13 FEB 07CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 7, 2013
7:00 P.M. – 7:26 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 7, 2013 at the regular meeting place of the City Council. Alderman Bolden delivered the invocation and Mayor Fletcher led
a standing audience in the “Pledge of Allegiance” to the flag.
ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Robinson, 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, Finance Director
Cheryl Erkel, Police Chief Gary Sipes, IT Director Barbara McDaniel, Director of Administration Jim Durham, City Engineer Jay Whisker, Human Resource Director Jill Ross, CDBG Director
Theresa Watson, Parks and Recreation Director Kristen Kennon, Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Kevin House, 911 Communications Director Tabby Hughes, Water Department Superintendent
Jake Short, Glenda Fletcher, Tammy Bourdo, Judy Schuetzle, Johnny Simpson, Pastor Ricky Allen, Logan Grayson, Addie Gibson, Jim Moore, Gwendolyn Harper, interested citizens, and members
of the press.
PRESENTATION OF MINUTES:
Mayor Fletcher presented the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of January 24, 2013 for approval and/or correction at the next regularly
scheduled City Council meeting.
APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES:
Alderman Howard moved, seconded by Alderman Ray that the minutes of the regular City Council meeting of 3 January
2013 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED.
CONSENT AGENDA: REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden to approve the regular monthly
report for January 2013.
PERMITS/LICENSE ISSUED INSPECTIONS PERFORMED
Building Permits 7 Building Inspections 12
Business Licenses 9 Electrical 45
Plumbing 36
HVACR 1
7
REGULAR MONTHLY REPORT/ANIMAL CONTROL
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden to approve the regular monthly report for January 2013.
ADOPTION/FINES: $1,530.00
CONTRIBUTIONS: $1,
100.00
TOTAL: $2,630.00
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 7, 2013
7:00 P.M. – 7:26 P.M.
ROLL CALL: Aldermen: Elliott, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, Robinson,
and Howard voted AYE. MOTION CARRIED.
WATER DEPARTMENT:
WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT:
FIRE DEPARTMENT:
POLICE DEPARTMENT:
STREET DEPARTMENT: Request to accept bid Marshall Road Sidewalk
Phase I
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to accept the low bid from Harris Construction in the amount of $112,575.50.
Logan Grayson of Boy Scout Troop 228, questioned
if there is a budget for new sidewalks in the City.
Mayor Fletcher explained that the City has a priority list for sidewalk construction, noting that the current bid is being partially
funded through an 80/20 matching grant with Federal aid. He then noted that the Arkansas Highway Department provides funds for the “Safe Routes to School” program. He stated that the
City consistently applies for grants. He pointed out that Phase I of this sidewalk project consists of 3300 linear feet running from Smithwick Drive to Hill House Apartments on Marshall
Road. He then added that phase II would continue the sidewalk down to Zaxby’s. He noted some of the complications and expense to constructing sidewalks in areas that have ditches.
Mayor
Fletcher then addressed the Stonewall Subdivision as a specific area of question, saying that many of the sidewalks in Stonewall were constructed during the development of the Subdivision.
He added that the sidewalks in the Stonewall Subdivision belong to the Property Owner’s Association. He related that the priority list is based off need and safety considerations taking
into account the area’s traffic volume.
Mr. Grayson elaborated that he was specifically interested in the area around the Church on North First Street, noting that there is no sidewalk
on the right side of the Street.
In response to a question from Mayor Fletcher, City Engineer Whisker answered that the construction period for the current sidewalk project is estimated
to be 90 days.
At this time, MOTION CARRIED with Alderman Robinson abstaining from the vote.
SANITATION DEPARTMENT:
PARKS & RECREATION:
PLANNING COMMISSION:
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 7, 2013
7:00 P.M. – 7:26 P.M.
GENERAL: a. SECOND PUBLIC HEARING/RESOLUTION 693 (#2-2013)
A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF AND AUTHORIZING
THE TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP FOR CERTAIN PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN (GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 1200-1300 BLOCK OF MARSHALL ROAD) TO CLARIFY AND CERTIFY PROPERTY LINES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF
THE CITY IN FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF SAID PROPERTY; AND, FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Mayor Fletcher opened the public hearing at approximately 7:07 p.m. and opened the floor for anyone wishing
to address the issue. With no one wishing to address Resolution 693 (#2-2013), Mayor Fletcher closed the public hearing at 7:07 p.m.
City Attorney Bamburg reminded the City Council
that he had promised to provide the legal description of the property involved, adding that he must ask that the City Council delay action, explaining that further clarification is needed
for the legal description excluding tract 5. He stated that tracts 4 and 6 have not been redacted or modified as needed in order for the property to be transferred in the manner set
forth. He related that the surveying and engineering from the current owners is delayed. He asked that the Resolution be delayed until the regularly scheduled February 21st City Council
meeting.
Alderman Elliott moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to delay adoption of Resolution 693 (#2-2013) until the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting of February 21, 2013.
MOTION CARRIED.
b. Request to accept bid for the funding of land purchase and construction of a public trap/skeet/archery shooting range.
Mayor Fletcher noted that four bids were
received and the recommended bidder is Bancorp South for 5 years at 1.80% fixed.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to accept the low bid from Bancorp South for 5 years
at 1.80% fixed. MOTION CARRIED.
c. ORDINANCE 1472 (#3-2013)
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A SHORT TERM LOAN AGREEMENT FOR COMPLETION OF THE SHOOTING RANGE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT BY
ISSUANCE OF AN APPROPRIATE PROMISSORY NOTE WITH MORTGAGE SECURITY PLEDGE; PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT OF THE PRINCIPAL AND OF INTEREST ON THE NOTE; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY; AND, PRESCRIBING
OTHER MATTERS RELATING THERETO.
Mayor Fletcher related that the project is currently in the bid phase.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden that Ordinance 1472 (#3-2013)
be placed on FIRST READING. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). Alderman Robinson abstained. MOTION
CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1472 (#3-2013).
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 7, 2013
7:00 P.M. – 7:26 P.M.
Alderman Sansing moved, seconded by Alderman Ray to APPROVE Ordinance 1472 (#3-2013) on FIRST
READING and to suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1472 (#3-2013) on SECOND READING.
Alderman Robinson stated that he would abstain from voting because the firm that employs him
is working on the project.
ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). Alderman Robinson abstained. MOTION
CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1472 (#3-2013).
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Sansing to APPROVE Ordinance 1472 (#3-2013) on SECOND
READING and to further suspend the rules and place Ordinance 1472 (#3-2013) on THIRD AND FINAL READING. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor,
Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). Alderman Robinson abstained. MOTION CARRIED. Whereupon City Attorney Bamburg read the heading of Ordinance 1472 (#3-2013).
Alderman Ray moved,
seconded by Alderman Bolden that Ordinance 1472 (#3-2013) be APPROVED AND ADOPTED. ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, and Howard
voted AYE. NAY (0). Alderman Robinson abstained. MOTION CARRIED.
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Traylor that the EMERGENCY CLAUSE be attached to Ordinance 1472 (#3-2013).
ROLL CALL: Alderman Elliott, Bolden, McCleary, Sansing, Ray, Mashburn, Traylor, Twitty, and Howard voted AYE. NAY (0). Alderman Robinson abstained. MOTION CARRIED.
ORDINANCE 1472
(#3-2013)APPROVED AND ADOTED THIS 7TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2013
APPOINTMENT(S): PLANNING COMMISSION
Alderman Ray moved, seconded by Alderman Bolden to approve the appointment of Jim Peacock
to the Planning Commission for a term to expire 1/1/2016. MOTION CARRIED.
ANNOUNCEMENT(S): City Hall will be closed Monday, February 18, 2013 in observance of President’s Day.
Ms.
Gwendolyn Harper, president of the NAACP presented letters of appreciation for assistance with Service Day hosted on Martin Luther King’s birthday. Public Works Director Jim Oakley,
Alderman McCleary, Evelyn McCleary, and Laura Walker were issued letters of appreciation on behalf of the NAACP. She also issued a letter to Mayor Fletcher for his
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 7, 2013
7:00 P.M. – 7:26 P.M.
leadership and participation in the event. She related that while this was the first Cleanup
Service Day, she hopes it will become an annual event. She noted that people from all over Arkansas, as well as the Dallas area, the LRAFB, the Army, First Arkansas Bank and Trust,
Wal-Mart employees, and citizens of Jacksonville attended the event, noting its success.
Update on new Public Safety Building
Police Chief Gary Sipes stated that they have officially
moved in and are getting settled. He noted that there are a few quirks, which is to be expected. He offered his appreciation to the City Council, Mayor and Director of Administration
Jim Durham for their support and efforts. He stated that the moral at the Police Department is definitely up because of having the new building and they offer their appreciation as
well. He surmised that the dedication ceremony would be held in approximately three weeks.
Alderman Elliott suggested that the City host an open house for all citizens to be able to
tour the building, saying that it is a first class facility and all of Jacksonville should be proud.
Mayor Fletcher stated that an open house along with the dedication ceremony is
planned; saying that the real credit goes to the citizens of Jacksonville whose tax dollars bought this facility. He stated that it is a tribute to the community.
Director of Administration
Jim Durham noted that the move for 911 was seamless. He stated that the full digital capacity is not operable yet, but is on an overlay with the old system. He related that they are
waiting for the delivery of an antenna, explaining that it will become the State’s transmitter site and AWIN will come in to assist with that change. He then informed the City Council
that Arkansas Department of Emergency Management contacted the City to ask if Jacksonville would be interested in having our 911 center as an alternative OEM site in the event theirs
went down. He added that with that opportunity it may help make the City eligible for State funds. He noted other areas of the building that have been signed off by FEMA, adding that
in the next few weeks the heavy storm cycle will begin and both the safe rooms at the new Public Safety Building and the Senior Center will be ready. He then noted that next week the
building will host the NIMS classes, adding that the City directors will be attending theses classes and it will make the City eligible for additional grants. He stated that the building
is pretty amazing, adding that the one saving grace is that when the north corridor was annexed that revenue from the businesses gave the City the ability to make the payment for five
years on the balance of the loan. He then related that a lot of that revenue comes from people outside the City of Jacksonville, so it lightened the burden on the taxpayers inside the
City.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 7, 2013
7:00 P.M. – 7:26 P.M.
He acknowledged the benefit of Director Durham’s expertise that helped value engineer the project,
explaining that the bids came in too high and one million dollars was able to be cut from the project and still have a first class facility. He also acknowledged City Engineer Whisker,
saying that the City has a good team. He added that when good people work together; you can accomplish great things.
Mayor Fletcher then announced that with the upcoming bad weather
season citizens need to get signed up for CodeRED, saying that the sirens are antiquated and should not be relied on as the only warning of impending weather.
ADJOURNMENT: Without
objection, Mayor Fletcher adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:26 p.m. MOTION CARRIED.
Respectfully,
________________________ _________________________
Susan
L. Davitt MAYOR GARY FLETCHER
City Clerk-Treasurer