He
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 3, 2011
7:00 P.M. – 8:08 P.M.
stated that the Committee has commitments in hand for the major portion of the costs of acquisition of the property. He stated that regardless of whether the State Fair decides to relocate
to this vicinity, adding that the Committee believes that it is to the advantage of the City to have this property for progressive economic development. He expressed his confidence
in the Fair Committee being favorable toward relocation of this area. He then added that during the process the City could negotiate with any of the landowners. He noted that this
process could take up to a number of years, but the Committee is requesting that the City Council set a public hearing regarding acquisition of the property.
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to set a public hearing at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting of February 17, 2011. MOTION CARRIED.
Alderman Smith noted that a public hearing regarding the roundabout for Main Street and Harris Road would also be the same evening beginning at 6:00 p.m.
b. ORDINANCE 1414 (#2-2011)
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND MODIFY JACKSONVILLE MUNICIPAL CODE § 2.44.010 (EMPLOYEE POLICY MANUAL); DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Human Resource Director Jill Ross referenced the personnel changes that have been an ongoing process worked through the Directors and Mayor for the past year. She noted that there is
a summary of changes on the first page inside the proposed manual, adding that most of the changes are basic. She asked that the City Council review those changes and return back at
the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting for action or she could review the changes and the City Council could adopt the Ordinance tonight.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Smith that Ordinance 1414 be placed on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Traylor, Stroud, Robinson, and
Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1414.
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing that Ordinance 1414 be APPROVED on FIRST READING and to suspend the rules to placed on SECOND READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott,
Smith, Sansing, Ray, Rinker, Traylor, Stroud, Robinson, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1414.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 3, 2011
7:00 P.M. – 8:08 P.M.
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to further suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1414 on THIRD and FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Aldermen Elliott, Smith, Sansing, Ray, Rinker,
Traylor, Stroud, Robinson, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1414.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Traylor that Ordinance 1414 be APPROVED and ADOPTED.
Discussion ensued and it was the consensus of the City Council to hold the final action at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting, offering an opportunity to review data.
Alderman Ray and Alderman Traylor withdrew motion to APPROVE and ADOPT.
c. STATE of THE CITY by Mayor Fletcher
As I reflect upon the State of the City of Jacksonville for the year 2010, I first find myself in awe of how quickly the year has flown by. I was entering into my first full year as
Mayor, full of optimism as to the potential opportunities our City has before her.
This past year was a year of extremes from the winning of the Abilene Trophy to the loss of an important annexation to everything in between. In 2010, Pulaski County Special School
District went to court in an effort to achieve unitary status. The court’s decision is still forthcoming. Should it be favorable, it will provide Jacksonville with the opportunity
to have its own standalone district. This is pivotal to the growth and prosperity of our City. While there are always issues that face a City, there is absolutely none more important
than the educational opportunities a city provides its citizens and their children. However, the City has not been sitting still in the education endeavor, for 2010 was the year that
saw the construction of the Jacksonville-Little Rock Air Force Base University Center that provides educational opportunities not only for airmen, but also for our citizens. Jacksonville-LRAFB
University Center consists of five schools: Webster University, Park University, University of Arkansas School of Operations Management, Arkansas State University-Beebe and Embry Riddle
Aeronautical University.
Last year LRAFB worked with the City to address older, dilapidated school buildings by presenting a plan to replace 2 local elementary schools with a new one on base property. Jacksonville
Lighthouse Charter School will locate a school on base serving approximately 400 students in grades 6-8, opening for the 2011-2012 school year. The new school will be located in the
old Officers Club, which was slated for demolition, but LRAFB has donated use of the building to JLCS, to give area students an alternative.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
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The City is also working to acquire land for economic development purposes on Wooten Road, with the hopes it will become the new home to the Arkansas State Fair. The Arkansas Livestock
Commission is in the process of conducting a study of the proposed sites and should be receiving it any day.
Jacksonville is also moving forward in economic development through the efforts of our economic development consultant. The recent inquiries he has received are evidence that companies
are giving us some serious attention.
With the announcement that a long-time industry, Conestoga, will close February 2011, displacing 48 employees, it is a call on the City’s part to promote with more vigor our industrial
park to attract more job opportunities for our citizens. The old Wal-Mart building, which sat vacant for nearly a decade, is now the home of the Memphis Market, which in 9 months brought
thousands of people into our City, benefitting our local businesses with the increased traffic. The Air Show & Open House, “Thunder Over The Rock”, brought approximately 225,000 people
into our city and was a huge success. We were honored yet again when it was named the best military show for the USAF Thunderbirds at the International Convention of Air Shows. All
in all, Jacksonville is a strong city and is moving forward with a very promising future. It is such a pleasure to serve as your Mayor as we continue to sow seeds of opportunities and
reap harvests of prosperity.
APPOINTMENT(S):
ANNOUNCEMENT(S): Annual Joint Planning Meeting is February 22, 2011 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Jacksonville Community Center.
Public Hearing regarding the roundabout on West Main will be held February 17, 2011 @ 6:00 at City Hall.
ADJOURNMENT: Without objection, Mayor Fletcher adjourned the meeting at approximately 8:08 p.m. MOTION CARRIED.
Respectfully,
________________________ _________________________
Susan L. Davitt MAYOR GARY FLETCHER
City Clerk-Treasurer